10 Ways College Students Make Extra Money

Struggling to balance studies and finances? Here are 10 simple ways you can make extra cash without sacrificing your grades:

1. Freelancing: Use your skills (writing, design, coding) on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Earn $15–$50/hour.
2. Part-Time Jobs: Steady income from campus jobs, retail, or restaurants. Look for flexible hours.
3. Online Gigs: Try tutoring, virtual assistant work, or surveys. Earn $10–$20/hour depending on the gig.
4. Dog Walking or Pet Sitting: Earn $15–$50 per job with apps like Rover or Wag.
5. Selling Used Textbooks: Sell on Amazon, Chegg, or Facebook Marketplace for quick cash.
6. Joining Focus Groups: Share opinions online or in-person for $10–$200/session.
7. Renting Out a Car: Use Turo or Getaround to make $100–$300 for a weekend rental.
8. Selling Handmade Items: Create and sell crafts or digital art on Etsy or local platforms.
9. Becoming a Notary Public: Earn $25–$200 per job notarizing documents or handling loan signings.
10. Applying for Scholarships: Free money for school! Use Fastweb or Scholarships.com to find opportunities.

Quick Comparison

Mix and match these methods to find what works best for your schedule and skills. Whether it’s freelancing, tutoring, or selling old books, there’s a way for everyone to earn while studying.

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1. Freelancing for Extra Income

Want to make money using skills you already have? Freelancing might be your answer. You can work whenever you want – between classes, on weekends, or late at night. U.S. freelancers earn an average of $43.50 per hour, making it a sweet deal for college students.

Here’s what’s hot in the freelance world for students:

• Writers and editors (English majors, this one’s for you)
• Graphic designers (art students can shine here)
• Programmers (computer science folks, jump in)
• Social media managers (marketing students, your time to shine)

The best part? You’re already building these skills in your classes. Take what you’re learning and turn it into paid work. Sites like Upwork are great for professional services, while Fiverr works well for creative projects. Show off your class projects or personal work to catch clients’ eyes.

Quick tip: Start small and build up. New writers might begin at $25/hour, but experienced designers can pull in $100+ per hour. It’s all about building your track record.

Think of freelancing as your testing ground – you set the hours, pick the projects, and control your income. But if you want something more structured, a part-time job could be your next move.

2. Working Part-Time Jobs

Want a steady paycheck while studying? Part-time jobs are a tried-and-true way to earn money during college. Unlike freelancing’s ups and downs, these positions give you regular income and set schedules.

Federal Work-Study (FWS) campus jobs are perfect for students. Work at the library and you might sneak in some study time during quiet hours. Pick the dining hall and score free meals while you’re at it. Best part? These jobs fit perfectly around your classes – no schedule juggling needed.

Big companies like Target and Starbucks don’t just offer flexible hours – they sweeten the deal with benefits and even help pay for school. Local restaurants near campus also love hiring students because they get it – classes come first.

Here’s where students often find work:

• On campus (think library desk, dining hall, dorm advisor)
• Retail stores
• Restaurants (where tips can boost your income)
• Office temp work through companies like Robert Half

Ready to job hunt? Start here:

• Your school’s job board
• Campus career center
• Job sites like Indeed and LinkedIn
• Local staffing agencies

Pro tip: Want to maximize your earnings? Look for jobs with tips, like serving or delivery. But here’s a heads-up – check with your financial aid office first. You don’t want your earnings to mess with your aid package.

Office temp work is worth considering too. These jobs usually pay better than retail, plus you’ll get solid experience and references for your future career. Most staffing agencies are pros at working with student schedules.

Not into fixed schedules? No problem – online work might be more your speed.

3. Taking Online Gigs

Want to make money between classes without leaving your dorm room? Here’s how online gigs can put extra cash in your pocket.

Let’s break down your best options:

Got organizational skills? Jump into virtual assistant work through FlexJobs or Fiverr. You’ll handle tasks like email management, data entry, and social media – plus, you’ll pick up skills that’ll make your resume shine.

If you’re a whiz in certain subjects, try online tutoring. Sites like Tutor.com and Chegg will match you with students who need help. Math tutors can earn up to $20 per hour – not bad for sharing what you already know!

Looking for something simpler? Survey sites like Pinecone Research and Survey Junkie pay for your opinions. But here’s the reality check: while it’s easy money during downtime, the pay is pretty low for the time spent. Think of surveys as coffee money, not rent money.

