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How to Make Money in College: 101 Fast, Easy, & Fun Ways

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Written by Enoch Omololu
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Are you figuring out how to make money in college without having to work yourself to the bone? We don’t blame you.

You’re juggling a million things as it is – going to classes, studying, and maybe even working a part-time job.

The last thing you want to do is add more hours to your already full plate.

Lucky for you, there are a lot of easy ways to make money in college without having to put in too much extra time or effort.

And we’re not just talking about getting a part-time job at the campus coffee shop.

From how to make money in college online to how to make money as a female student, there are endless opportunities for you. So read on if you’re ready to start earning some extra cash!

Table of Contents show

Part-Time On-Campus Jobs

1. Library Assistant

image showing library assistant

Libraries are the perfect place for people who love spending time in them.

As a library assistant, you’ll help with tasks like shelving books and checking out materials for patrons and can earn an average of $16.63 an hour.

2. Office Assistant

Almost every department on campus has office assistants who help with administrative tasks like answering phones, filing paperwork, and data entry.

You can usually find these positions through your school’s job board or the Career Services office.

The position pays $15.55 per hour on average.

3. Campus Tour Guide

Becoming a campus tour guide may be the perfect on-campus job if you love showing prospective students around your school ground.

You’ll give tours of your school, answer questions about student life, and help prospective students get a feel for what it’s like to attend your alma mater for an average of $22.83 per hour.

4. Resident Advisor (RA)

You may apply as an RA if you have at least a 2.5 GPA. RAs are responsible for enforcing residence hall policies, mediating roommate conflicts, and planning social programming.

They typically work 10-20 hours per week and earn an average of $15.07 per hour. Some RAs even get free room and board.

5. Dining Hall Worker

Many college students who don’t mind getting their hands dirty work in their school’s dining hall, serving food, cleaning up, and helping with food prep.

These positions usually don’t require prior experience and pay around $12.54 per hour.

6. Fitness Center Attendant

Consider becoming a fitness center attendant at your school’s gym if you like working out and staying active.

You’ll help with checking members in, giving tours, and maintaining the cleanliness of the facility. The average fitness center attendant makes $14 per hour.

7. Social Media Intern

Almost every business needs help with its social media presence, so there’s a good chance your school is no exception.

As a social media intern, you’ll create and manage social media content, engage with followers, and monitor analytics for around $15.17 per hour.

8. Event Planning Intern

As an event planning intern, you’ll reserve space, arrange catering, and promote events. It’s a great way to network and build your resume while earning an average of $16.21 per hour.

9. Teaching Assistant (TA)

If you excel in a particular subject, you can get paid to help other students.

TAs typically work 10-15 hours per week leading discussion sections, grading papers, and holding office hours. The average TA earns $14.56 per hour.

10. Tutor

Not to be confused with a TA, tutors provide one-on-one academic support to students struggling in a particular subject.

You can find tutor opportunities through your school’s job board, the Career Services office, or online tutoring platforms. Tutors typically earn around $19.12 per hour.

11. Campus Ambassador

Campus ambassadors give tours, represent their school at events, and staff information booths.

You’ll share your school pride and earn some extra cash at about $15 per hour by working as one.

12. Research Assistant

A research assistant helps a professor with their research, from conducting experiments to writing papers to data analysis.

If you’re interested in a particular field of study, it’s an opportunity to get involved and learn more while earning an average of $19.13 per hour.

Part-Time Off-Campus Jobs To Make Money

13. Babysitter/Nanny

Many families occasionally look for responsible college students to watch their kids while they go out on date night or run errands.

If you love children, have a lot of patience, and looking to make money as a female student, this could be a great way to earn $21.38 an hour on average.

14. Dog Walker

Many fur parents don’t have the time to walk their dogs as often as they (or their dogs) would like. That’s where dog walkers come in.

As a dog walker, you’ll help busy pet parents care for their furry friends as an easy way to make money in college at around $22.36 per hour.

15. Pet Sitter

Like dog walking, pet sitting involves taking care of someone’s pet while the owners are away.

