Getting into college is a major achievement, and you’ll definitely want to get the most out of your time in class. Socializing with your fellow students, however, also is a big part of the college experience. You can probably count on late-night takeout orders and weekend trips with friends that may require extra spending money. Luckily, there are many kinds of part-time jobs, freelance work, and entrepreneurial ventures to help you make money without taking too much time away from your studies.
Ways to make money in college
- Work-study programs
- Campus jobs
- Tutoring
- Paid internships
- Volunteering for studies
- Selling used items
- Dog walking or pet sitting
- Housesitting
- Influencing
- Creating an online course
- Monetizing your hobbies
- Freelance jobs
- Part-time jobs
- Offering brand feedback
- Gig economy jobs
- Babysitting
- Using your language skills
Scholarships, student loans, and family support can all help cover tuition, but college students still have living expenses. Earning extra money on your own can help cover costs like rent, groceries, textbooks, and, of course, drinks (once you’re 21). We’ve compiled a list of flexible earning opportunities to help college students pick up a little extra cash.
Work-study programs
Work-study programs are a federally funded initiative available as part of a financial aid package. If you qualify, a federal work-study program will provide you with part-time work—this could be an on-campus or off-campus job. To apply, students need to fill out and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Campus jobs
Many college students work on-campus jobs. Colleges and universities often hire students to help run campus facilities like libraries, cafeterias, and bookstores, and give tours to prospective students and families. Juniors, seniors and graduate students may be able to find more advanced opportunities for work within their academic departments, such as becoming a teaching assistant or research assistant for a professor.
On-campus jobs also can help you meet other students and expand your social circle. They’re typically flexible, with administrators willing to work around your class schedule.
Tutoring
As a college student, you may be able to leverage your academic career into a job tutoring other students. This could involve helping high school students with specific subjects or offering coaching for standardized tests. Depending on how many clients you have, tutoring may only take a few hours a week and become a lucrative side hustle. Focus on your strengths—consider offering tutoring services related to your major.
Paid internships
A paid internship is a way to earn money and support your future career development at the same time. Internships often take place during school breaks, offer valuable experience, and can convert to permanent placements once you graduate. You can look for these jobs online, attend job fairs hosted by your university, or visit your campus career center to get connected with prospective employers.
Volunteering for studies
Universities sometimes offer opportunities for students to participate in paid academic studies. Check campus job boards to see if any departments are looking for paid volunteers. These studies often take place within psychology, economics, or sociology departments and can be one-offs or ongoing.
Selling used items
You can make money selling used items on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Poshmark. Consider selling your own gently used items or visiting local thrift stores and selling your finds. Once you’re finished with a class, Amazon and ThriftBooks are great platforms for reselling your old textbooks.
Read more: Ultimate Guide To Sell Vintage Clothing Online
Dog-walking or pet sitting
If you like animals, offering your services as a dog walker or pet sitter might be an enjoyable way to earn extra money. You can find pet sitting work by creating a profile on a website like Rover or Wag, or by checking with your personal network—professors or school administrators might need help caring for their furry friends.
Housesitting
Housesitting can be an easy way to earn some extra income. This job might involve tasks like watering plants, caring for animals, and accepting packages. To get a housesitting job, start by checking with your personal network. Professors sometimes take sabbaticals, and they may be looking for a trustworthy person to keep an eye on their home. You can also create a profile on websites like TrustedHousesitters, HouseSitter.com, or MindMyHouse. Be sure to include references—this will help build your credibility.
Influencing
If you’re already active on social media in your free time, consider monetizing your channel to attract partnerships or generate ad revenue by becoming an influencer. You could showcase your life as a student (and partner with brands associated with student life) or focus on a particular hobby or interest (makeup, tennis, crochet).
Social media accounts on YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram can all become lucrative businesses, and as your following grows, you’ll be able to charge more money for partnerships. Additionally, successfully running your own channels may be an excellent résumé builder if you're interested in becoming a social media manager.
Creating an online course
If you have expertise in a particular area or subject, you could record a series of videos and upload them to create an online course. You can teach a skill you already have or use your old college papers and syllabi to inspire an online course related to your field of study. Online services like Udemy, Skillshare, and Teachable provide platforms for uploading and marketing educational content.
Monetizing your hobbies
If you have a particular hobby, whether it’s candle-making, crafting, or pottery, you could consider setting up a shop online and selling your homemade goods. Marketplaces like Etsy are a resource for this.
Freelance jobs
If you have particular skills you’d like to expand upon and monetize, you can apply for freelance work in those areas. For example, English and journalism majors may be able to find freelance writing jobs, and graphic-design students might take on projects like helping design or customize websites and logos.
You can create a profile on a website like Upwork, which allows potential customers to contact you for projects. In addition to generating income, this work may help build a professional portfolio.
Read more: How Two Students Started a $56 Million Company in College
Part-time jobs
Local businesses in your college town may hire college students as part-time associates. Even small business owners need assistants. This is a great option if you have prior experience working in a local restaurant or as a retail associate. Build a résumé to showcase your relevant work experience, as well as the skills you have that will help you be successful in the role (e.g., data entry, baking).
Offering brand feedback
Anyone can participate in market research studies by taking online surveys. This work is easy to find and has a low barrier to entry—all you need is a computer and an internet connection. To get started, sign up on a free survey site such as Survey Junkie and Swagbucks. The rates are low, but surveys are usually short and can be an easy way to earn a few extra dollars in your spare time.
Gig economy jobs
There are dozens of online platforms for finding gig-based odd jobs. If you have a car, you could consider signing up to drive for a ride-sharing app or find work delivering food for an on-demand delivery service, like Postmates. Websites such as Fiverr, TaskRabbit, and Thumbtack let users monetize almost any skill—from assembling bookshelves to grocery shopping. These are typically flexible, one-off work opportunities that let you control your own schedule.
Babysitting
If you like kids or have previous childcare experience, consider offering your services as a babysitter. Tap your local network—professors may need a helping hand from time to time—or see if any agencies in your area could help you find clients.
Using your language skills
Bilingual students may be able to earn extra income by translating documents or offering interpreting services. Adult learning facilities may also hire conversation partners to help students practice conversations with fluent speakers.
How to make money in college FAQ
What is the best way to make money in college?
The most convenient jobs for college students offer flexible hours to accommodate your class schedule. You may also want to look for jobs related to your field of study, like freelance work or paid internships, which can help you build your professional résumé while you’re making money.
How do you get passive income in college?
Passive income is a way to earn or save money without leaving your dorm room, but it often requires an upfront investment of time or money. YouTube channels and online courses can generate passive income from ad revenue and subscription purchases. It’s never too early to start thinking about personal finance—saving money and starting an investment portfolio can set you up to generate passive income in the future.
Are there ways to make money as a student on a college campus?
Yes. Many college campuses offer work opportunities for students. Campus jobs may include working at the library or dining hall. Teaching assistants and resident assistants are also compensated for their work. You can also make money taking part in academic studies that pay volunteers for participation.
What are the best jobs for college students?
Most college students have busy schedules. The best jobs for students are flexible and support professional development. Consider looking for jobs using your skills, such as tutoring or freelance work related to your field of study.
