With the rising costs of tuition and textbooks, finding an additional source of income while in college can be helpful. But with so many options available, it may be difficult to know where to start.
Luckily, there are many creative ways to earn money as a college student and still have time for all your classes and activities. From part-time jobs to gig work and everything in between, here are several helpful ideas on how to make money in college and have a little fun along the way.
How to Make Money in College Without a Job
Most college students have doubts about whether they can take on a job while keeping up with their studies. Fortunately, there are several ways to make money in college without having to take on an additional part-time job.
1. Sell Your Textbooks
There are plenty of creative things you can do with your old textbooks, but selling them to another student is the best option if you’re looking for quick money without a job. There are many online marketplaces that allow you to sell textbooks and other materials to students. What’s more, they all exist to help you sell them at good prices.
2. Become a Tutor
If you have any talents or expertise related to your studies, consider becoming a tutor. You can offer your tutoring services by placing an ad in the school library, dining area, or anywhere around campus. An added benefit to making money in college as a tutor is that you’ll be helping others as well.
3. Proofread Other Students’ Papers
When you’re a student, one of the best ways to make money in college is by offering your editing and proofreading services. Writing academic essays can be extremely difficult for those students who do not have English as their native language.
If you are confident in your writing skills, why not capitalize on them by editing or proofreading other students’ papers?! This way, you’ll help them with their academics while earning some additional income.
4. Try Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
If you’re an animal lover, you can make money as a college student by taking care of someone else’s pet. There are several platforms that help link pet owners to potential sitters, but you can also do it by posting an ad.
5. Become a Babysitter
Since you’re wise and old enough to babysit and handle a more responsible task altogether, why not give it a shot?! Surely there are parents in your area who would love to pay someone trustworthy to watch their kids. You can find people looking for part-time help on websites that are specifically designed for setting up parents with sitters.
6. Recycle Cans or Bottles
For this gig, you’d first need to check if the area where you live has a recycling program. If yes, then start taking advantage of it by collecting cans or bottles from around your neighborhood and selling them there. You’ll get paid 5-10 cents for each can.
Sure, this may not be an ideal way to make money in college, but you will be helping the environment and getting some physical exercise in the process.
7. Give Campus Tours
Are you a friendly person who loves connecting with people and are passionate about your school? Then why not become a campus tour guide?! You’ll have the chance to showcase all that your school has to offer, while sharing stories of why you love it so much.
Being a campus tour guide is an important role in helping prospective students make their college decisions. Plus, it’s flexible and one of the easiest ways for college students to make money without actually getting a job.
8. Do Yardwork or Landscaping
Many homeowners don’t have the time or energy to maintain their yards, so they’ll be more than willing to pay a student for help. If finding quick ways to make money for college students is what you need, and if you have the skills and time to spare, yardwork or landscaping may just be your cup of tea.
9. Participate in Research Studies
If you’re willing to volunteer your time, you may be able to participate in research studies at your university and make money doing it. Research studies may involve anything from taking part in surveys to participating in clinical trials. This is an easy way to make money as a full-time college student without a job.
10. Become a Driver for a Rideshare Company like Uber
With a reliable vehicle, you can easily start earning additional income as an independent contractor for on-demand companies such as Uber and Lyft. The beauty of this gig is that it gives you the freedom to shape your own schedule. Plus, it will enable you to work during evening and weekend hours when you don’t have classes.
How to Make Money in College Without a Car
Owning a car is great, but it also comes with costs. And if you’re a student, you may not have the means to afford it. Fortunately, there are still plenty of good ways for college students to make money that don’t require a car. We’ve listed a few below.
11. Become an Artist Model
Students looking for well-paid ways to make money while in college that aren’t actually a job in the traditional sense may consider modeling. Many universities hold figure drawing classes, and they need models to pose for students. So, if you’re comfortable with showing off your body, this can be a great opportunity for you.
12. Run Errands
It’s not fun, but someone’s got to do it and it pays well. You can get paid to pick up groceries, deliver food or run errands for people in your area. There are many apps that can connect you with those who need help completing any task, even odd ones.
