As a college student, I’ve faced the tough challenge of balancing school work with making money. Tuition, books, and living costs add up fast, leaving little for savings. But, with the right mindset and some creativity, college students can earn extra and gain real-world experience. This article shares 13 side hustle ideas to help you make money and achieve your academic goals.
Key Takeaways
- College students can explore a variety of side hustles to earn extra income, from selling stock photos to starting a part-time photography business.
- Flexible gig work, such as driving for rideshare companies or delivering food, can provide college students with the flexibility to earn money around their academic schedules.
- Freelancing, tutoring, and offering handyman services are all potential side hustles that allow college students to leverage their existing skills and interests.
- Entrepreneurial opportunities, like starting an Etsy business or providing tour guide services, can enable college students to become their own bosses and set their own hours.
- Balancing work and study effectively is key to succeeding academically, professionally, and emotionally as a college student with a side hustle.
Sell Stock Photos
For college students who love photography, selling stock photos can be a great way to make extra money. Many websites, publications, and businesses need stock images to make their content look better. Sites like Shutterstock let students sell their photos online and earn money.
To begin, students should pick their best photos and upload them to stock photo sites. These sites have rules about the kind of images they accept. It’s key to learn these rules before you start. Once your photos are accepted, you get paid every time someone downloads and uses your photo.
Selling stock photos can give students a steady way to make money. Every time a photo is sold, the student gets a part of the sale. This means they can make money without always working on new projects. With hard work and an eye for great photos, students can make their photography skills pay off.
“Selling stock photos has been a game-changer for me. It allows me to earn extra money while doing something I’m truly passionate about – photography.”
By using the high demand for stock image sales and the talent in college students, Shutterstock and similar sites are great for make money photography and sell stock photos.
Start a Part-Time Photography Business
For photography lovers, starting a part-time photography business is a great way to make extra money. Students can show off their work and offer their services to local families and other students. This lets them make money and follow their dream.
Our research shows that a photographer began their part-time business in college. Now, they do three paid shoots a week, on top of their full-time job. In the summer, they even doubled their shoots. By 25, they bought a home in Vancouver, thanks to their photography business and day job.
To get more clients, the photographer used online ads like Craigslist and Kijiji. They also made money from apps like UberEats and Turo. These helped them earn regularly in the beginning.
Using Google Business Profiles helped the photographer find local clients and get noticed online. Asking for reviews from clients helped too. And asking for referrals brought in many new clients.
Setting clear prices for photography packages helped build trust with clients. Starting at rates made things clear and honest.”The best part is you can choose not only your own prices, but your own hours.”
With college costs rising, a part-time photography business is a smart choice for students. It helps them earn more and follow their creative dreams. By using their skills and finding local clients, students can make their photography hobby pay off.
Babysitting Services
As a college student, babysitting is a flexible and fun side hustle. It’s great whether you’re at a rural campus or a busy city college. There’s always a need for college student babysitters who are reliable and responsible.
If you love being around kids, babysitting can be a great way to make extra money. Set your hourly rate, usually between $15 to $25 per hour. Then, use sites like Sitter City or Care to find clients in your area.
- Earn $22.68 per hour on average for babysitting or nannying (UrbanSitter)
- Devote around 14 hours per week to this side hustle
- Enjoy the flexibility of setting your own schedule and working with families that suit your preferences
Babysitting is a great college student side hustle. It lets you make money and have fun with kids. With the right approach, you can make your love for kids into a profitable childcare side hustle during college.
Become a Tour Guide
If you live in a popular tourist spot, think about being a tour guide. You can make good money by showing off the local sights, buildings, or secret spots. This way, you give visitors a special experience and earn extra cash.
First, think about what you know and love about your area. Is it the history, architecture, or food scene? Use your knowledge to plan a tour that’s fun and interesting. Then, promote your tours on Airbnb Experiences or through your school.
As a student tour guide, you can meet the need for real, local experiences. Travelers want guides who know the place well and can show them around. By sharing your favorite spots and your love for the area, you can make money and share your passion.
“Being a tour guide allows me to share my city’s rich history and culture with visitors from around the world. It’s a rewarding side hustle that fits perfectly with my college schedule.”
| Side Hustle | Average Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Tour Guide | $20 – $35 per hour |
| Airbnb Experiences | $50 – $150 per experience |
Drive for Rideshare Companies
If you own a car in college, consider driving for Uber or Lyft. This side job has grown a lot in the last year. Students can make money by offering rides around campus.