It includes feeding, walking, and providing companionship to pets like cats, dogs, birds, and reptiles.

In many cases, pet sitters earn $16.11 an hour, although rates may vary depending on the services provided.

16. Housekeeper

College students with a knack for tidying things can sign up to work as housekeepers through companies like MaidPro.

As a housekeeper, you’ll help families with chores like cleaning, laundry, and general organization. Housekeepers typically earn $16-$19 per hour.

17. Personal Assistant

A personal assistant is responsible for tasks that the employer assigns.

These include anything from running errands to scheduling appointments to handling social media accounts, where you’ll get paid an average of $15.15 per hour.

18. Lawn Care Specialist

Do you enjoy being outdoors and don’t mind getting a little dirt on your hands?

If so, you can sign up to work as a lawn care specialist through companies like Lawn Love and GreenPal.

You’ll be responsible for mowing, fertilizing, and watering lawns. Rates vary depending on the company, but you can expect to earn around $13.86-$25.81 per hour.

19. Snow Remover

States that experience snowfall offer opportunities to make money by removing snow from driveways and sidewalks.

Snow shovelers typically earn around $16-$20 per hour. And you can sign up to work with a company like Shovler, which connects snow removers with people who need their services.

20. Delivery Driver

You can sign up to work for a company like DoorDash or Uber Eats and make money by delivering food to people in your local area.

You often set your schedule and the salary ranges depending on how much you work, but you can make $10-$20 per hour on average.

You only need a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record to start.

21. Waitstaff

If you’re a people person and don’t mind being on your feet for long periods, working as a waiter or waitress can be a great way to make money out of college.

You’ll usually earn around $7.98 per hour plus tips or $15.93 for those who don’t receive tips.

22. Retail Worker

There are plenty of retail jobs available, both in stores and online. You can find work as a sales associate, cashier, stocker, or even a manager in some cases.

Retail workers typically earn $12-$17 per hour, although pay may vary depending on the company and position.

23. Delivery Person

Companies like Amazon and UPS hire college students to deliver packages.

As a delivery person, you’ll pick up packages from a distribution center and deliver them to customers’ homes or businesses.

College students working as delivery people part-time typically make $15.83 per hour.

24. Barista

Working as a barista is the perfect way to make money out of college if you like making coffee and chatting with customers.

Most baristas earn $14.35 per hour, although pay may increase with experience.

25. Bartender

Being a bartender is a great way to make money in college since bartenders typically earn an average of $16.08 per hour, plus tips.

You can work at a bar or restaurant or even cater events, which is a great opportunity to network.

26. Server

Local restaurants or bars often look for servers. The hours are flexible, and you can make $15.93 hourly plus tips.

Serving is also a great way how to make money as a female student as they earn an average of 7% more in tips than their male counterparts.

27. Makeup Artist

If you’re a makeup artist, turn your talent into a way to make money out of college. You can work at a salon, do freelance work for clients, or even offer your services at on-campus events. Makeup artists earn an average of $31.44 per hour.

28. Event Photographer

Capture important moments at weddings, parties, and other events as an event photographer. This is a great gig for college students as it’s usually very flexible, and you can make $100-$300 per event.

To get started, create a portfolio of your best work and start marketing yourself to potential clients.

29. Personal Shopper

Do you love shopping? If so, you can make money by becoming a personal shopper.

You’ll help busy people with their shopping needs, such as picking out clothes, groceries, or gifts.

Personal shoppers typically earn $39,906-$50,180 annually.

30. Brand Ambassador

Brand ambassadors are essentially salespeople without being pushy or aggressive.

So, this could be the perfect gig for you if you’re good at talking to people and convincing them to buy something.

Companies will pay you to represent their brand on campus and at events, often giving away freebies. Brand ambassadors typically earn $21-28 per hour.

31. Wine Tasting Host

If you love wine, you can make money out of college by hosting wine tastings.

You’ll need to buy the drink upfront, but you can charge people to attend your event and earn an average of $52,878 a year.

