Finding ways how to make money as a college student can be challenging, especially with rising expenses and a limited income. Although 43% of full-time undergraduates work, balancing a job with college life gets tough.
Fortunately, there are ways to earn money without sacrificing grades. Here are 50 creative part-time opportunities for college students to make money while staying on top of academic responsibilities.
Key takeaways
- Balancing work and studies is possible with the right approach.
- Diverse opportunities exist both on and off campus.
- Side hustles and remote jobs offer flexibility.
- Creative pursuits can turn hobbies into part-time jobs.
- Smart money management is crucial for college students.
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Side hustles
For college students, juggling classes and a social life is tough – not to mention the added pressure of a full-time job. That’s why finding a side hustle can be a game-changer.
You make extra cash and gain valuable experience and skills for your resume.
1. Print on Demand (POD)
Print on Demand makes it possible to sell an array of products – from t-shirts and quirky mugs to personalized phone cases – without the headache of stocking inventory or dealing with shipping.
All you need to do is create the designs and add them to products. When a customer places an order, a POD platform like Printify handles the rest – production, shipping, and even customer service.
This business model is perfect for college students because it’s flexible, low-risk, and can earn you extra spending money. Plus, with zero upfront investment, it’s a budget-friendly way of making money without a traditional job.
Why it’s awesome: Kick-start your online business and work whenever inspiration strikes, even at 2 a.m. after an energy drink-fueled study session.
2. Freelance writing
If you have a knack for words, freelance writing can be a lucrative way to make money in college.
Businesses are always in need of high-quality content, from blog posts and social media captions to website copy and product descriptions. Find gigs on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr.
Why it’s awesome: Improve your writing skills while making money – even your essays will get better in no time.
3. Tutoring
If you excel in a particular subject, share your knowledge and help fellow students succeed by offering tutoring services. Find gigs online or on campus job boards.
Becoming an online tutor is a great way how to make money in college because you can set your own rates, choose your own schedule, and teach from the comfort of your dorm.
Why it’s awesome: Reinforce your knowledge, help others, and make bank.
4. Social media management
Many businesses need help managing their online presence, from creating engaging content for social media platforms to responding to customer inquiries. Offer your skills as a freelancer and rake in extra cash while working from your phone.
Why it’s awesome: Stay on top of the latest memes for work and flex your creative muscles.
5. Virtual assistant
Become a virtual assistant (VA) to help professionals or entrepreneurs with email management, scheduling, data entry, or research. Websites like Fancy Hands, Time Etc, and Zirtual connect VAs with clients. Develop a niche based on your skills, such as tech-savvy assistance or creative support, to negotiate higher rates.
Why it’s awesome: Gain real-world business experience, network with professionals, and learn how to organize your own schedule in the process.
6. Photography
If you have a good eye and a decent camera – or even a smartphone – consider selling your photos to make money online. Check out stock photo sites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or iStockphoto.
Alternatively, offer photography services for events, portraits, or product shots around your college campus. Build a portfolio on Instagram or a personal website to showcase your work and attract clients.
Why it’s awesome: Explore your creative side, build a professional portfolio, and never miss a fun campus event – you’re working, after all.
7. Pet sitting or dog walking
Pet sitting and dog walking are great ways for college students to make money and get some fresh air. Advertise your service on online job boards, set your own rates and schedule, and spend time with adorable animals.
Why it’s awesome: Stress relief, exercise, and cuddles – all while making money.
8. YouTube channel or podcasting
Share your knowledge, experiences, or opinions through a YouTube channel or Spotify podcast. While building an audience takes time, successful creators can earn through ads, sponsorships, merch sales (POD comes in handy here), and affiliate marketing.
Why it’s awesome: Express yourself, build a personal brand, and even become internet famous.
9. Online course creation
Are you an expert in a particular subject? Share your knowledge and skills by creating an online course.
Platforms like Udemy and Teachable make it easy to package your expertise into an engaging course that earns passive income. Unlike tutoring, students can purchase a complete module and learn at their own pace.
Why it’s awesome: Establish yourself as an expert, help others learn, and create a passive income stream that pays off long after graduation.
10. App testing
Companies need real users to test their apps and websites before launch. You and other students can sign up on platforms like UserTesting, TestingTime, or Trymata to get paid for providing feedback on user experience.
Each test typically takes 15-20 minutes and pays around $10-$15.
Why it’s awesome: They’re flexible, short tasks you can do between classes or while waiting for your laundry. Plus, you might discover the next big app before anyone else.
Make it happen today!
On-campus jobs
Sometimes, the best part-time job opportunities are right under your nose. On-campus jobs offer college students convenient ways to make money while staying close to classes.
1. Library assistant
Work at your college library shelving books, assisting patrons, or managing the circulation desk. This quiet environment often allows for study time during slow periods. Develop organizational skills and expand your knowledge across various subjects as you handle different resources.
