The State of the Student Worker at the University of Washington

The Bridges Center’s Research Team is proud to release “The State of the Student Worker at the University of Washington.” This mixed methods report delves into the experiences of student workers who attend the University of Washington and their relationship with work. Student workers — those who balance the demands of higher education with employment (enrolled in at least six credits and have a paid position on- or off-campus) — are just one population that lacks sufficient research and support when considering their unique position as both students and workers. Improvements to their academic and working conditions cannot be made without first understanding why they work, how work affects them, and what they want to see changed.

Key findings

Most student workers report not being fully aware of their rights as workers, making them vulnerable to exploitation.
Discrimination was not frequently reported, but types of reported discrimination include racism, sexism, sexual harassment, and transphobia.
Data indicated students’ identities —such as race, ethnicity, and gender—affected their experiences as student workers.
Most student workers reported safe and healthy working conditions, as well as employers who accommodated their academic needs.
More than 80% of student workers somewhat or strongly agreed with the statement “Balancing school and work affects my stress levels.”
Approximately 30% of student workers are employed in at least one unpaid position, more than half of which are at the University of Washington.

This study informs University of Washington students of their rights as workers, provides them with resources, and connects them to the issues of the labor movement on campus and beyond. The Bridges Center research team began developing this project in October 2023. They distributed surveys from January through March 2024, and conducted interviews from April through June 2024. The team surveyed more than 600 undergraduate student workers across UW’s three campuses and interviewed approximately 15 students. Our student researchers were currently enrolled or formerly enrolled at UW campuses.

This report was developed by nine Research Assistants at all three campuses, and the Bridges Center's Researcher, Maya Cruz. Please reach out to Bridges Center Research Director Rachel Erstad, with any questions at rerstad@uw.edu.