Louisville students cut meals to pay rent

A University of Louisville student who earned a bachelor's degree in 2025 has applied for more than 100 positions this year. The graduate reported receiving only two interviews in response to those applications. Unable to secure a role in their field, the individual has relied on personal savings while continuing the job search.

The graduate told The Louisville Cardinal that they felt unprepared for the current job market. They noted that internships, often viewed as a standard career entry point, were financially prohibitive. The graduate stated, "Take as many internships as possible while your parents or someone else is paying for your college, because I could not afford to eat if I took them."

Financial strain is also evident among current undergraduates. One student working 25 hours a week on campus manages 17 credit hours alongside their job. Earning $15 an hour, this student limits themselves to one meal a day to control costs. They cited transportation and grocery expenses as major financial drains. Living in campus-affiliated housing reduced their access to dining flex points, turning food into a direct cash expense.

The student said they value the university's fair wages and flexible schedules but believe the purchasing power of that pay is low. They noted, "It should not cost me over an hour of work to get lunch." Taking a second job could increase income, but the student worries it would reduce the time available for coursework.

Another current student works 33 hours a week across two positions while completing their degree. This student took on a second role to gain field experience while keeping a job they enjoyed. Their monthly fixed costs for rent, car payments, and food total approximately $1,369. Although they consider themselves financially stable, the workload limits their free time.

That student said they attend fewer social events, such as concerts, than they would like due to their combined schedule. For students at the university, financial stability often requires sacrificing leisure and parts of the traditional college experience to maintain employment and cover living expenses.