Here’s the smart move: Mix these gigs based on what your schedule allows. When you’ve got more time, grab some tutoring sessions. When you’re swamped with classes, stick to quick tasks. These gigs fit YOUR schedule – that’s what makes them work for college life.

Not into online work? No problem – you can always head outside and make money walking dogs or pet sitting instead.

4. Walking Dogs or Pet Sitting

Want to make money while staying active? Set up your profile on Rover or Care.com – these platforms handle your payments and provide insurance. Start with dog walking before jumping into overnight pet sitting.

Here’s what you can earn on popular pet care apps:

Your campus location is perfect for pet care – faculty members and nearby residents often need someone to watch their pets during work hours or trips. Put up flyers at local pet stores and vet offices, as they keep lists of trusted sitters.

Smart scheduling is key. Pick specific times for walks and visits that work around your class schedule. This way, you won’t scramble to balance pet care with your studies.

Want to stand out? Get pet first aid certified (costs about $30 online), add quality photos with pets to your profile, and ask happy clients for reviews.

"Being consistent and reliable helps you build a strong client base. Communicate your availability and services clearly to avoid confusion", advises the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.

Don’t forget about taxes! Keep receipts for gas, pet supplies, and other job-related expenses – they might be tax deductible.

Pro tip: Build your client base close to campus. You’ll spend less time traveling between jobs and build a solid reputation in your immediate area.

Looking for another way to earn? Let’s talk about selling those textbooks taking up space on your shelf.

5. Selling Used Textbooks

Want to get the most money for your old textbooks? Timing is everything – sell at the start of the semester when demand peaks and students are hunting for deals. Not only will you put extra cash in your pocket, but you’ll help fellow students save money too.

Here’s what you need to know about the main selling options:

Pro tip: Before listing your books, use Bookscouter to check prices across multiple buyers at once. This tool helps you spot the best offers without jumping between different websites.

Want to skip shipping hassles? Facebook Marketplace lets you sell directly to local students, often at better prices. Plus, you’ll get paid right away with no shipping fees eating into your profits.

Make your listings stand out: Take clear photos in natural light that show any highlighting or notes. Being upfront about the condition builds buyer confidence and prevents return headaches.

Not interested in selling books? Consider joining focus groups – you can earn money just by sharing your thoughts and opinions.

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6. Joining Focus Groups

Want to make money sharing your thoughts? Focus groups are perfect for college students looking to earn extra cash. These days, most market research happens online – you can join right from your dorm room.

Take UserTesting, for example. They’ll pay you $10 for spending 20 minutes reviewing websites. Or go for traditional focus groups with companies like Nielsen and Ipsos, where you can earn $50-200 per session.

Here’s what you can expect from different types of focus groups:

Here’s a cool option: The Nielsen Computer & Mobile Panel. Just install their app, and you’ll earn money from your regular device usage. Plus, you’ll get invited to extra studies for more earning opportunities.

Want to maximize your chances? Sign up for multiple platforms. UserTesting is great for tech feedback, while Respondent.io focuses on consumer research. Being a college student actually gives you an edge – many companies specifically want your perspective.

The best part? You’re not just making money. You’re building skills that’ll look great on your resume. Those communication and analysis skills you’ll develop? Future employers love that stuff.

Not into sharing your opinions? No problem – you could always make money by renting out things you already own, like your car.

7. Renting Out a Car

Want to make money from your car while it sits in the parking lot? Car-sharing platforms like Turo and Getaround let you do just that. These platforms handle the hard stuff – bookings, payments, and coordination – while you earn money from your unused vehicle.

Here’s what you might earn from different types of vehicles:

What you’ll need to do:

• Keep your car in good shape
• Handle pickups and drop-offs
• Meet insurance requirements
• Take great photos of your vehicle
• Price competitively in your local market

The platforms offer insurance coverage, but double-check your personal policy for any restrictions. Keep in mind that more rentals mean more wear-and-tear on your car.

Here’s what you can make: Depending on your car and location, you could earn $100-$300 for a weekend rental. The platform will take a cut (10-40%) based on your chosen insurance plan.

Want more bookings? Be quick to answer messages and keep your car spotless. Happy renters mean more business.

Not sure about renting your car? No worries – we’ll look at selling handmade items next.

8. Selling Handmade Items

Got creative skills? Here’s how to turn them into money. With over 7.5 million active sellers, Etsy is the go-to marketplace for handmade goods – perfect for college students looking to make extra cash.

Let’s look at what sells best on Etsy and what you can earn:

Want to stand out from the crowd? It’s all about the photos. Think bright, natural lighting and clean backgrounds – these small details make a BIG difference in catching buyers’ eyes.