Driving for Uber or Lyft lets you set your own hours. You’ll meet new people and get better at helping customers. You can earn $20 to $40 an hour, depending on how busy it is and your rating.
| Rideshare Driving Statistics | Uber | Lyft |
|---|---|---|
| Company Value | $18 billion | N/A |
| New Driver Sign-on Bonus | Up to $150 | Up to $150 |
| Driver Rating Requirement | 4.6 | 4.5 |
| Average Hourly Earnings | $20 – $40 | $20 – $40 |
To drive for Uber or Lyft, you need a 2004 or newer car and a smartphone. Your driving record must be clean. You’ll also be able to deduct your miles at 56.5 cents each, which can lower your costs.
Driving for these companies is a great way to make extra money or get experience in customer service. It’s perfect for students who already have a car.
Deliver Food and Groceries
As a college student, making extra money while studying can be tough. But, food and grocery delivery services have become a great side hustle. Companies like Uber Eats, GrubHub, and DoorDash let students earn by delivering food and groceries with their cars.
These food delivery side hustle jobs are flexible. You can work as much or as little as you want, on your own time. If you’re free between classes or want to make extra money on the weekends, these grocery delivery jobs are a good fit.
Food and grocery delivery services are easy to get into. After signing up and getting approved, you wait for orders, pick up the items, and deliver them. These platforms also help you find the best routes, making your job easier.
| Delivery Platform | Earning Potential | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|
| Uber Eats | $10 – $25 per hour | Flexible scheduling, cash-out options |
| GrubHub | $12 – $18 per hour | Diverse restaurant partnerships, tips |
| DoorDash | $15 – $25 per hour | Bonuses for peak hours, referral program |
Want to make extra cash for school, books, or hanging out? Being a food delivery driver or grocery delivery contractor is a great choice for students. These platforms are easy to use and can pay well, making them a hit with students looking to earn more.
Haul Junk and Offer Moving Services
College students can make extra cash by offering junk hauling and moving services. College Hunks Hauling Junk is a great choice for both men and women. They can work as “Hunks” – Honest, Uniformed, Nice, and Knowledgeable service providers.
Online shopping and frequent moves have made junk hauling and moving services more popular. Almost 70% of college students worry about money. These side hustles offer a good way to earn and help the community.
Students can also make money by offering moving services with College Hunks Hauling Junk. This is great during the summer when people move more often. It’s easy to start and fits around class schedules, making it a profitable side job.
| Service | Average Earnings | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Junk Hauling | $138+ per pickup truck load |
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| Moving Services | Varies based on job size |
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By looking into junk hauling and moving services, college students can find great side hustles. They can make more money and still focus on their studies.
Advertise on Your Car
If you’re a college student looking for an easy way to make extra cash, think about making your car a mobile ad. Car wrap advertising lets you earn money by showing off a company’s brand on your car.
A 2019 Nielsen survey found that 64% of people noticed a wrapped car recently, while only 44% saw a billboard. This shows how effective car ads can be. It also shows college students can make good money from this trend.
How It Works
It’s easy to get started. You work with a car wrap company like Carvertise, Wrapify, or Nickelytics. They pay you to show their ads on your car. They look for cars made in 2010 or later and a clean driving record.
After you’re approved, the company puts a removable wrap on your car. This wrap is usually a mesh or magnet. Ad campaigns last from 3 to 12 months, and you get paid each month. Carvertise drivers make about $200 to $300 a month. Wrapify and Nickelytics pay up to $450 and $250 a month, respectively.
This way to make money is easy and requires little effort from you. Just drive your car as you normally do, and you’ll start earning.
“Carvertise attracted 20 new drivers a day at its launch in 2015 and now has a network of over 500,000 drivers, with more than 200 new sign-ups daily.”
Be careful not to fall for scams. Watch out for companies that contact you out of the blue, ask for money upfront, or make you pay for the wrap. Always choose well-known, reputable companies for a safe and profitable experience.
By making your car a mobile billboard, you can earn money easily. This is a great side job for college students. It helps you make extra money for school or other bills.
Offer Handyman Services
As a college student, finding extra income is key. One often overlooked side hustle is offering handyman services. You can fix leaky faucets, assemble furniture, or do simple home repairs. There’s always a need for skilled and affordable handymen in the community.
You can use your practical skills and DIY knowledge to help homeowners and renters. They might not have the time or skills for these tasks. By using platforms like Angi or Thumbtack, you can find clients and set your own prices. This lets you make a good income on your terms.
