January 29, 2025

How to Make Money in College: 18 Ideas for Students

After factoring in rent, supplies, and loss of potential income over the years, earning a college degree in the U.S. can cost upwards of $500,000. Even if you’re not spending top dollar on an Ivy League education, it’s normal — and smart! — to wonder how to make money in college.

Balancing the cost of tuition, textbooks, and living expenses makes college life financially challenging, but there are plenty of ways to earn extra money as a student. From flexible on-campus jobs to side hustles that fit around your studies, you have plenty of options to help you stay ahead — financially and academically.

18 ways to make money as a college student

College students have two things many adults don’t: flexible schedules and access to resources that are easy to turn into an earning opportunity. Whether you want to learn how to make money from home or with a student-suitable part-time job, here are some of the best options for making money while keeping your studies a priority.

Campus-based jobs

Working on campus is a great way to earn money without conflicting too much with your class schedule (or straying too far from your dorm). Since these jobs are geared toward college or university students, they’re often flexible and understanding of student priorities.

Here are some campus-based opportunities to consider.

1. Become a teaching assistant (TA)

Do you have a real knack for a certain subject? See if professors in that field have any need for a teaching assistant (TA). As a TA, you can get paid to help with grading, run study groups, and maybe even do some in-class instruction. It’s a great way to pad your pockets while gaining valuable experience.

2. Drive for campus transportation

Some colleges offer shuttle services for students, especially if the campus is big. If you have a license and a clean driving record, driving a shuttle can earn you some extra cash — and maybe even some new friends.

3. Work in a library

It’s common for campus libraries to hire students to help with things like checking out books, restocking shelves, and managing study room reservations. You’ll also probably get some downtime that you can use to do homework while you’re on the clock.

4. Work at a campus cafe or dining hall

Working in on-campus food service can be a good opportunity for steady pay. But it’s not just an easy way to make money as a college student. You might also get free or discounted meals, which cuts down on living expenses.

5. Join a research team

If you’re good at gathering and processing information, see if any professors are hiring research assistants. Some departments offer paid research opportunities — an excellent way to bring in extra cash while getting experience in your field.

Off-campus jobs

If you have reliable transportation, you can open yourself up to other options that might fit around your class schedule. Here are some examples of roles frequently filled by students like you.

6. Tutor high school students

High school students often need help preparing for college entrance exams or difficult classes. If you’re strong in a specific subject, tutoring can be a rewarding way to share your knowledge and make money.

7. Work in retail

Many stores near campuses hire students for part-time jobs. Retail roles are a solid option, especially around holidays when stores are busier and may have more hours available.

8. Babysit for local families

Are you good with kids? You’ll probably find plenty of families in your area who need help with childcare on nights or weekends. And if you babysit in the evenings or overnight, you can even study once the kids are safely in bed.

9. Walk dogs or petsit

If you’re an animal lover, petsitting or dog walking could be a fun way to earn extra income. Apps like Rover and Wag connect you with pet owners looking for help, whether it's for daily walks, weekend care, or even overnight petsitting. This type of work is often especially rewarding, offering a break from studying with some furry companionship.

10. Join a delivery service

One popular side hustle for college students is driving for a food delivery service like DoorDash or Uber Eats. If you have a car or bike, delivering food could be a good way to increase your income between classes.

11. Drive for a rideshare service

Another option for students with cars is working with a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft. Much like food delivery, ridesharing offers flexibility so you can work nights, weekends, or on a break between classes.

12. Find a seasonal job

Taking time to rest and have fun is important, but summer and winter breaks are the perfect time to get a temporary gig. Look for restaurants or retailers that offer seasonal roles, and work as many hours as you can to save up for the next semester. If you like the work, you might even be able to turn the role into an ongoing part-time job.

Online money-making ideas

Wondering how to make money online as a college student? Here’s a roundup of the best ways to turn your computer into a money-making machine.

13. Become a freelancer

Freelance sites like Upwork and Fiverr allow you to market skills like graphic design, writing, programming, or video editing. You can do your freelance work on your own schedule from whatever location you choose — the perfect amount of flexibility for a busy student.

14. Participate in market research studies

Many businesses pay market research companies to collect opinions from the public about all sorts of things. Some focus groups meet in person, but many these days are virtual. And if you sign up with a website like Swagbucks or Survey Junkie, you can get paid to fill out online surveys during study breaks.

15. Sell your notes or study materials

If you’re a thorough note-taker, consider selling your notes to classmates or online platforms like Stuvia. You’ll be helping your fellow students while earning a little extra cash on the side.

16. Become an online tutor

In-person tutoring sessions aren’t the only way to share your knowledge. Online tutoring websites like Chegg, Tutor.com, and Wyzant can connect you with students who need help in areas like math, science, or even college entrance exam prep. As an online tutor, you set your own schedule, making it easy to fit sessions around your classes and other commitments.

17. Start a blog

If you love writing and have things to say, starting a blog on a topic you’re passionate about could eventually lead to income through ads or sponsorships. It doesn’t have to be college-related — you can blog about fashion, travel, or any number of topics other people find interesting.

18. Become a content creator

If you like making videos, you can turn your creativity into income with platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. Share humor, study hacks, a glimpse into campus life, or content centered around your passions. As you start to gain a following, you may be able to monetize content through ads, sponsored posts, brand partnerships, or creator funds.

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