32. Housesitter for People in Your Neighborhood or on Vacation

You can make some quick cash by housesitting for people in your neighborhood or on vacation.

It involves taking care of pets and plants and occasionally being present in the home to deter burglars. You can expect to earn around $25 per hour for this job.

33. Restaurant Host

You can work as a host at a restaurant if you want a more traditional job in the food industry.

You’ll be responsible for seating guests, taking phone calls, and other customer service duties. Restaurant hosts typically earn $34,145 annually.

34. Pizza Delivery Person

Local pizzerias are always looking for pizza delivery drivers.

The job is pretty straightforward — you pick up pizzas and deliver them to customers’ homes or businesses. Drivers typically earn $10-$15 per hour, plus tips.

35. Uber or Lyft Driver

If you have a car, you can sign up to drive for Uber or Lyft.

You’ll pick up passengers and take them to their destination, making money out of college along the way. Drivers typically make an average of $53,440 per year.

How To Make Money In College Online

36. Sell Your Old Textbooks on Amazon

Don’t let your old textbooks collect dust on your shelves; make money in college without a job by selling them on Amazon.

Just create a seller account, list your books, and ship them off when they sell. You can earn up to 80% of the book’s value, which is a great return on investment.

37. Provide Freelance Writing Services

There’s no shortage of opportunities to make money online if you’re a talented writer.

You can provide freelance writing services to clients worldwide and work from anywhere with an internet connection.

You can also do many types of writing, including copywriting, SEO writing, article writing, and more. Freelance writers typically earn $64.31 per hour.

38. Sell Handmade Crafts or Products

You can make money in college without a job by selling your handmade crafts and products if you’re crafty.

Sites like Etsy make it easy to start, and you can sell anything from jewelry to home decor. You’ll also set your prices and earn a cut of each sale, which is $10-$100, depending on the item.

39. Offer Online Fitness Training Classes

Are you passionate about fitness and health and like helping others reach their fitness goals?

You can make money by offering online fitness training classes if you do.

You can create workout plans, advise, and provide other services to help people reach their fitness goals. Prices for online fitness training classes generally start at $20 per session.

40. Provide Remote Tutoring Services

Many students need help with their studies, so why not offer remote tutoring services and make money?

You can tutor learners in various subjects, such as math, science, English, and more. And you can do it anywhere with an internet connection.

Rates for tutoring services vary, but they typically average $19.12 per hour.

41. Participate in Online Surveys

One of the easiest ways how to make money in college without a job is by participating in online surveys.

Many companies need market research and are willing to pay for your opinion so that you can make some extra cash in your spare time.

Just sign up for a few survey sites, answer questions, and earn anywhere from $0.50-$10 per survey.

42. Offer Language Translation Services

Bilingual college students can offer their language translation services online and make money.

You can translate written documents, websites, apps, and more for companies and individuals worldwide.

Language translation rates can vary, but they typically start at $0.08 per word.

43. Join Focus Groups

Companies and organizations use focus groups to get feedback on their products or services and are willing to pay you for your input.

They’re also a great way to make money in college without a job because you can do them in your spare time and earn a decent hourly rate.

Focus group rates usually average $15.90 per hour.

44. Sell Photos

Stock photography is another great way to make money as a college.

You can sell your photos online and earn royalties each time one of your photos is downloaded.

Just upload your images to a stock photography site, and you can start making money immediately. Generally, you’ll earn $0.25-$0.50 per photo.

45. Manage an Online Pet or Housesitting Business

Pet and housesitting companies are increasingly taking reservations and customer service calls online.

You can also make a pretty penny – up to $30 per hour.

This is a great opportunity for college students who are home during summer and winter breaks and live in areas with a high concentration of pet and housesitting businesses.

46. Offer Personalized Services

Job seekers are willing to pay top dollar for personalized services that give them an edge in the job market.

If you have experience or expertise in a particular field, you can offer your services online and make money.

Resume writing rates typically start at $100 per resume, while career coaching rates can range from $50-$250 per hour.

