Most college students quickly learn that college is a rapid transition, and often a rude awakening, into the world of economics. Unless you’re lucky enough to have a generous benefactor, and even if you’ve earned a complete scholarship, having an additional income is desirable to fund all of the accessory costs incurred while attending college, such as book expenses, technology costs, clothing expenses, and even recreational funds. Read on to learn the 7 ways to make money in college.
How to earn money while studying in college
While many colleges offer work-study positions and many regional businesses in service industries such as restaurants and hotels regularly hire college students, there are a variety of other positions that offer flexible hours with the opportunity to earn a decent income as a college student. Let’s explore 7 ways to make money in college.
Tutor.
Many colleges offer tutoring services for academically qualifying students to interested students on campus. Tutoring positions generally offer relatively flexible hours, most often allowing students to schedule with one another based on convenience. Ambitious students can also solicit interested tutees who are in high school or elementary school.
Developing a network, either through tutoring agencies or by contacting private or public schools, allows interested students the opportunity to work at a relatively flexible position with starting rates generally around 25$/ hour. Tutors can specialize in a variety of subjects, though math, science, and reading are typically the most sought-after subjects of interest.
Babysit.
Babysitting is the most convenient form of childcare relative to college students given that it doesn’t require any major requirements relative to other childcare positions, such as preschool or early childhood education certifications.
With a background check and perhaps CPR training, if a parent has such requirements, you can enter the field of babysitting. Babysitting offers many advantages given that there is an abundance of potential clients, as many professors have children and work long hours.
Babysitting also entails relatively easy work (if you like kids!) that generally pays well based on your negotiation skills and, in some instances, can be extended into a summer job. Many families deliberately hire au pairs to watch their children while on vacation, which may allow you to travel for free and earn some money!
Work in a lab.
Although not as flexible or as lucrative as some other positions, colleges generally feature an abundance of laboratory-based positions that can be as simple as cleaning and replacing laboratory equipment.
For those with scientific backgrounds or studying to enter a scientific field, working in a lab is a great opportunity to gain exposure to the laboratory setting. Such exposure can transition to positions with more responsibility and greater pay as well as networking and research opportunities that can lead to grants and scholarship opportunities for future study.
Many lab positions qualify as work-study positions, though some can also transition to full-time opportunities if you work for a university-affiliated research facility or hospital. In many instances, lab positions will also entail work during the summer, providing an opportunity to earn extra income. For those who don’t like working weekends, lab positions generally operate during the workweek.
Transportation service.
The digital age has also brought with it a boon in delivery positions that often accommodate college students’ schedules. Those with vehicles can work in passenger delivery, as with popular services such as Uber and Lyft, while those only on bikes can work as couriers or even in meal delivery.
Working as a courier can even be a freelance entrepreneurial position for those motivated to own their own operation, but transportation positions generally offer the flexibility to set your own hours with a delivery window or at least work as much as you want.
Data entry.
For those looking for the freedom and convenience of working online, working in data entry offers an excellent opportunity to work in a field with abundant job opportunities.
Data entry positions are often flexible and part-time positions that require you to enter information relative to business transactions, including scheduling, purchasing orders, or any compliance-related endeavor. Similar positions include customer service and online mystery shopping that offer similar convenience and little investment aside from a computer.
Write freelance articles.
For those with some literary flair, you can work as a copywriter or a blogger for a variety of entities. Depending on your level of experience and specialty, you may be able to write for a variety of online platforms such as iwriter or Upwork, in addition to Contently and Clearview, but savvy students may also be able to find work by directly contacting magazines or online publications and submitting pitches for pieces that they like to write.
College-oriented publications, particularly local papers, are always open to submissions from students, particularly if they relate to relevant topics for college students or the local community.
There are a host of online writing platforms as well as online writing opportunities that range from email writing to resume writing that offer flexibility as well as the opportunity to earn some decent income.
Web design/ website building.
With greater technical skill comes greater reward, and those with a background in web design can enjoy a potentially lucrative position with abundant flexibility.
Although web design is a more technical skill that caters to those who are more digitally literate, web design offers the opportunity for self-motivated students to learn from external resources while helping others develop web pages for personal use or business.
For those looking to enter the world of business, entrepreneurship, or even software development, working as a web designer not only offers a great way to earn money but also to develop skills that translate into even more lucrative professional possibilities.
There are a host of work opportunities available for college students that haven’t even been mentioned here, though the above opportunities all offer the combination of flexibility, ease of access, minimal training required, or the opportunity to earn a decent income.
If you’re looking to put some money in your pocket while you’re in school, these positions are a great way to fund your college experience as well as a great start to an even more rewarding career journey.
Ways for College Students to make money online
There are many ways college students can make money online while in school:
- Freelancing: Freelancing is a great way to monetize your skills and services. You can offer your expertise in areas like writing, graphic design, programming, social media management, and more. Freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer provide opportunities for freelancers to connect with clients and earn money for their work.
- Online tutoring: If you have expertise in a particular subject, you can offer online tutoring services through platforms like Chegg, TutorMe, and Wyzant. Online tutoring can be a flexible way to earn money, as you can set your hours and work remotely.
- Online surveys: Online survey sites like Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, and Vindale Research allow you to earn money by completing surveys and sharing your opinions. While you won’t make much money doing this, earning extra cash in your spare time can be a good way.
- Online marketplaces: Online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy allow college students to sell items online. You can sell anything from handmade items to textbooks to earn extra income.
- Online content creation: Creating online content on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, or TikTok can be a way to monetize your interests and hobbies. You can earn money through advertising revenue, sponsorships, and other opportunities.
- Online investing: Online brokerage accounts like Robinhood, E*TRADE, and TD Ameritrade allow you to invest in stocks, mutual funds, and cryptocurrencies. While investing comes with risks, it can also provide opportunities for long-term growth and earning potential.
Remember, making money online requires time, effort, and dedication. Choose a method that aligns with your skills and interests, and be prepared to put in more work to see results. Be wary of scams and do your research before investing time or money into any online opportunity.
