One of the major stories from the 2024 election was the massive contribution the working class had on President-elect Donald Trump’s historic victory and the rightward shift of the nation as a whole. Not only did a record number of the White working class vote for a Republican, but there was a massive shift of the Black and Latino working class. These changes are the start of a brand new political realignment not seen since the late 1960s [1].
The working class is typically defined as individuals employed in blue-collar jobs that rely on physical labor or specialized skills for income [2]. Most members of this group do not hold college degrees, and as demonstrated in the 2024 election, they often vote differently than those with higher education. Comprising about 62% of America’s workforce, the working class remains a significant economic and political force. Yet, within this vast demographic, there exists a unique group of individuals where the lines blur: students who work demanding jobs while pursuing a college education.
These students are often overlooked but deserve recognition for their growing influence and unique challenges. This group represents a crossover of two important characteristics: the determination of the working class and the aspirations of higher education. Just as the working class has proven to be a powerful voting bloc, the “working student” could play a critical role in shaping America’s future, both economically and politically.
What exactly is the “working student”? These students are usually self-supported, meaning they do not have their entire college education and necessities like rent paid by their parents. They are the majority at colleges, and BYU has many of them. At least 64% of college students work, with 40% working full-time [3]. Many of these students rely on assistance from FAFSA or scholarships, with over half of the beneficiaries classified as independent [4]. The working student also includes a quarter of students in America who live below the federal poverty line [5].
Perhaps these students have holes in their arms from donating plasma to pay the rent or to cover costs for books, and sometimes risk getting bruises or passing out from constantly donating [6,7]. Unfortunately, one of the most common feelings from working students is that they are worried their financial situation will affect their ability to perform well in academics, participate in extracurriculars, or even graduate [8].
However, these students have certain characteristics that not only foresee their future success in life, but are part of why they will be so important to America’s future economy and politics. They are resilient, empathetic, and tenacious [9]. These students are able to multitask and be flexible in many areas. They have a strong belief in their own academic abilities and are able to defy the odds, despite being less advantaged than their peers. These qualities are what future leaders are made of. This demographic will not only achieve great success but also develop an understanding of people from diverse backgrounds, giving them significant influence to drive change in any field they choose to pursue.
One of the biggest questions about working students is whether their experiences influence their political views. Like the working class, working students face unique challenges that shape their perspectives on issues like the economy, education, and labor policies. Their struggles with balancing work and school might make them more likely to support policies that address affordability in higher education, such as expanded FAFSA funding, loan forgiveness programs, or increased access to scholarships. Similarly, their firsthand experience at their jobs could lead them to advocate for fair wages, worker protections, and benefits that support part-time workers. These priorities align closely with the concerns of the broader working class, which lead to working students becoming a pivotal force in America's ongoing political realignment.
The potential political influence of working students should not be underestimated. As they juggle multiple roles and navigate financial obstacles, they develop resilience and skills that shape their approach to civic engagement. If working students turn out to vote in greater numbers or organize around shared concerns, they could push for changes in both education and labor policies. For example, students could push to incentivize work-study programs or to provide tax credits for students working their way through college. In this way, working students are not just future leaders, they are a vital part of the electorate whose lived experiences will shape the policies and priorities of tomorrow.
If you are part of the working student group and feel like you do not have a voice, or feel like you will never catch up to your peers who have more, you are just getting started. Studies show that your work is improving the labor market, you are developing relationships, receiving skills, and specific knowledge that cannot be found anywhere else [10]. You are the silent majority across these campuses, and your sacrifices will lead you to remarkable outcomes.
The working student is a group that should be given more attention as their influence on America for the future will be enormous. As America grapples with economic and political shifts, working students represent the best of both worlds: the determination of the working class and the promise of higher education. It is time for policymakers, educators, and society as a whole to recognize their contributions and provide the resources they need to thrive. As you continue to persevere through the challenges of being a working student, remember this: you are not just building a better future for yourself—you are shaping the future of America.