Why it’s awesome: Escape the hustle and bustle of campus life in a quiet and cozy environment.
2. Research assistant
Support professors or graduate students in their research projects. This role provides valuable experience in your field of study and broadens potential connections for future academic pursuits. Tasks might include data collection, literature reviews, or lab work.
Why it’s awesome: Get a taste of real-world research initiatives, connect with academics, and enhance your resume. Who knows, you might even contribute to a groundbreaking discovery.
3. Teaching assistant
Assist professors with grading, leading discussions, or preparing course materials. This position looks great on a resume and deepens your understanding of the subject matter. It’s particularly beneficial if you’re considering a career in academia.
Why it’s awesome: Solidify your knowledge in your field of study, gain valuable teaching experience, and develop a working relationship with accomplished lecturers.
4. Residential advisor
Serve as a resident assistant and supervisor in student housing. In exchange for reduced housing costs, you’ll organize events, mediate conflicts, and ensure a safe living environment. This role helps you develop leadership and conflict resolution skills valuable in any career.
Why it’s awesome: Free or discounted housing is a major perk of this job. Plus, you’ll get to make a real difference in the lives of your fellow students.
5. Student ambassador
Represent your university with pride as a student ambassador. You’ll interact with prospective students, answer campus-related questions, and assist with admissions events. It’s a great way to develop your communication and leadership skills.
Why it’s awesome: Provides a fantastic opportunity to network and make connections that could benefit you in the future.
6. Campus tour guide
Many college campuses need people to lead tours for prospective students and their families. This job can improve your public speaking skills and introduce you to people from diverse backgrounds.Why it’s awesome: Amp up your interaction skills, stay active, and relive the excitement of campus life through fresh eyes.
7. Recreation center staff
Work at the campus gym or recreation center as a fitness instructor, lifeguard, or front desk attendant. It’s a perfect way to make extra cash while staying fit.
Why it’s awesome: Free gym membership and promoting a healthy lifestyle – that’s student life we can get behind.
8. IT support
Tech-savvy students can put their skills to use by providing IT support on campus. You’ll help students and faculty troubleshoot computer issues, install software, and maintain network connectivity.
Why it’s awesome: Gain hands-on tech experience, develop problem-solving skills, and bask in the gratitude of your college community.
9. Lab assistant
Science and engineering students can elevate their resume by working as lab assistants – a great way to make money while learning. You’ll assist with experiments, prepare lab materials, and maintain equipment.
Why it’s awesome: Gain practical experience in your major, potentially contribute to groundbreaking research, and have a valid excuse for experimenting in the lab.
10. Exchange program assistant
If you’re passionate about international education, consider working as an exchange program assistant. Help incoming exchange students adjust to campus life, organize cultural events, and promote intercultural understanding.
Why it’s awesome: Make friends, practice language skills, and gain a global perspective without leaving campus. Plus, you’ll have potential hosts when you finally take that post-grad overseas tour.
Off-campus jobs
Venturing beyond the campus walls is a great way to learn how to make money as a student. Off-campus opportunities let you explore different industries, connect with diverse communities, and discover new ways to make money in college.
1. Food delivery driver
If you have a reliable vehicle, food delivery is one of the easy ways to make money as a college student. Platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub let you set your own schedule and earn tips on top of your base pay.
Why it’s awesome: Flexible hours, tips, and the occasional free meal from customers or restaurant owners. Plus, you’ll discover every hidden food gem in town.
2. Retail sales associate
If you have a reliable vehicle, food delivery is one of the easy ways to make money as a college student. Platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub let you set your own schedule and earn tips on top of your base pay.
Why it’s awesome: Flexible hours, tips, and the occasional free meal from customers or restaurant owners. Plus, you’ll discover every hidden food gem in town.
3. Bartender
Create liquid masterpieces while listening to strangers’ life stories. This job is particularly suitable for evening and weekend shifts. Find local businesses around your campus that are within walking or cycling distance to not miss any classes.
Why it’s awesome: Earn extra money, improve your social skills, and learn the secret ingredients for every cocktail.
4. Babysitter
If you love kids, babysitting is a rewarding way how to make money as a college student. You can find part-time jobs online or through word-of-mouth recommendations.
Why it’s awesome: Potential for regular gigs and the chance to be a positive influence on the next generation.
5. House cleaner
Cleaning houses or apartments can pay students a decent hourly wage. You can work independently or join a cleaning service, which offers flexible hours and opportunities for tips.
Why it’s awesome: Flexible schedule and the satisfaction of seeing instant results for those who love a good clean.
6. Interpreter or translator
If you’re fluent in multiple languages, earn money through interpreting or translation services. Businesses, organizations, and individuals often need help bridging language barriers, so these skills are typically in high demand.