47. Start a Blog and Monetize it with Ads or Affiliate Marketing

Ads are simple: you place them on your website and earn money when someone clicks on them. You can use Google Adsense, Mediavine, or other ad networks to make money from your blog.

Affiliate marketing is a bit more complex: you partner with brands and companies within your industry to promote their products on your website.

You earn a commission when someone clicks on one of your affiliate links and makes a purchase. Blogging rates vary, but you can typically earn $10-$30 per 1,000 page views.

48. Create an Online Course

Share your knowledge and expertise by creating an online course.

You can create one on any topic, from cooking to web development. Once you’ve completed your course, market it to your audience and start earning money.

The prices can vary, but they typically range from $49-$199.

49. Sell Your Expert Knowledge on Quora

Quora is a Q&A platform where people can ask questions about any topic and get answers from experts.

If you consider yourself proficient on a particular topic, you can make money by sharing your knowledge on the platform.

You can also earn money through ads or affiliate marketing or charge for consulting services.

50. Manage a Virtual Assistant Business

Virtual assistant businesses are becoming increasingly popular as more people look for ways to outsource administrative tasks.

If you have experience as a virtual assistant, you can start your own business and make money that’s $10-20 per hour.

51. Offer Demonstration Videos for Products on Amazon

Demonstration videos show potential customers how a product works.

Since Amazon is always looking for new product videos, they’re willing to pay you for your work. Depending on the length and complexity, you can earn $1-$3 per video.

52. Provide Professional Organizing Services

You can offer your services to others and make money out of college if you’re good at organizing and decluttering.

Depending on the job size, you can typically charge $30-$150 per hour.

53. Do Transcription Work

Transcription is the process of converting audio or video files into text.

And the good news is that there’s a growing demand for transcription services as more and more businesses are looking for ways to transcribe their audio and video content.

So, you can make money by doing this, starting from $1-$2 per audio minute.

54. Sell Your College Notes

There’s always a market for college notes, so if you’re willing to sell yours, you can make some easy money.

Websites such as Stuvia and OneClass facilitate the buying and selling of such, where notes usually sell for $5-$20, depending on the class and how in-depth the notes are.

That’s why you want to ensure that your notes are clear, concise, and comprehensive if you plan on doing this.

55. Provide Customer Service for Enterprises

One of the great things about working in customer service is that you can often do it remotely.

So, if you don’t want to leave your dorm room, this could be a great option. You can typically find work in this field for $10-$15 per hour.

56. Do Data Entry Work

Data entry is a simple task that you can do remotely.

You can also set your schedule and work as much or as little as you want. You only need a computer and an internet connection to earn an average of $17.48 per hour.

57. Work as a Virtual Assistant

Because many people in the world are busy, they could use some help with their everyday tasks.

You can be that helping hand by working as a Virtual Assistant (VA) and earn an average of $20.88 per hour.

You only need basic digital skills like emailing, internet researching, and data entry to get started.

58. Do Research for People or Businesses

There’s always somebody out there who needs help with their research. And chances are, if you’re good at it, you can make money by doing exactly that.

You can typically earn $32.28 per hour, depending on the nature of the work.

59. Offer Social Media Marketing Services

As a college student, you’re probably well-versed in the various social media platforms. And as a result, you can offer your services to businesses and make money.

You can typically earn $20-$30 per hour, depending on the scope of the work and your experience.

60. Do Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Work

College students who know how to rank high on search engines can make serious money by doing SEO work for small businesses.

This is because most small businesses don’t have the time or resources to invest in SEO, so they’re happy to outsource someone who does the work and pay them $56,426 annually.

61. Sell your College Gear Online

If you have any old college gear you don’t need anymore, you can sell it online as an easy way to make money in college.

Websites like eBay and Craigslist are great places to start, and you can typically earn $10-$20 for each item you sell.

62. Do Event Planning and Coordination

There are always events, and someone has to plan and coordinate them.

So if you’re the organized type, event planning and coordination may be a great way to make money in college.

You can charge starting at $25.05 per hour, depending on the size and scope of the event.

63. Offer Web Design or Development Services

Web developers and designers are in-demand, so they can charge $50-$100 per hour, depending on the nature of the work.

