You do not need special skills or to wait for someone to hire you to make money in college. If you want to supplement your income, you could start your own profitable side business. College students can start earning money today. College students are turning to side hustles to supplement their income and gain valuable experience.
Side hustles are jobs you do in your free time, rather than working for an employer who sets your schedule. Depending on the type of side job, you may be able to set your own rates and offer other services.
The best side hustles for college students are easy to do. Some students enjoy babysitting, while others prefer to do odd jobs online. Students can make extra money by doing these activities. You have to figure out what you do best and what won’t cause more stress in your college life. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it, once you have figured out what works best for you, make sure to stick with it.
If you are a current student looking for a side hustle, then you have come to the right place.
21 Smart Side Hustles for College Students
Here are the best side hustle ideas for college students today:
- Complete Surveys
- Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
- Deliver Food or Groceries
- Sell Items Online
- Start a Blog
- Editing
- Tutoring
- Rideshare Driving
- Photography
- Babysitting
- Donate Plasma
- Become a Lifeguard
- Use Your Car To Advertise
- Website or App Testing
- Haul Junk
- Virtual Assistant
- Freelance Work
- House Cleaning
- Thrift Flipping
- Car Detailing
- Gardening & Lawn Maintainance
1. Survey Apps
Taking surveys is a legitimate side hustle for college students. Taking surveys is a great way to make some extra money, but it is also an interesting way to get exposed to new topics and ideas. You do not need special skills, a lot of time or the ability to advertise your services. The rest will follow if you are passionate about what you do. Instead, you download an app like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, or Survey Junkie, complete a profile and then answer surveys.
Market research companies conduct surveys about products and brands. This helps companies understand the preferences and needs of their target market so they can tailor their products or services accordingly. College students are paid to give opinions so that they can create better products and services. College students give feedback that is valuable for companies as it gives a fresh perspective on their products and services.
You will not make a lot of money answering surveys. It is an easy way to make extra money in your spare time. You can increase your chances of covering your living expenses by answering surveys in your free time if you sign up for a few platforms. Be sure to check the payment options available on each platform to make sure that you are able to get paid in a way that is convenient for you.
You can take advantage of the highest-paying surveys if you check back often.
2. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
Why not get paid to watch or walk pets if you love pets? It is rewarding to spend time with your pets and make extra money. It gives you the chance to meet new people in your community who are looking for pet care services. You can use a third-party service like Rover to advertise your pet sitting services. Don’t forget to have an insurance policy for yourself and your business.
Before you agree to pet sit or walk, make sure you have a clear idea of what you will and won’t do. Before agreeing to pet sit or walk a pet, you should make sure you are comfortable with the owners. If you watch dogs, will you stay at the house or visit the pets more often? One important factor to consider is the individual needs of each pet, as you may need to tailor your services accordingly. How often will you walk your pets and how far will you go? It is important to consider the time of day you will be walking the pet, as some pets may be more comfortable at certain times.
You can be competitive by looking at the rates other dog walkers and pet sitters charge. You can research what types of services they offer to help determine your own rates. You can make more money if you look at what services they don’t offer. You can make more money by understanding the market, researching the competition and knowing what services they offer.
3. Food and Grocery Delivery
If you have a vehicle or other means of transportation, you can deliver food or groceries for money.
You can start these part-time side hustles by signing up with Instacart, Shipt, UberEats, or DoorDash. Before you choose, decide if you like grocery shopping or prefer to deliver food from restaurants.
You do the grocery shopping on your own and then deliver it. You can either pick up the groceries yourself or have them delivered to you. If you deliver food, you pick up restaurant orders that are already ready and deliver them to the client. To maintain customer satisfaction, you must ensure that the orders are delivered quickly and accurately.
You can set your own hours and pick up deliveries with each of these apps. It’s possible to make money while working on your own schedule. You can see how much you would make if you accepted the order before taking it. You can contact the customer to find out more about the order.
The better customer service you offer, the more money you will make. It will pay off in the end if you stay on top of your customer service skills and always go the extra mile for customers.
4. Sell Items Online
If you have items you don’t use or love finding great deals, consider flipping them for a profit on flea market sites. You will be surprised to see how quickly you can make money. You can make a few dollars selling secondhand and brand-new products.