Offer your services on freelance websites or join networks like Mother Tongue to connect with businesses and earn money online.
Why it’s awesome: Short-term work for quick cash and the chance to use your language skills in real-world situations.
7. Bakery or café worker
Work at a local eatery to gain experience in food and customer service and make some extra money. Early morning shifts at bakeries or cafes work perfectly for an evening class schedule.
Why it’s awesome: Free or discounted caffeine and snacks, a fun, fast-paced environment, and the power to make someone’s morning.
8. Real estate assistant
Work at a local eatery to gain experience in food and customer service and make some extra money. Early morning shifts at bakeries or cafes work perfectly for an evening class schedule.
Why it’s awesome: Free or discounted caffeine and snacks, a fun, fast-paced environment, and the power to make someone’s morning.
9. Handyperson
Another great part-time job idea is offering services like painting, basic home repairs, or furniture assembly. With your trusty toolbox and a can-do attitude, you’ll save someone’s day one IKEA disaster at a time.
Why it’s awesome: Set your own rates, choose your projects, and develop skills that’ll make you the go-to person for DIY mishaps.
10. Uber or lyft driver
If you have a car, sign up for ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft. Be sure to factor in costs like gas and vehicle maintenance so you don’t spend more money than you make.
Why it’s awesome: Flexible hours and the chance to meet interesting people you wouldn’t have otherwise.
Make it happen today!
Creative jobs
Who says you can’t make money, possibly covering college costs, doing what you love? These creative gig economy jobs will have you living the dream – or at least paying for your next meal – with your art.
1. Sell handmade crafts
Create handmade items to sell online on Etsy or at local craft fairs. Whether it’s jewelry, knitted goods, or artisanal soap, there’s more money to make than you might think.
Why it’s awesome: Turn your hobby into cash, flex your creative muscles, and experience the thrill of someone loving something you made.
Read more: How to Make Money as an Artist
2. Music lessons
College students who play an instrument can offer music lessons. You’ll guide budding musicians through sheet music and scales, all while reliving your rockstar dreams.
Why it’s awesome: Set your own rates and schedule, share your passion for music, and feel like a proud parent when students finally master that one complex piece.
3. Voiceover work
Earn money by lending your voice to commercials, audiobooks, or animated projects. Bring stories to life or help convince people they absolutely need that new kitchen gadget.
Why it’s awesome: Work from home in your PJs, develop your voice-acting skills, and gain a new party trick with awesome impressions.
4. Online gaming
Stream your gameplay on platforms like Twitch or participate in eSports tournaments to earn money online. Entertain the masses with your witty commentary, all while sitting in a comfy gaming chair.
Why it’s awesome: Play video games guilt-free, build a community of fellow gamers, and potentially win prize money for doing your favorite pastime activity.
5. Travel planning
Help people plan their dream vacations or gap year adventures. Stop wondering how to make money while in college – this is the perfect side hustle if you love curating trips, discovering local delicacies, and finding hidden photo spots.
Why it’s awesome: Live vicariously through other people’s travels, put your obsessive planning skills to good use, and rack up travel tips for your own future adventures.
6. Virtual event hosting
Host online trivia nights, virtual parties, or team-building activities for companies. Use your people skills to keep the energy high and the awkward silences at bay.
Host online trivia nights, virtual parties, or team-building activities for companies. Use your people skills to keep the energy high and the awkward silences at bay.
7. Freelance illustration
Create custom illustrations for books, websites, or marketing materials. Your doodles will evolve into masterpieces as you bring other people’s visions to life, one brush stroke at a time.
Why it’s awesome: Flex your creative muscles, build a stunning portfolio, and gain valuable professional experience.
8. Teaching languages
If you’re multilingual, teach languages online through platforms like iTalki or Preply and help people learn grammar and pronunciation. It’s among the best part-time jobs that can begin on campus by offering classes to foreign exchange students.
Why it’s awesome: Set your own rates and schedule, participate in cultural exchanges, and have an excuse to watch foreign films to brush up on your knowledge.
9. Resell vintage items
Source and resell vintage clothing, furniture, or collectibles. It’s one of the most exciting ways to make money if you have a keen eye for hidden gems and the ability to spot a valuable vintage piece from a mile away.
Why it’s awesome: Turn shopping into a business, develop your sense of style, and help the planet one upcycled item at a time.
10. Flipping furniture
Find old furniture, restore or upcycle it, and sell for a profit. Armed with sandpaper and a paintbrush, you’ll transform neglected furnishings into Instagram-worthy pieces.
Why it’s awesome: Save furniture from landfills and impress your friends with before-and-after transformations.
Remote jobs
Welcome to the future of work, where formal pants are optional, and your commute takes a few steps from bed to desk. These remote jobs let you make money from anywhere with Wi-Fi – perfect for college students.