This could be a great way to make money in college online if you have experience in this field.

64. Sell your Skills as a Consultant

Consultancy is the best way to go if you want to make big bucks.

It’s a great way to make money out of college if you’re an expert in a certain field or have extensive knowledge about a certain subject.

You can charge $100-$300 per hour, depending on your skills and experience.

65. Provide Virtual Reality (VR) Services

Offer VR services if you have a knack for technology and an interest in providing immersive experiences.

It can be anything from setting up VR equipment to providing VR experiences, where you can make money in college online for $50-$100 per hour.

66. Be a Social Media Influencer

Partner with brands and promote their products or services if you have a large social media following.

You can typically earn $100-$500 per post and get started by reaching out to brands and pitching your services.

67. Sell Your Products or Services on Fiverr

Fiverr is the go-to platform for college students wanting to make some quick and easy money.

Services offered on the platform range from simple tasks like social media promotion to more complex services like voice-overs and video editing.

You can offer your services starting at just $5, though you’ll likely make more money as you gain more positive reviews.

68. Provide Market Research Services

If you’re good at numbers and have an analytical mind, you could put your skills to work conducting market research.

The pay will vary depending on the client and the scope of the project, but you can expect to earn around $27-$33 an hour.

69. Design Games

Game designers create the concepts, rules, and gameplay for video games.

They also work with artists and programmers to bring their vision to life and normally have a bachelor’s degree in game design, computer science, or a related field.

The median salary for a game designer is $18 hourly.

70. Create Mobile Apps

With over two billion active Android devices, you can create apps for a wide range of purposes- from games and utilities to organizational tools and e-commerce platforms.

And with the average price of an app being $1.99, there’s potential to make earnest cash.

71. Start a Youtube Channel

Make money through social media if you’re creative and have something unique to share with the world.

You can start a Youtube channel and generate income through advertising, sponsorships, or merchandise.

To be successful, you’ll need to create engaging content that appeals to a large audience.

72. Print-On-Demand Merchandise

If you have creative designs or slogans, you can print them on t-shirts, mugs, tote bags, and more.

Many print-on-demand companies will print and ship your products for you, so you don’t have to worry about inventory or fulfillment.

73. Watch Videos

You can make money by watching videos on platforms like InboxDollars and Swagbucks.

Doing so is an easy way to make money in college without a job. You’ll earn only a few cents per video, but it can add up if you put in the time and watch a lot.

74. Test Apps and Websites

Testing apps and websites as a user experience tester is another easy way to make easy money in college.

It involves performing various tasks on the app or website and providing feedback to the developers.

Testers can earn $10-$15 per test, and you can typically do a few tests per hour.

Other Ways To Make Money In College

75. Invest in Stocks

You can make money out of college by investing in stocks, which is a great way to grow your money over time.

You can start with as little as $5 and a free account with a broker like Robinhood.

76. Dive into Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is a digital asset that can be used as a medium of exchange.

And if you’re savvy about it, you can make money out of college online by trading cryptocurrency.

You can start with as little as $10 and a free account with a broker like Coinbase.

77. Bet on Your Favorite Sports Teams

While not the most reliable way to make money, betting on your favorite sports teams is another option to make money in college without a job.

Just be sure to set limits so you don’t spend more than you can afford.

78. Do Odd Jobs for People

There’s always someone willing to pay for odd jobs like yard work, handyman work, painting, or even dog walking.

If you know how to do any of these things and you’re willing to work for a reasonable price, then it’s a guaranteed easy way to make money in college.

79. Participate in Research Studies

Participate in research studies to make money in college without a job at around $34,847-$46,558 annually.

You’ll take surveys, try new products, or give your opinion on various topics.

80. Join Medical Studies or Clinical Trials

These usually involve giving your opinion on a new medication or treatment, and you may be compensated for your time and effort.

However, there is always a risk involved, so research before signing up for anything.

81. Sell Your Plasma

If you’re in good health, you can sell your plasma for $30-$60 per donation.

