What is the impact of part-time work during studies on future earnings?

• A. It always increases future earnings.
• B. It has no impact on ROI.
• C. It can help fund education but may reduce time for internships and skill-building; the overall ROI depends on long-term earnings and debt.
• D. It guarantees higher ROI than full-time study.

Answer: (C)

Part-time work during studies affects the return on education by balancing immediate funding with potential lost time for career-building. It can help cover tuition and living costs, reducing reliance on debt and, in turn, lowering interest payments over time. That financial relief can improve long-term earnings when you compare total costs to lifetime earnings. At the same time, working part-time may cut into time available for internships, co-ops, hands-on projects, and networking—experiences that often raise starting salaries and accelerate skill development. The overall return on investment depends on how these factors play out in your field, the level of debt you take on, and how effectively you leverage any work experience to boost your career after graduation. That balance—funding benefits versus potential lost opportunities—explains why ROI is tied to long-term earnings and debt, rather than being universally better or worse.