1. Graphic design
Create logos, marketing materials, or social media graphics for businesses. Channel your inner Picasso, armed with Adobe Creative Cloud and fueled by midnight inspiration.
Why it’s awesome: Join diverse projects, build a killer portfolio, and work when the mood strikes.
2. Customer support representative
Provide customer service via phone, email, or chat for various companies. You’ll handle upset customers with patience and empathy and provide solutions to resolve their issues quickly.
Why it’s awesome: Work from anywhere and develop the ability to defuse tense situations.
3. Remote project management
Help companies organize and track projects using tools like Trello or Asana. Assign tasks, track deadlines, and ease team communication – all from the comfort of your dorm room.
Why it’s awesome: Develop valuable organizational skills for your future career, learn to juggle multiple tasks, and feel like a productivity guru.
4. Online personal shopper
Help busy professionals or fashion novices shop online. Curate the perfect wardrobes and find must-have items to elevate their style. Keep in mind that depending on your client’s needs, this might call for a significant time commitment.
Why it’s awesome: Indulge your fashion obsession, develop your eye for style, and live vicariously through other people’s shopping budgets.
5. Transcriptionist
Earn money online by converting audio or video content into written text. Perfect if you have excellent typing skills and an ear for deciphering mumbled conversations. Find opportunities from your college’s career center or online.
Why it’s awesome: Flexible work that you can do anytime, improve your typing speed, and learn random facts from the content you transcribe.
6. Virtual sales representative
Selling products or services over the phone or virtually is a popular way how to make money online as a college student. Master the art of the elevator pitch to convince people they need that revolutionary gardening tool or software subscription.
Why it’s awesome: Develop persuasion skills that’ll serve you well in life. Plus, it’s an online job with possible commission-based pay.
7. Online technical support
Provide technical assistance for software, websites, or electronic devices. It’s an ideal side hustle if you have a knack for tinkering with technology.
Why it’s awesome: Learn about the latest tech and develop your hands-on support experience.
8. Online surveys
Earn money by participating in market research studies, surveys, or user testing. Share your thoughts on new product designs or the next big app idea, and become a paid professional critic.
Why it’s awesome: Taking online surveys means quick money in small chunks of time, perfect for filling gaps between classes.
9. Remote content strategist
Help businesses plan and organize their content marketing efforts and earn money online. Become the mastermind behind viral blog posts and engaging social media campaigns – without the guilt of scrolling through TikTok for research.
Why it’s awesome: Develop valuable marketing skills, unleash your creative side, and see your ideas trend across online platforms.
10. Virtual health coach
Offer guidance on nutrition, exercise, or general wellness through video calls or chat. Leverage that Sports Nutrition degree and make money in college by motivating people to make healthier choices.
Why it’s awesome: Cover living expenses by helping others achieve the best version of themselves.
FAQs
Want to make money in college quicker than your instant ramen can cook? Try these speedy money-making methods:
- Start a POD business selling t-shirts and other merch with Printify.
- Do odd jobs on online platforms like TaskRabbit or Fiverr.
- Participate in paid research studies on campus.
- Offer last-minute tutoring services during finals week.
Summer break equals prime money-making time. Here’s how to cash in on those sunny days:
- Score a seasonal job at a resort, camp, or tourist attraction.
- Start a lawn care or pet-sitting service in your neighborhood.
- Look for paid internships in your field of study.
- Create and sell summer-themed products with Printify, like custom beach totes.
- Offer to house-sit for vacationing families.
Being a smart spender is key to thriving on a student income. Create a budget and track your expenses, cook at home instead of dining out, take advantage of student discounts, and avoid impulse purchases. Also, try some of our tips on how to make money in college to cash in while in school.
While no one’s handing out cash just for showing up to class, there are ways to get paid for student-related activities:
- Apply for scholarships and grants.
- Participate in paid research studies in your field.
- Become a brand ambassador for companies targeting students.
- Write for your college newspaper or blog.
- Tutor other students.
Final thoughts
You’ve now got 50 awesome ways to keep your wallet full while acing your classes. The key to success is finding a balance that works for you, so don’t be afraid to try different gigs until you find your money-making groove.
As you’re learning to make money in college, keep these things in mind:
- Time management is your new best friend.
- Find a side hustle that complements your main hustle – getting that degree.
- Save a portion of your earnings for a rainy day or that long-awaited post-grad trip.
- Network – today’s classmate could be tomorrow’s business partner.
- Enjoy the process. When you love what you’re doing, every challenge is an opportunity.
Every successful entrepreneur has to start somewhere – why not in a college dorm room? If financial freedom is your goal, leverage Printify to start your own print-on-demand business with no upfront costs, no inventory, and no risk – all reward.