Handyman work is flexible, fitting around your class schedule. You can take on projects when it suits you. The money you make can help with living costs, pay off student loans, or save for the future.
“Handyman services are in high demand, and college students with the right skills can capitalize on this opportunity. It’s a great way to earn extra cash while gaining valuable real-world experience.”
To start, look at what tasks you’re good at and what you’re comfortable with. Make a portfolio of your work and promote it to local homeowners and businesses. With hard work and a business mindset, you can turn your handyman skills into a successful side hustle that supports your college life.
Start an Etsy Business
For college students with a creative flair and an entrepreneurial spirit, Etsy is a great place to start a side hustle. This online marketplace lets entrepreneurial college students sell their handmade crafts, vintage finds, and unique items worldwide.
Over 54% of Americans now have a side hustle to make extra money. An Etsy side hustle is a great way for college students to do the same. Etsy has been around for nearly 20 years and has helped many sellers make a lot of money. For example, A Jar of Pickles and an Etsy clothing shop have both made over $500,000 in sales.
To start, you just need creativity and a passion for what you do. Whether it’s selling handmade crafts or selling vintage items, Etsy is a great place to show off your unique items.
Kirstie Wang, a college student, started her Etsy side hustle while working full-time. Her brand, A Jar of Pickles, became a six-figure business. After a few years, she made consistent six-figure annual revenue.
“The key to success is to focus on completing current projects rather than constantly chasing new ideas. This ensures growth and progress in your business,” advises Kirstie Wang.
Kirstie’s story shows how you can grow your business slowly and steadily, even with a busy schedule. At her peak, she made $4,000 a month on Etsy, working just 5 hours a week.
If you’re a college student who loves creating or curating unique items, think about starting an Etsy business. With hard work, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit, you can make the most of this online marketplace.
Freelance Writing and Editing
In today’s digital world, freelance writing and editing are great side jobs for college students. Websites, blogs, and digital content need talented writers and editors. Freelancing lets students work on their own and get real-world experience before they graduate.
To get into freelance writing and editing, pick a niche that fits your skills and interests. Some top choices for college students are:
- Web content creation (e.g., blog posts, landing pages, product descriptions)
- Social media content (e.g., captions, tweets, Facebook posts)
- Copywriting (e.g., emails, newsletters, brochures)
- Academic writing (e.g., research papers, essays, literature reviews)
- Technical writing (e.g., user manuals, tutorials, industry reports)
Freelance writing can pay well, with experienced writers earning up to $1.25 per word for articles. Editing jobs might pay less but are often quicker. By creating a portfolio and using sites like Upwork, Contently, and Writers Work, students can find freelance jobs that match their time and money goals.
| Freelance Writing Opportunity | Typical Rate |
|---|---|
| Magazine Articles | $0.10 – $2 per word |
| Landing Page Content | $50 – $200 per post |
| Business Descriptions | $2 per description |
| Blog Posts | $50 – $200 per post |
Freelance writing and editing can help you earn extra money, pay off loans, or gain valuable experience. With hard work, a strong portfolio, and networking, you can open doors as a freelancer in college.
college student side hustles
College costs keep going up, so students are looking for ways to make extra money. “Side hustles” are becoming popular – they are part-time jobs that students can do on their own time. These jobs can help students pay for school and also give them real-world experience. Students can try online tutoring or freelance writing, among other things.
Platforms like Upwork, TaskRabbit, and Fiverr are great for students to find side jobs. They offer jobs in many areas, like accounting, graphic design, or statistical analysis. These jobs match students’ interests and help them build their careers.
Side hustles that offer remote work or unconventional hours are perfect for college students. Jobs like babysitting, tutoring, and administrative tasks can be done on nights and weekends. Freelancing in areas like programming, social media management, and content creation also fits well with class schedules.
“The growth of side hustles among college students has surpassed traditional part-time jobs, reflecting a shift in employment trends within the education sector.”
Starting an Etsy business or selling items online can also be a good side hustle for students. These ventures offer financial benefits and help students learn important skills like marketing and sales.
