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Reference: Froidevaux, A.; Koopmann, J.; Wang, M.; & Bamberger, P . (202 0 ). Is student loan debt good or bad for full - time employment upon graduation from college? Journal of Applied Psychology , 39 (2), 1246 - 1261 . http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/apl0000487

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Can the weight of student loan debt enhance graduates ’ success getting full - time jobs, or does it deter them ? 61% of U.S. bachelor’s degree graduates complete college with over $28,000 in debt. Research shows that debt delays milestones like marriage and home ownership , but does debt affect obtaining employment? Management psychologists examined how student loan debt influences job outcomes for new graduates in over 1,2 5 0 graduating seniors at four U.S. universities. They surveyed participants’ student loan debt, financial and job search strain one month before , and employment status one month after graduation. Results? The greater their debt, students had more job search anxiety and financial strain , and were less likely to have secured full - time employment within one month of graduation . How ever, a positive effect w as that financial strain likely led some students to work an average of 9 hours during their final semester, which improved their odds of finding full - time employment. Students! During college, to feel more in control and reduce your financial strain, find work for one day a week while you study hard, gain experience, thus confidence. Focus . Get organized and apply for employment. These steps likely will enhance your job search success.

Written by Kristin M . Harris, Ph.D.