Smart pricing matters. Don’t forget to factor in platform fees when setting your prices. For digital art prints, check out Redbubble or Society6 – they’ll handle the printing and shipping hassles for you.

Want to skip shipping altogether? Try Facebook Marketplace or campus craft fairs. You’ll meet your buyers face-to-face and keep more of your profits.

Here’s how to make it work with your busy schedule:

• Block off specific times for making your items
• Batch your work (make multiple items at once)
• Set fixed days for shipping (once or twice a week is plenty)

Not into crafting? No problem. You might want to look into becoming a Notary Public instead – it’s another solid way to earn money while studying.

9. Becoming a Notary Public or Loan Signing Agent

Want to make good money between classes? Here’s something most students overlook: notary and loan signing services. According to the National Notary Association, notaries earn $25-50 per signature, while loan signing agents make $75-200 per appointment.

The best part? Your campus is full of potential clients. Students and faculty need notaries for financial aid forms, rental agreements, and legal documents. That means you’ve got a built-in market right where you live.

Here’s what it costs to get started:

You can work this gig around your schedule. Many loan signings happen in evenings and on weekends – perfect when you’ve got daytime classes. Plus, you’re picking up real business skills while you earn.

Pro tip: Start as a basic notary to learn the ropes, then level up to loan signing once you’re comfortable. Training programs can teach you everything from handling mortgage documents to getting more clients.

Want to make more money? Build relationships with local real estate agents and mortgage brokers. In this business, one good connection can send you enough work to cover your monthly costs with a single signing session.

State rules vary: California asks for extra training hours, while Florida keeps things simple. Check what your state needs before you start.

Looking to work from your dorm? Online platforms like Notarize and DocVerify let you offer remote notary services. You can make money without leaving your room.

If you’re worried about startup costs, don’t stop here – check out scholarships and grants as another option.

10. Applying for Scholarships and Grants

Looking for free money for college? Start at your school’s financial aid office. They offer scholarships that often fly under the radar, meaning you’ll face less competition than with national awards.

Want to cast a wider net? Websites like Fastweb and Scholarships.com can help. They list thousands of opportunities that match your profile and interests.

Here’s the best part: Scholarships and grants won’t affect your financial aid package since they don’t count as income. That makes them way better than picking up extra work hours.

Let’s look at what works for students who win scholarships:

Want to work smarter, not harder? Set up a separate email account just for scholarships. Write a few strong essays that you can mix and match for different applications. According to the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC), you’ll find less competition for scholarships from your own school compared to national ones.

"Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Apply for multiple scholarships and grants to increase your chances of securing funding", advises financial aid experts.

Here’s a tip most students miss: Your academic advisor can be your secret weapon. They know about department scholarships that never make it to the big websites. Plus, they’re usually happy to write recommendation letters that help your applications stand out.

Conclusion

Making money while studying isn’t just possible – it’s easier than ever before. Today’s college students can pick from lots of ways to earn, all while keeping their grades up. Let’s look at what works best:

Need quick cash between classes? Try dog walking or pet sitting. Want to work in your PJs? Jump into the world of online work – it’s never been easier to find clients who need your skills.

Mix and match for better results. Many students combine different money-making methods. Picture this: You write blog posts during the semester, then spend your winter break hunting for scholarships. This way, you keep money flowing while giving yourself the best shot at bigger payouts.

FAQs

How can I make money as a full-time student?

Want to earn money while hitting the books? Campus jobs are your best bet – they fit perfectly around your class schedule. The best part? You won’t need to leave campus to get to work.

Here’s what’s available right on campus:

Pro tip: Becoming a Resident Advisor (RA) is like hitting the jackpot – you’ll get free housing PLUS a monthly paycheck.

Need cash in your pocket right now? Keep reading for quick-money solutions.

How can a broke college student make money fast?

While work-study jobs offer steady paychecks, sometimes you need money TODAY. Here’s how to get cash quickly:

Turn Your Stuff Into Cash:

• Sell those dusty textbooks and unused items on Facebook Marketplace or eBay
• Jump into food delivery or rideshare driving with apps like DoorDash or Uber
• Make $15-50/hour on Fiverr or FlexJobs doing writing, design, or virtual assistant work

Want Top Dollar For Your Textbooks? List them early in the semester when students are desperate for books. Post on multiple platforms and check competitors’ prices to make sure yours move fast.

These quick-cash methods let you earn money without getting tied down, so you can stay focused on what matters most – your education.

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