Getting into college is a major achievement, and you’ll definitely want to get the most out of your time in class. Socializing with your fellow students, however, also is a big part of the college experience. You can probably count on late-night takeout orders and weekend trips with friends that may require extra spending money. Luckily, there are many kinds of part-time jobs, freelance work, and entrepreneurial ventures to help you make money without taking too much time away from your studies.
Work-Study Programs
Work-study programs are a federally funded initiative available as part of a financial aid package. If you qualify, a federal work-study program will provide you with part-time work—this could be an on-campus or off-campus job. To apply, students need to fill out and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
What is a Work-Study Program?
Work-study programs are a type of financial aid that allows students to earn money to help cover educational expenses. These programs are funded by the federal government and administered by the student’s college or university. To qualify, students must demonstrate financial need and be enrolled at least part-time.
How Do Work-Study Programs Work?
The money earned through a work-study program is not counted as income, which means it doesn’t affect a student’s eligibility for other forms of financial aid. Students are typically paid at least minimum wage and can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year. Jobs can be on-campus, like working in the library or cafeteria, or off-campus at approved non-profit organizations.
Benefits of Work-Study Programs
The main benefit of a work-study program is that it provides students with the opportunity to earn money to help pay for college expenses without having to sacrifice their studies. Work-study jobs are also designed to be flexible, so students can work around their class schedules. Additionally, the experience gained from a work-study job can be valuable for building a resume and developing professional skills.
Campus Jobs
Many college students work on-campus jobs. Colleges and universities often hire students to help run campus facilities like libraries, cafeterias, and bookstores, and give tours to prospective students and families. Juniors, seniors and graduate students may be able to find more advanced opportunities for work within their academic departments, such as becoming a teaching assistant or research assistant for a professor.
Types of On-Campus Jobs
On-campus jobs can range from entry-level positions like working the front desk at the student center to more specialized roles like laboratory assistant or academic tutor. Some common on-campus jobs include:
- Library assistant
- Cafeteria/dining hall worker
- Bookstore cashier
- Admissions tour guide
- Resident assistant (RA)
- Teaching assistant
- Research assistant
Benefits of On-Campus Employment
The main advantage of working an on-campus job is the convenience and flexibility it offers. Since the job is right on campus, you can easily work it around your class schedule. On-campus employers also tend to be understanding of a student’s academic commitments. Additionally, on-campus jobs can help you build connections with fellow students and faculty, which can be valuable for your overall college experience.
How to Find On-Campus Jobs
Most colleges and universities advertise open student employment opportunities on their career services website or job board. You can also check with specific departments or offices, like the library or student center, to inquire about any available positions. Attending job fairs hosted by your school is another great way to connect with potential on-campus employers.
Tutoring
As a college student, you may be able to leverage your academic career into a job tutoring other students. This could involve helping high school students with specific subjects or offering coaching for standardized tests. Depending on how many clients you have, tutoring may only take a few hours a week and become a lucrative side hustle.
Identifying Your Tutoring Strengths
When considering tutoring, think about the subjects you excel in or areas where you have specialized knowledge. This could be anything from advanced math and sciences to foreign languages or test prep. Highlighting your academic strengths will help you attract the right clients.
Setting Up a Tutoring Business
To get started as a tutor, you’ll want to create some promotional materials like flyers or an online profile. Clearly outline your qualifications, availability, and hourly rates. You can market your services through your school’s job board, community forums, or even social media. Building a strong reputation through positive client reviews will also help you grow your tutoring business.
Pricing and Scheduling Tutoring Sessions
Typical hourly rates for college student tutors range from $15 to $40 per hour, depending on the subject matter and your level of expertise. Be sure to factor in travel time if you’ll be meeting clients in-person. When scheduling sessions, try to maintain a consistent schedule that works for both you and your students.
Paid Internships
A paid internship is a way to earn money and support your future career development at the same time. Internships often take place during school breaks, offer valuable experience, and can convert to permanent placements once you graduate. You can look for these jobs online, attend job fairs hosted by your university, or visit your campus career center to get connected with prospective employers.
Benefits of Paid Internships
Paid internships provide college students with hands-on, real-world experience in their field of study. In addition to earning a paycheck, interns can build their professional network, gain valuable skills, and get a head start on their career path. Many internships also have the potential to turn into full-time job offers after graduation.
How to Find Paid Internships
Your school’s career services center is a great resource for finding and applying to paid internships. They often have job boards and can connect you with employers specifically looking to hire college interns. You can also search for internship opportunities on general job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor. Attending on-campus career fairs is another effective way to meet potential internship providers.
Making the Most of Your Internship
To maximize the benefits of a paid internship, approach it with professionalism and a positive attitude. Be proactive about taking on new tasks, asking questions, and seeking feedback. Make an effort to network with full-time employees, and always follow up after the internship ends to maintain those connections. The experience and relationships you build can lead to future job opportunities.
Volunteering for Studies
Universities sometimes offer opportunities for students to participate in paid academic studies. Check campus job boards to see if any departments are looking for paid volunteers. These studies often take place within psychology, economics, or sociology departments and can be one-offs or ongoing.
