If you have ever been to college, put someone through college, or even thought about going to college, you know its expensive. According to Forbes, in 2011-2012 academic year, the average tuition for a 4 year public university was $24,000 (Onink, 2014). That’s just for one year! That means a degree would cost you about $96,000. Ouch! Of course there’s financial aid like loans, scholarships, and grants as well as college savings plans to help out but sometimes that just isn’t enough.
However, when you’re a busy college student with a full course load, social obligations, and internships it can be difficult to figure out how to make money in college. How do you bridge that gap? Well, here are 20 things that will help you make money in college.
1.) Babysit – Babysitting provides flexible hours, decent pay, and often a chance to study while on the job. Check out sites like Care.comto get started.
2.) Sell stuff – Wondering how to make money in college? Sell some of the stuff cluttering up your dorm room like that old laptop. Head on over to sites like Craig’s Listor ebayto make some money and declutter your space. You can also visit local consignment shops to sell clothing.
3.) Be a photographer – Check out sites like Gigwalkthat will pay you to stop by local places and snap some photos with your smart phone. If you’re a bit more of a professional, you can sell your photos on stock photography sites.
3.) Start a blog – Are you an avid writer? Do you have an interesting story to tell or a passion for a certain topic? Still trying to figure out how to make money in college? If you answered yes to any of those, a blog may be the answer. If you can build up traffic on your blog you can sell advertising space. Find out how to start a blog here.
4.) Take a part time job off campus – There are a variety of places that can provide flexible schedules for college students. While the job may not be a dream it’ll get some experience on your resume and help you pay the bills. Check out restaurants and retail establishments.
5.) Be a guinea pig – Answering the question of how to make money in college is as easy as studying-or, well, being studied. Sign up for corporate or university studies to make some quick cash.
6.) Get crafty – If you’re a DIY diva or a crafting connoisseur, you can sell your masterpieces on sites like Etsy.
7.) Freelance – You can make money in college without even getting out of your PJs! If you’re a copywriter, graphic designer, financial pro, or possess just about any professional skill there are freelance jobs available. Check out sites like oDesk and Elance.
8.) Become an intern – Look for paying internships and co-ops. These jobs not only put money in your bank account but help you learn more about the industry you’re hoping to join.
9.) Become an author – With the invent of the eBooks, it’s easier than ever to publish a book. Write your great American novel and self-publish it to start making some money.
10.) Get a job on campus – How to make money in college may be as easy as reading a bulletin board. Many colleges have bulletin boards advertising flexible work like tutoring.
11.) Sell stuff-from you – If your schedule is just insane but you need to make some money, consider selling blood, plasma, sperm, or eggs.
12.) Conduct a study – Check with your academic department to see if there are any independent studies you could lead or participate in. They may have some that will compensate you with a scholarship.
13.) Become a neat freak – Start your own business cleaning houses or commercial properties like businesses or apartments. There isn’t much overhead for this type of business (all you really need are cleaning supplies and some flyers or posters).
14.) Be the brain – Are you a smarty pants that loves to learn? While it may be in an ethical gray area, there are plenty of other students who will pay you to write research papers.
15.) Pet sit – Love animals? If so, your dilemma of how to make money in college can be solved by becoming a pet sitter (or dog walker). This job would provide flexible hours which is perfect for the busy college student.
16.) House sit – House sitting can help you pay those bills and get out of the dorm room for a while.
17.) Get into landscaping – You can make money in college by offering to rake leaves, mow yards, and shovel driveways. These are flexible jobs that pay right away (no two week wait).
18.) Be a PA (personal assistant) – Do you know a busy mom, executive, or group coordinator? Ask if he or she could use a few hours of your time each week to help out with administrative tasks.
19.) Help your fellow students – If you’re a good student, you can offer to help others out in your classes by proofreading papers, creating study guides, and etc. Set a reasonable price and you may be surprised at how many students jump at the offer of a little assistance.
20.) Be a temp – Register with a couple of temp agencies to have work lined up in your off time. Giving up your spring break party time for a couple weeks of work may be a bummer but it’ll help keep you from having to work during the semester.
Here are 20 ways you can make money in college. One last word of advice, while this doesn’t answer the question of how to make money in college, saving money is also advisable. Look for expenses you can cut out (like all those trips to Starbucks) or create a budget. Saving money will help you not worry so much about making money.
