Rent Burden and the Decision To Work Among UPLB CEM Students: An Economic Tradeoff Analysis

Date

7-2025

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Economics

College

College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Ma. Nova R. Nguyen

Committee Member

Aaron T. Castillo, Gideon P. Carnaje, Maria Angeles O. Catelo

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For non-UP researchers, requests for access to this material may be directed to the CEM Library at cemlibrary.uplb@up.edu.ph or to the UKDR administrator at uscs-mainlib.uplb@up.edu.ph

Abstract

This study examines how rent costs influence the employment decisions of undergraduate students from the College of Economics and Management (CEM) at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). Using survey data from 217 students, the study applies both descriptive and econometric techniques to analyze the relationship between rent burden, academic workload, financial support, and the likelihood of student employment. Results show that rent expenses comprise a significant portion of students’ allowances, and although the marginal effect of rent on the probability of working is small, it is consistently positive across specifications. A higher academic load (measured in enrolled units) significantly reduces the likelihood of employment, while reduced family financial support increases it.

The study also highlights the economic trade-offs associated with student employment. Students who work tend to allocate less time for studying and may experience slight declines in academic performance, reinforcing concerns over the academic consequences of working while enrolled. A utility-maximizing framework supports these findings, showing that students with greater financial burdens shift time away from study toward labor.

Qualitative testimonies supplement the quantitative analysis, revealing students’ lived experiences of balancing academic responsibilities, budgeting under rent pressure, and navigating emotional and financial strain. The study assumes student agency in work decisions while acknowledging that structural constraints (e.g., unaffordable housing, institutional limitations) also play a role. Distinctions between statistical and practical significance are discussed to contextualize the limited but meaningful effect sizes.

Language

English

LC Subject

Part-time students, Decision making—Economic aspects, Rental housing—Resident satisfaction

Location

UPLB College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Call Number

LG 993.5 2025 E2 O85

Notes

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Document Type

Thesis

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