Types of Paid Research Studies
Academic research studies can cover a wide range of topics, from consumer behavior to language acquisition. Participants may be asked to complete surveys, participate in focus groups, undergo neurological scans, or engage in experiments. Common fields that offer paid studies include:
- Psychology
- Economics
- Linguistics
- Anthropology
- Marketing
Benefits of Participating in Paid Studies
The primary benefit of participating in a paid research study is, of course, the monetary compensation. Depending on the length and complexity of the study, you could earn anywhere from $10 to $200 or more. Beyond the cash, you’ll also gain valuable experience as a research subject and may even learn new things about yourself or the topic being studied.
Finding Paid Research Opportunities
Your best bet for finding paid research studies is to check job postings on your university’s website or bulletin boards around campus. You can also contact specific academic departments directly to inquire about any upcoming studies seeking participants. Some universities even have dedicated research participation pools that you can sign up for.
Selling Used Items
You can make money selling used items on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Poshmark. Consider selling your own gently used items or visiting local thrift stores and selling your finds. Once you’re finished with a class, Amazon and ThriftBooks are great platforms for reselling your old textbooks.
What to Sell
When it comes to selling used items, focus on things you no longer need or use. This could include:
- Clothing, shoes, and accessories
- Textbooks and course materials
- Electronics like laptops, phones, or gaming consoles
- Furniture and home decor
- Sports equipment
- Musical instruments
Platforms for Selling Used Items
The two main platforms to consider for selling used items are Facebook Marketplace and Poshmark. Facebook Marketplace allows you to list and sell a wide variety of items to local buyers. Poshmark specializes in buying and selling secondhand fashion. For textbooks, Amazon and ThriftBooks are convenient options.
Tips for Successful Selling
To maximize your earnings, take high-quality photos, accurately describe the condition of your items, and price them competitively. Be responsive to buyer inquiries and ship purchased items promptly. Building up positive reviews will also help you attract more sales over time.
Dog Walking and Pet Sitting
If you like animals, offering your services as a dog walker or pet sitter might be an enjoyable way to earn extra money. You can find pet sitting work by creating a profile on a website like Rover or Wag, or by checking with your personal network—professors or school administrators might need help caring for their furry friends.
Why Pet Sitting is a Great Side Gig
Pet sitting is an ideal side hustle for college students because it offers flexible hours and the ability to work around your class schedule. It also tends to be relatively low-stress, especially if you love spending time with animals. Plus, pet owners are often willing to pay well for responsible, trustworthy caretakers.
How to Get Started with Pet Sitting
The first step is to create profiles on popular pet sitting platforms like Rover and Wag. Be sure to highlight any previous pet care experience, as well as your availability and hourly rates. You can also market your services to friends, neighbors, and faculty members who might need pet sitting help. Building a strong network and positive reviews will help you attract more clients over time.
What to Expect as a Pet Sitter
A typical pet sitting job might involve tasks like feeding, walking, and playing with the animal, as well as light housekeeping like watering plants or bringing in the mail. The time commitment can range from a quick 30-minute visit to overnight stays, depending on the pet owner’s needs. Be prepared to provide updates and photos to the client throughout your time with their furry friend.
Housesitting
Housesitting can be an easy way to earn some extra income. This job might involve tasks like watering plants, caring for animals, and accepting packages. To get a housesitting job, start by checking with your personal network. Professors sometimes take sabbaticals, and they may be looking for a trustworthy person to keep an eye on their home. You can also create a profile on websites like TrustedHousesitters, HouseSitter.com, or MindMyHouse. Be sure to include references—this will help build your credibility.
The Benefits of Housesitting
Housesitting provides a flexible way for college students to earn money with minimal effort. In many cases, all you need to do is simply be present in the home, pets or no pets. This allows you to continue focusing on your studies while getting paid. Housesitting also comes with nice perks, like having a quiet space to yourself and the chance to experience living in different neighborhoods.
How to Get Started with Housesitting
The first step is to build up your credibility as a responsible, trustworthy housesitter. This means gathering references from past employers, professors, or neighbors who can vouch for your character. Then, create profiles on popular housesitting platforms like TrustedHousesitters or HouseSitter.com. Be sure to highlight your availability, experience, and any special skills (like pet care).
Tips for Successful Housesitting
To excel as a housesitter, focus on clear communication with the homeowner, attention to detail, and respect for their property. Follow any specific instructions carefully, keep the home clean and secure, and be responsive if the owner needs to reach you. Building a strong reputation will lead to repeat business and referrals.
Conclusion
There are countless ways for college students to earn extra money without sacrificing their studies. From on-campus jobs and paid internships to freelance work and entrepreneurial ventures, the key is finding opportunities that fit your interests, skills, and schedule.
By leveraging your existing knowledge, building a strong reputation, and taking advantage of the resources available on your campus, you can generate supplemental income to help cover the costs of your college experience. With a little creativity and determination, you can make the most of your time in school.