It’s a quick and easy way to make money in college, but it does require a bit of commitment as you’ll need to donate 2-3 times per week.

82. Sell Your Hair

Long, healthy hair can sell for $300-$1,000, depending on the length and quality.

If you’re willing to part with your locks, ensure they’re in the best condition possible to maximize your earnings.

83. Sell Your Clothes

Selling gently used clothes online or at consignment shops is another popular way to make money in college without a job.

You might not make much, but it’s a great way to declutter your closet and make some extra space.

84. Worm Farming

Worm farming can be a fun and easy way to make money out of college if you’re not squeamish. You can sell the worms for bait or composting.

85. Start a Recycling Business on Campus

You can start a recycling business on campus and collect recyclable materials from students and staff.

Doing so reduces waste and makes you some extra money that can go as high as $10,000 a month.

86. Work as a Party Promoter

You can get paid to promote parties and events, which is a way to earn $1,000 or more in a single night. Just be sure to stay safe and legal while you’re doing it.

87. Be a Professional Cuddler

There’s a growing demand for professional cuddlers, which is a great way to make money if you enjoy physical contact and making people feel good. You can earn $40-$80 per hour cuddling people, and you can typically work as many or as few hours as you want.

88. Rent Out Your Dorm Room on Airbnb

Rent an unused dorm room to earn $1,000 or more per month. You’ll need permission from your school and roommates first, but it’s an effortless way to make money in college without a job.

89. Start a Campus Food Delivery Business

Maximize your car’s potential by starting a campus food delivery business. You can deliver food from local restaurants to students and staff in exchange for $23.49 per hour.

90. Organize Student Discounts in your City

If your school doesn’t already have a program in place, you can start one that offers discounts to local businesses for students to save money and support your local community.

91. Create and Sell Customized T-Shirts

Design and sell custom t-shirts to earn $5-$10 per shirt. You can use tools like Teespring or CafePress to sell them online or at campus events.

92. Start a Shuttle Service for Students

If your school doesn’t have a shuttle service, you can start your own and charge students $5-$10 per ride as an easy way to make money in college.

93. Manage a Student Discount Card Program

Apply to be the manager and earn a commission on every sale under your program.

94. Work as a Camp Counselor

You can work as a camp counselor during the summer to earn some extra money, which averages $12.08-$17.69 per hour.

95. Start a Laundry Service for Students

Start your own business and charge students a small fee to wash and dry their clothes.

You’ll initially need to invest in a washer and dryer, but you can eventually make a profit of $500 or more per month.

96. Sell Food Waste

If you have a green thumb, you can sell food waste to local farms as compost for $10-$20 per truckload to make money out of college.

97. Sell Gift Cards

Do you have unwanted gift cards? Sell them online or at a local store that buys gift cards to make money out of college.

98. Do People’s Laundry

You can start your laundry service and charge people by the load if you live in a dorm or apartment complex with many people.

99. Work as a Personal Trainer

Fitness junkies will pay good money for a personal trainer, which is a great way to make money out of college if you’re passionate about health and fitness.

100. Start a Student Moving Services Business

You can start your own business and charge students $25-$50 per hour to help them move their belongings. It’s an easy way to make money in college if you have a truck or van.

101. Start a Meal Prep or Catering Business

People on the go often need someone to prepare healthy and packed food, which is a great way to make money out of college if you enjoy cooking.

You’ll invest some money upfront for ingredients, kitchen supplies, and packaging, but you can eventually make a profit.

Conclusion

There are plenty of ways how to make money out of college if you’re willing to get creative.

From working as a party promoter to starting your own business, the “I am a college student and I need money” no longer has to be a worry.

What’s your favorite way to earn extra cash while in school?

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Enoch Omololu

Enoch Omololu is a personal finance expert who has a passion for helping others win with their finances. He has a master’s degree in Finance and Investment Management from the University of Aberdeen Business School and has been writing about money management for over a decade. Enoch has been featured in several leading personal finance publications including MSN Money, The Globe and Mail, Wealthsimple, and the Financial Post.

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