College life is exciting, but let’s be real—it can also be financially stressful. Between tuition, textbooks, rent, and everyday expenses, money can get tight. Traditional jobs might not fit your schedule, and working for minimum wage isn’t always worth it. So, how do you make money in college without sacrificing your studies or social life?
Good news: there are plenty of flexible ways to make extra cash in college, even if you’re broke. Whether you need quick cash or want to build long-term income streams, here are 13 creative ways to make money in college.
1. Take Online Surveys
Want to earn money between classes? Online surveys can help you make a little extra cash with minimal effort. While you won’t get rich overnight, doing a few surveys daily can add up over time.
Some of the best survey sites include:
Survey Junkie
Swagbucks
Pinecone Research
Even if you only make $10 a day, that’s an extra $300 a month—perfect for groceries or a night out with friends!
2. Sell Your Knowledge as a Tutor
If you excel in certain subjects, why not get paid to help others? Many students struggle with math, science, or writing, and they’re willing to pay for tutoring.
Ways to start tutoring:
Advertise on campus bulletin boards
Join online tutoring platforms like Wyzant or Chegg Tutors
Offer lessons in skills like guitar, coding, or foreign languages
Teaching others not only helps your bank account but also strengthens your own knowledge.
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3. Freelance with Your Skills
Do you have skills in writing, graphic design, programming, or social media? Freelancing lets you work on your own schedule and earn great money.
Websites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer connect you with clients looking for your expertise. If you’re new, start small, build a portfolio, and gradually increase your rates.
4. Donate Plasma for Cash
Selling plasma is a quick and easy way to make money while helping people in need. Many donation centers pay $50–$100 per visit, and you can donate twice a week.
Check local plasma centers to find the best-paying options. Just make sure you’re well-hydrated before donating!
5. Use Your Car to Make Money
If you have a car, turn it into a money-making machine! Options include:
Food delivery with DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub
Grocery delivery via Instacart or Shipt
Ridesharing with Uber or Lyft
College towns are full of hungry students, so food delivery can be a lucrative side gig.
6. Offer Local Services
Not all jobs require an app—sometimes, good old-fashioned local services work best! Try offering:
Dog walking or pet sitting (use Wag! or Rover)
Babysitting (list yourself on Care.com or UrbanSitter)
House cleaning, yard work, or moving help (post on Facebook Marketplace)
These jobs often pay well and let you set your own hours.
7. Teach English Online
If you’re a native English speaker, teaching English online is a great way to make money from home. Companies like QKids and Cambly hire college students to tutor kids worldwide. Some platforms require a bachelor’s degree, but others don’t.
8. Become a TA or RA
If you enjoy campus life, becoming a Teaching Assistant (TA) or Resident Assistant (RA) can be a great way to earn money (or even get free housing!). TAs help professors with grading and admin work, while RAs oversee dorm life and organize student activities.
Ask your professors or housing office about open positions.
9. Flip Items for Profit
Buy low, sell high! You can make money in college by flipping items like:
Thrift store finds (vintage clothes, shoes, furniture)
Electronics (refurbished gadgets)
Textbooks (buy used and resell later)
List items on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, or Craigslist to make quick cash.
10. Sell Handmade Crafts
If you’re creative, turn your hobby into cash by selling handmade crafts on Etsy. Ideas include:
Jewelry
Custom artwork
Hand-painted sneakers
Knitted or crocheted goods
Starting costs are low, and you can scale up as you gain customers.
11. Become a Mobile Notary
Notaries witness signatures on legal documents, and you can charge for this service. Becoming a mobile notary requires certification (usually $50–$300), but once you’re set up, you can make $75–$200 per appointment.
Check your state’s requirements and start advertising locally.
12. Make Passive Income Online
Want to earn money while you sleep? Set up passive income streams like:
Affiliate marketing (earn commissions from product recommendations)
Blogging (earn from ads and sponsorships)
YouTube videos (monetize content through ads and sponsorships)
While these methods take time to build, they can eventually provide consistent income.
13. Start a Dropshipping Business
Dropshipping lets you sell products online without handling inventory. You simply set up a store (on Shopify or Etsy), partner with suppliers, and earn money from each sale.
It requires some upfront effort, but it’s a great way to learn about e-commerce and marketing.
Hustle Smart in College
Making money in college doesn’t have to mean working long hours at a boring job. With the right strategy, you can earn cash while still having time for studies, friends, and fun. Whether you start freelancing, flipping, or selling your skills, the key is to take action and stay consistent.
The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll have extra money in your pocket. So pick an idea, hustle smart, and start making money in college today!