Depending on what you have to sell, there are several sites you can use to sell your items, including Amazon, Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Worthy, and Poshmark. Before listing your items, make sure to read through their terms and conditions. To find out where your items would sell best, look around on each site. You can compare prices to make sure you are getting the best deal.
You have to include shipping costs when you sell things online. Customers can easily follow their orders if you give them tracking information.
5. Blogging and Vlogging
If you love to write about a specific topic, consider blogging. One of the best side hustle jobs for college students is vlogging, if you aren’t a writer but love to talk. Vlogging is a great way to express yourself and make money on the side.
The key to making money blogging is to find a niche- think about a topic you love and then find a niche within it. If you love fashion, look for a niche that isn’t over-saturation. It’s possible to focus on one type of clothing or a certain era of fashion. Maybe you write about “fashion for college students” or “fashion for college students on a budget.”
If you build an audience, you can make money from it. For example, you can make money blogging by sharing affiliate links to partners you want to promote that make sense for your audience. As you gain traction, brands may approach you, asking you to dedicate a post or video about their products or brand, paying you to do so. This is a great way to make money and build a personal brand.
Many brands will give you free products if you promote them. In some cases, a commission may be negotiated for each sale that is generated from a promotion. It can be fun to get free products if you have money in your bank account. When you take advantage of free offers, you can often get discounts on other products.
6. Editing
College students who excel at writing can use editing as a side hustle. It gives an opportunity to hone skills such as attention to detail, problem solving and time management. College students are often paid to edit website content. College students can gain valuable experience in the professional world by doing this. College students may need help with their essays. If you have the time and knowledge, you can help them with their essays.
There are a few ways in which you can get work with this side hustle. If you commit to making this side hustle successful, you can work on your own schedule and earn a good income. For example, advertise your services around campus and online on local websites to gain a local audience, or use third-party platforms like Fiverr or Upwork to advertise your services.
Fiverr
One of the most popular ways to make money on Fiverr is by offering your services as a virtual assistant. Entrepreneurs looking to make money online can use Fiverr. You can offer a wide range of services as a virtual assistant. Data entry, web research, and appointment setting are some of the services you can provide. If you have a strong work ethic and great organizational skills, you can easily build up a client base and start earning a significant income from Fiverr.
Upwork
There are a few ways to make money on Upwork. One way to make money on Upwork is to offer services that are in demand, such as web design, copywriting, or virtual assistance. You can either find clients or apply for jobs that have already been posted. It’s important to remember that your success as a freelancer will be dependent on your commitment and hard work. You can take advantage of the site’s freelancer membership, which allows you to access a variety of features and tools designed to help you succeed as a freelancer. The membership gives access to a network of other professionals who can offer guidance and support. Upwork allows you to earn money online. You have the ability to decide when and where to work.
7. Tutoring
College students are the perfect candidate to tutor students. You can tutor students or not. You excel in a subject and are comfortable teaching others. This is a great way to improve your teaching skills.
It’s possible to be an online tutor or meet in person and make money. You can create your own schedule with online tutoring companies that have flexible hours. Check the average price others charge for tutoring services. You can ask your friends and family if they recommend a tutor who offers competitive rates. You can make over $50 an hour for tutoring services. It is possible to make extra money by tutoring.
If you have a reliable car, auto insurance, and can pass a background check, you can sign up with rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. Both companies offer good side hustles. Both companies have great opportunities for those looking for supplemental income.
You can choose which rides you accept. It’s a great way to make money on your own. When you download the app and click that you are available, you can see the requested rides and what they will pay. Once you’ve accepted a ride, you’ll be able to navigate your way to the pickup location and drop off the customer at their destination. During peak times or when they need more help, both services offer base pay and promotional pay. The base pay may vary depending on the type of service, but promotional pay will always offer a higher wage. You can keep 100% of your tips from each service. Gratuities make a big difference in the income of your service staff.
You can make money when you need it or when you have a few hours to spare. You can make money at home. There is no need to set a schedule. You can make extra cash if you suddenly find yourself with a few free hours. The extra time can be used to finish a project, learn a new skill, or explore a hobby.
