How to Make Money as a College Student

Sarah Li Cain, November 2018

How to Make Money as a College Student

Learning how to make money as a college student can help reduce the amount of student loan debt you'll have once you graduate. However, balancing a job along with your duties as a student can be a bit difficult, considering how demanding classes can be. Instead of trying to find a part-time job on or off campus, there are much easier and even fun ways to find a job.

Here are a few ways to make money while you're in college without sacrificing study time.

Work as a Campus Tour Guide

Those who are extroverted and really passionate about their school should consider giving prospective students a tour around campus. Admissions officers often need help with multiple tasks such as answering questions from families who may be sending their child to the school.

Edit and Proofread Papers

If you have strong writing skills, you can edit and proofread papers for other students. For many, writing papers is difficult and most would appreciate some help in polishing their writing. Plus, you can set your own hours and take on as much work as you want.

Become a Virtual Assistant

There are many people (and businesses) who look to outsource some of their tasks. This can include transcribing interviews, answering emails, simple data entry tasks, and more. There are a lot of virtual assistant marketplaces that have cropped up that connect you with thousands of employers. Freelance broker sites can act as a mediator, too, in case you need to settle disputes with the person who has hired you.

Get a Job as a Research Assistant

You can use your undergraduate degree to good use by taking that knowledge into research assistant jobs. You'll usually be asked to collect data for a professor and you may even receive additional college credits and earn more than some of the other jobs on this list.

Become a Mover

Many moving companies like to hire students during busy times of the year or during the weekends, which allow for a more flexible schedule. Make sure to check the company you want to work with beforehand, as there are many that aren't necessarily reputable.

Work as a Brand Ambassador

Some companies hire people to promote their brand on college campuses. Tasks may include handing out samples of their products, greeting people, or helping to set up booths. It's also another flexible job as you can choose to accept gigs based on your schedule.

Tutor Other Students

You may want to consider tutoring younger students (high school or elementary school) if you're strong in a particular subject. You can ask for referrals from friends or family, create a profile on tutoring websites, or even at the employment office at your college to find leads.

When considering how to make money as a college student, think carefully about your current workload. Can you create your own schedule? Is there a way to use this work experience on your resume when you look for a job after graduation? The college experience is all about honing your skills and learning time management. Earning money on the side is just a bonus.

Content provided for informational and educational purposes only and is in no way to be construed as financial, investment, or legal advice. We cannot and do not guarantee their applicability or accuracy in regard to your individual circumstances. All examples are hypothetical and are for illustrative purposes. We encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding all personal financial issues.

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Schedule an Appointment

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