Diverse Side Hustle Options for College Students
- Online tutoring
- Selling products on platforms like Amazon, Etsy, or Facebook Marketplace
- Dog walking or pet sitting
- Flipping furniture or other items for profit
- Starting a car detailing business
- Selling digital products like e-books or design templates
- Becoming a certified referee for local sports leagues
- Delivering food for companies like GrubHub, UberEats, or DoorDash
- Launching a blog in a niche like baking, fashion, or fitness
- Offering music lessons to fellow students
- Freelancing in fields like web design, writing, editing, or marketing
- Participating in online focus groups or surveys
- Acting as a brand ambassador for local businesses
- Providing house-sitting or pet-sitting services in the community
By trying out these college side hustles and student side jobs, students can earn money in college. They can also gain valuable skills and experience. Turning a passion into a profitable side hustle is a great opportunity.
Proctor Exams and Tests
College students can make extra money by helping with test administration as exam proctors. Schools and universities need people to make sure tests are fair and secure. This includes exams like the SAT, ACT, LSAT, and MCAT.
Pay for exam proctoring varies, with rates from $12 to $15 per hour common. But, some tests like the LSAT and MCAT pay more. They can offer over $100 per event for tests like the ACT or SAT.
To find proctoring jobs, students can contact organizations like Kaplan or The Princeton Review. They often hire proctors for their test prep courses. Also, many university exam departments have proctoring jobs available for anyone, but pay might be lower.
Having a connection within the institution can help get a proctoring job. Libraries, including college ones, might also offer proctoring jobs. But, they might have limited spots due to space and staff.
By using their knowledge and free time, college students can turn exam proctoring into a profitable side job. This flexible work can help them earn extra money to support their studies.
Tutoring Services
Are you a college student who loves teaching and knows a subject well? Offering tutoring services could be a great way to make extra money. The demand for personalized education is growing, making it a good chance for college students to start a side business.
To be a successful tutor, pick a niche that matches your skills. You could help with academic tutoring in subjects like math, science, or languages. Or, you could focus on subject tutoring for tests like the ACT or SAT. This way, you can offer great value to your clients.
Native English tutoring is a great niche because many immigrants and non-native speakers need to improve their English. Starting a small tutoring business as an LLC can make you more credible and flexible. This helps you serve your clients better.
| Tutoring Service | Hourly Rate | Market Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Native English Tutoring | $25 – $75 per hour | High demand due to large immigrant population |
| ACT/SAT Test Prep | $75 – $125 per session | Millions of students take these tests annually |
| Subject-Specific Tutoring (e.g., Math, Chemistry, French) | $15 – $100 per hour | Consistent demand throughout the academic year |
To run a successful tutoring side hustle, stay organized and have clear rules. Use digital platforms and social media to find more clients and show off your skills. Also, tailor your tutoring to fit different learning styles. This helps you keep a wide range of clients and make a bigger impact.
The tutoring side hustle is a great way for college students to earn more money and improve their teaching skills. With the right approach and dedication, you can turn your knowledge into a successful academic tutoring business.
Housesitting and Petsitting
College students can make more money by offering housesitting and petsitting services. These jobs are flexible and let you earn extra cash by taking care of homes and pets.
Housesitting can pay well. Students can make about $15 to $30 a day for simple tasks like feeding pets and keeping an eye on the house. For full-time housesitting, where you live in the home, you can earn $20 to $30 a day. This depends on where you are and how many pets you’re looking after.
Petsitting is another great way for students to earn. By using platforms like Rover, students can offer pet care services. They can make an average of $35 a night in the Boston area. This job lets students make money and spend time with pets.
Spring break is a good time for students to find housesitting and petsitting jobs. Many families need someone trustworthy to look after their homes and pets while they’re on vacation. This is a great chance for students to earn extra money.
Students can also offer both housesitting and petsitting services together. This gives families a full package and can help students earn more. Adding tasks like spring cleaning, gardening, and caring for older adults can also increase earning options.
“Housesitting and petsitting gigs can be a game-changer for college students looking to supplement their income. With flexible schedules and the ability to earn decent pay, these side hustles offer a convenient and rewarding way to make ends meet while in school.”
If you love pets or enjoy taking care of homes, housesitting and petsitting are great options for college students. These jobs let you earn money watching homes and pets. They help students become more financially independent and give them more freedom in their studies and personal life.
Conclusion
College students face a big challenge balancing their studies, extracurriculars, and side jobs. These side gigs can bring in money and experience. But, it’s important not to let them take over their studies.
Using good time management and setting achievable goals helps students handle everything. This balance is key for personal growth and staying well.
There are many college side hustles like selling photos, starting a photography business, or opening an Etsy store. These can help students earn extra money and be entrepreneurs. But, it’s key to keep a good work-life balance to do well in school and life.