9. Photography
If you’re a photography major, it’s your minor, or taking pictures is just a fun hobby, turn it into an easy side hustle. Sell stock photos online if you already know how to take good pictures.
This is an example of a side hustle you can do both online and in person. Depending on your availability and workload, you can run the side hustle as much or as little as you want. You take pictures and then sell them online, making money while you sleep.
This is a great source of passive income. Even in uncertain times, it is a great way to build financial security. You take a picture, take a photo, take a photo, take a photo, take a photo, take a photo, take a photo, take a photo, take a photo, take a photo, take a photo, take a photo, take a photo, take a photo, take Before you submit your photo, be sure to read the guidelines for each site so you know what type of images they are looking for. You earn a commission each time you sell stock photos, if anyone can buy your picture from those sites. You can make more money by licensing your photos directly to customers.
Shutterstock
Shutterstock is a stock photography website where users can purchase royalty-free images and videos. There is an editorial section on Shutterstock that features photos and videos from around the world. A broad range of stories that explore topics such as culture, travel, lifestyle, and more can be found in the editorial section. Most of the content on Shutterstock is free to view, but users must pay for a subscription or purchase credits in order to download photos and videos. Payment plans range from one-time purchases to monthly subscription options, allowing users to choose the best plan that works for their needs.
Anyone with a knack for photography or videography can use Shutterstock as a side hustle. It’s a great way to make money in your spare time. Since Shutterstock pays out royalties to contributors every time one of their photos or videos is downloaded, it can be a great way to make extra money. You don’t need to be a professional photographer or videographer to join their contributor network, as it’s a great way to make money from your creativity.
The first thing you need to do is sign up for a free account. You can begin earning royalties once you submit your work to the platform. You can begin uploading your photos and videos once you have an account. You can share your content with family and friends on the platform.
iStock Photo
iStock Photo is a stock photography website that offers millions of royalty-free photos, illustrations, and videos. You can either purchase credits to download images or sign up for a monthly or annual subscription to access all of the site’s content. Both options give you access to a huge library of royalty-free images.
Photographers need to join the Stock community, apply to be a contributor, and submit samples of their work where they will be evaluated and a decision made on their admission to the community. Once accepted into the community, photographers will be able to sell their images to customers around the world.
10. Babysitting
College students can use babysitting as a side hustle. It’s a great way to learn how to work with children. If you want to become a teacher or work with kids in other ways, babysitting is a good way to get relevant work experience. Being a successful teacher depends on how you handle different types of children and babysitting can give you insight into how to do that.
You set your rates and availability. Online platforms can be used to find customers. Put your information on your social media pages. You can reach out to people in your network and ask them to spread the word. Word-of-mouth is the best way to get babysitting jobs. Tell people you’re available for babysitting if you have relevant qualifications and experience.
Depending on where you live, you can charge between $15 and $25 an hour for babysitting, which will pay you enough money to cover your living expenses and get ahead on your student loan debt. It’s a great way to make extra money to pay for college or save up for something special.
11. Donate Plasma
If you’re looking for unique side hustles, consider donating plasma. If you qualify, you can do this a couple of times a month. It’s a great way to make some extra money. To be eligible, you have to pass a physical at the donation center. You need to meet the minimum age requirement in order to be eligible.
College students are great candidates to donate because it only takes a few hours a month and you can make good money doing it. Donate blood is a great way to help those in need. You are helping people in need since it is hard to come by and many people rely on it for their well-being. You are getting paid for your time and effort, but also saving lives by donating your blood.
12. Become a Lifeguard
Whether you go home in the summer or stay on campus, local pools are always looking for lifeguards. Lifeguarding opportunities can be found at the local community centers and private country clubs. Lifeguarding jobs can be found on online job search sites.
You could offer swimming lessons if you are a good swimmer and good with kids. Become a certified swimming instructor to make sure you give the best instruction. If you teach kids to swim, you can make extra money. You can teach kids to swim and build confidence in the water by volunteering in a local organization.
