This study tested the effect of college student employment on students' levels of social and academic integration, professional and institutional commitment, and academic achievement and persistence. The survey model developed for the study included both the interactions between the student and the institution, the "fit," and the continuing influence of non-college forces such as employers and employment, as well as the effect of financial aid. The survey was administered to all the first year pharmacy students (N=408) at three selected colleges of pharmacy, both public and private. Follow-up data on academic achievement and persistence were obtained from the institutions the following semester. Usable complete sets of data were eventually available for 199 students. Analysis found that working students performed as well academically as nonworking students. Working students were also just as persistent as nonworking students. Employment also did not affect students' professional commitment. In fact, for students employed as "Pharmacy Technicians," the in-college socializing forces of faculty interaction were important influences on levels of professional commitment. Contains one figure and seven tables. (JB)