College students are people who are becoming more and more independent in the world as self-reliant students. With college tuition rising, students are forced to look for jobs that will keep them afloat.

Now with car, gas, food, phone, rent, tuition and personal expenses on the table, it becomes a necessity for students to have a steady pay.

According to the Department of Industrial Relations in California, the minimum wage for all industries is $10.50 per hour.

On-campus jobs at California State University, Stanislaus, (Stan State), have a wide array of job positions, from student assistants to Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) and University Student Union (USU) positions to work-study jobs for students. Within this variety of job opportunities, students’ wages also vary. 

Liliana Hernandez (junior, Kinesiology) is a student who has been working in enrollment services for three years at Stan State.

“It’s not enough,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez stated that with the income she receives from her job, she does not feel as comfortable as she would like, especially because of her monthly car payment.

“Seventy-five percent of my paycheck goes into my car,” Hernandez said. 

Another student worker from Stan State, Cinita Guzman (junior, Kinesiology), has a slightly different view. Guzman has been working in the Admissions and Outreach office as a tour guide for a year. 

“I do feel I get paid enough,” Guzman said, noting that she does not have any large monthly payments to fulfill.

On average, Guzman and Hernandez each get paid around $800 per month.

With a potential tuition increase on the rise, students are pressured to budget themselves into smaller increments. Next semester, according to the California State Student Association (CSSA), the tuition increase could be $270 for undergraduate students and $438 for graduate students.