13. Use Your Car to Advertise
If you have a busy college schedule that leaves you little time to work a side hustle, you can use your car to advertise. It’s a great way to make some extra cash without taking time away from your studies, and you can earn money by having your car feature a company’s logo or slogan. Companies will pay you to advertise if you drive off the college campus. You can save money on gas by doing this.
The only time you can use your car to advertise is when you wrap it. Allow for any additional time needed to keep your car clean and maintain the wrap. Your only job is to drive after the sign is on your car. The company doesn’t have to do any specific marketing, but the brand awareness increases naturally. Ensure that your content is consistent with the brand’s values and message in order to maximize brand awareness.
14. Website and App Testing
Companies pay college students to test websites and apps. College students who love technology and want to work on their own schedule can use these side hustles. If you want to maximize your potential earnings from these side hustles, you need to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in technology. Students who need a break mid-day and night owls are great for these tasks. Everyone has an opportunity to make money with a side hustle.
You must be able to focus to succeed at this side hustle. In order to be successful, you need the right tools and resources. You are testing websites and apps. If you want honest feedback about your experience, you have to pay attention to the minor details. It’s important to be as detailed as possible because your feedback can have a positive impact on the company’s products and services.
It is possible to get paid to test new websites and apps before they are released. You can get involved in the development of the products you use every day.
15. Haul Junk
People don’t want to deal with old items being sold online or at a flea market. It is possible to give back to the community by donating items to a charity. They would rather have the junk gone. Many people are hiring professionals to remove it. If you own a pickup truck, you can offer to pick up trash from other people. You can offer to pick up large items that people don’t have the means to do on their own.
If you have extra storage space and want to sell items at an online flea market, you could also offer those services. Social media can be used to spread the word about your services. Both opportunities can be used to make extra money. One or both can be used to supplement your income and help you reach your financial goals.
You can make decent money doing this job. It’s a great way to give yourself more money to spend. Consider the amount of time it will take to get to the pickup location, the amount of time it will take to get to the junkyard, and the amount of time it will take to determine your rates.
16. Virtual Assistant
Consider being a virtual assistant if you prefer to work odd jobs online. You will need a few hours a day to do this, so make sure it fits your schedule. It’s important to make sure that you don’t conflict with your existing commitments when you take on an extra job. Virtual assistants can do a variety of tasks, including:
- Answer emails
- Manage appointments or calendars
- Graphic design
- Blog posting
- Social media management
Working as a virtual assistant is a great way to gain more experience in the business world, helping build your resume so that when you are ready to find jobs after graduation, you have some experience under your belt. It gives you the chance to work with different people in different industries and allows you to gain a better understanding of how different businesses operate.
17. Freelance Work
The internet made it possible for people to work from home. Entrepreneurs have been able to pursue their dreams without relying on traditional job opportunities. If you think about what you are good at, chances are there is work for you. Start by researching job boards and websites that connect people with work.
Basic tasks like data entry can be done by you, as can more intense tasks like graphic design or social media management. There are always opportunities for you to make money online, no matter what type of work you choose to pursue.
It’s an excellent platform for independent work. On Fiverr, you can find a variety of jobs, from graphic design to virtual assistant services. A profile and gig that describe what you offer can be seen by a large audience on Fiverr. You will be able to communicate with customers and manage payments on the Fiverr platform.
As you set your rates, keep in mind that Fiverr keeps 20% of your profits. It’s important to make a profit after Fiverr takes a 20% cut.
18. Housecleaning
Establish a housecleaning business if you love to clean houses. Word-of-mouth and local area advertising are best for this type of business. Potential customers can be reached through a presence on social media. If you have already cleaned a few houses, ask your clients to spread the word or leave a review on your social media page so others can see that you offer a great service. In order to encourage your existing clients to recommend you to their friends and family, you can offer discounts or refer-a-friend incentives.
In busy cities, you will have more opportunities to advertise your services, but even small college town homeowners need housecleaners. Before launching a business, it is important to consider the demand for housecleaning services in the area.
19. Thrift Flipping
Thrift flipping is an easy side hustle if you love hunting. You can make a lot of money by thrift flipping, and you’ll get the satisfaction of finding unique items at the same time. You can find items at flea markets, Goodwill, or thrift shops and sell them online for a profit. You can resell items at a higher price if you purchase them at wholesale prices. eBay is the most popular site to use for thrift flipping, but you can also sell your finds on other sites. You can create an online store to sell items.