13. Rent Out Your Stuff
If you’re looking for easy ways to make money in college renting things out that are just sitting in your home collecting dust may just be it. From your books and bike to a spacious room in your house, you can rent out nearly anything and make some decent cash while you’re at it.
14. Delivery Riding or e-Ride
It’s the latest and greatest way to make money as a college student without needing a car. There are lots of apps that will allow you to sign up as a delivery driver and pick up orders from local businesses. All you need is a bicycle or scooter, or rent one if you don’t have one, and you can start earning money while getting some exercise too.
15. Campus Dining
Unleash your culinary creativity and make some extra cash by working on-campus. Depending on your skills, you can be responsible for stocking, prepping, or serving delicious meals to hungry college students. You’ll also get some training on how to properly handle food and an insight into local health codes, which may come in handy later in your life.
How to Make Money as a Student Online
16. Become a Freelancer
Freelancing gives you the freedom to choose what kind of work to do, how much to charge, and when to take on projects – it’s the ideal way to make money while in college. Whether you’re skillful as a web designer, or programmer or have other rare skills, freelancing offers plenty of opportunities for college students and teenagers who wish to earn a few dollars online.
17. Watch Videos and Take Surveys Online
You can get paid to take surveys online and watch movie trailers, play video games, read marketing emails, and other related content. Many companies offer rewards in exchange for taking surveys, watching videos, or completing tasks. These are all safe and legit ways to make money as a college student from the comfort of your home or campus.
18. Become a Virtual Assistant
One of the best ways to make money while in college is to offer administrative support from ‘a home office’ while working with clients remotely. To do this, you need to have good organizational skills and be comfortable working online.
Working as a virtual assistant will help you boost your resume and make new contacts. You could offer services such as scheduling appointments, managing social media accounts, or creating spreadsheets and reports.
19. Try Writing for Blogs and Businesses
Starting your own blow is unpredictable and may take a few months until you start earning money. So, why not become a freelance writer for other companies and blogs? You will get paid for your work, and have the freedom to set your own schedule – it’s an ideal gig for college students who are juggling classes and assignments.
20. Become an Affiliate or Brand Ambassador for Your Favorite Products
Affiliate and brand ambassador programs are excellent ways for college students to make money online. You can promote the products of your favorite brands and earn commissions from every sale you generate.
There are many brands that have affiliate programs, and there are affiliate marketing platforms that are suitable for beginners. With a little bit of research, you’ll be able to start making money with this side hustle in no time.
21. Teach an Online Class or Course
Teaching can be a great way to make money as a student. You can offer your expertise and knowledge to students looking to learn more about a specific topic or subject. You can create an online course and share your knowledge through various online learning and teaching platforms. You can also start your own website and market courses directly to students.
22. Become a Freelance Photographer
If you have an interest in photography or are already taking photos as a hobby, then having your own freelance photography business can be a lucrative side hustle.
You can offer services such as taking headshots for businesses, taking pictures at events, or even creating product photos for websites. You can find gigs on multiple freelancing sites or sell your photos on stock photo websites.
23. Earn Money By Shopping
You may not know this, but companies like Fetch Rewards make money from shoppers and offer shoppers the option to make money in return. Shopping for necessities or treats is a part of our everyday lives, and by using the right cashback programs, you can earn coupons and gift cards.
It’s one of the best ways to make money as a college student because you’ll be making it by spending it. Just remember not to get carried away into buying items you don’t need solely in pursuit of the discounts.
How to Make Money in College: The Verdict
Lots of students spend their time juggling heavy workloads and timetables, hectic social schedules, and potentially the added stress of integrating into a new city or even culture. When all these factors are combined, the time left to earn money is rather sparse.
But making money in college doesn’t have to be difficult or at the expense of your studies. As you can see, there are plenty of ways to earn. Whether you choose to become a virtual assistant, start a freelance business, tutor online, or become a brand ambassador, with some research and dedication, you can start earning and still have time to enjoy your profits.