20. Car Detailing
College students love car detailing because it’s fun. It’s a great way to learn more about cars and keep up with the latest trends in automotive care. You can detail cars in your spare time. If you’d like to learn more about the process, you can find car detailing classes online. Whether you will clean the interior and exterior or just the exterior is up to you. It is possible to specify what you will do to a car’s exterior, such as washing, buffing, waxing, or cleaning.
21. Gardening and Lawn Maintenance
During the spring and summer, lawn maintenance and gardening are the best side hustles. With the extra time on your hands, why not make some money? It is possible to make good money taking care of lawns when you are off school. The money you make from taking care of lawns can be used to pay off student loans or at least get a head start on them. It’s a great way to stay active and make money at the same time.
Online Side Hustles for College Students vs. In-Person
Online and in person, students can find great side hustles. Side hustles are a great way to gain experience and make some extra cash. Depending on your abilities, how much control you want, and if you want to leave your apartment/dorm or work remotely. The decision of whether to work from home or at an office is one that requires careful consideration for many people.
Pros & Cons of Online Side Hustles
Online jobs are convenient for college students because you can often work them at any hour. For example, if you’re a night owl and are up at 1 You can make extra money working online. Online focus groups can help companies get feedback and make more money. If you are an early riser, you can finish the tasks early in the morning and have the rest of the day for school. If you wake up early, you can ensure that you have plenty of time to complete your tasks and still get a good night’s sleep.
You can find online side hustles such as data entry, web development and online tutoring. Side hustles give you more financial freedom and can be a great way to supplement your regular income.
There are drawbacks to online side hustles. Depending on your chosen job, you may have to handle your own marketing or pay a third-party platform a portion of your earnings. It is important to understand the marketing landscape so you can make informed decisions when it comes to your business, no matter what job you choose. If you advertise on Fiverr, they keep 20% of your profits, leaving you with less money in your pocket. It’s important to factor in the cost of Fiverr’s commission when pricing your services. To make an online side hustle worth it, you need to be detail oriented and organized. If you stay focused on the end goal and manage your time well, you can ensure that your side hustle will be profitable.
Pros & Cons of In-person Side Hustles
There are many side hustles to consider if you prefer in-person work. They could include providing virtual assistant services. There are many platforms that you can use to create your schedule. This can help you stay on track with your goals.
Since you are doing physical labor, such as driving, delivering, or watching kids or pets, in-person side hustles often pay good money.
There are downsides to working in person side hustle jobs. It can be difficult to balance work and family life. It may be difficult to schedule your shifts because of your busy college schedule. It is possible to create a balance between your studies and work. The hours of the service are up to you. You will have fewer options if you have more time late at night. You don’t need to worry about having limited options later on if you have a plan in place to make the most of your time during the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most lucrative side hustles for extra money as a college student?
College students can make a lot of money doing side hustles. College students can make extra money by doing side hustles. For example, if you love to drive, signing up with Uber or DoorDash is a great way to make money. If you have limited time and like to work during odd hours, online side hustles are the best way to make money. There are also data entry jobs.
What college side hustles pay the most money?
Many of the best side hustles that pay the most money are those you do in person, like babysitting, pet sitting, lawn maintenance, or tutoring. They pay well if you provide a service to them. We recommend that you see what your competitors charge, so that you keep your rates competitive. You should always charge what your time and services are worth.
What are the most flexible side jobs for college students?
Online jobs are the most flexible for college students. Students can work remotely and on their own schedule with these jobs. College students can do virtual odd jobs like taking surveys, editing, and writing in their free time. This makes virtual odd jobs a great way for college students to make money while still focusing on their studies. This will allow you to make more money without having to worry about scheduling. You can set your own hours and work as you please.
Does making income from a side hustle affect financial aid eligibility as a college student?
Your family’s financial need is what determines need-based financial aid. It is possible to reduce the amount of money you need to pay for college. If your side hustle income is taken into account when your need is calculated, your eligibility for need-based aid may be reduced.
