Hey there, college student! Nowadays, you’re probably always on the lookout for ways to make some extra cash… maybe you googled “best side hustles for college students.”  Believe me, I know how money can get tight between tuition, textbooks, and late-night pizza runs.

In my first two years of college, I worked as a house cleaner and tutored middle schoolers on the side to cover my textbooks.

But what if I told you there are side hustles for college students you can do right from your dorm room? Yep, you read that right.

As a recent college graduate who’s been in your shoes, I’ve compiled a list of the top 17 side hustles for college students. These gigs are flexible, enjoyable, and have the potential to help you extra cash on the side.

So grab a snack, find a comfortable spot, and let’s explore the best side hustles for college students together!

Table Of Contents:

• 17 Best Side Hustles for College Students to Earn Extra Money
• 1. Freelance Writing
• 2. Graphic Design
• 3. Virtual Assistant Services
• 4. Social Media Management
• 5. Tutoring and Teaching
• 6. Selling Stock Photos
• 7. Dog Walking and Pet Sitting
• 8. House Sitting
• 9. House Cleaning
• 10. Translation
• 11. Transcription Work
• 12. Do Odd Tasks
• 13. Babysitting
• 14. Sell Handmade Crafts and Goods
• 15. Build Websites
• 16. Affiliate Marketing
• 17. Deliver Food or Groceries
• Start a Side Hustle Today
• Level Up Your Entrepreneurial Journey
• FAQs
  • What is the best side hustles for college students?
  • How can a broke college student make money?

17 Best Side Hustles for College Students to Earn Extra Money

There are plenty of side hustles for college students. From freelance writing and graphic design to virtual assistant services and social media management, these gigs offer the flexibility to earn extra cash on your own schedule.

1. Freelance Writing

If you have a knack for writing, freelance writing could be your go-to side hustle to make extra cash while in college. Many businesses and websites need engaging content, such as blog posts, articles, product descriptions, and website copy. Freelance writing offers the flexibility to work from anywhere and manage your own schedule, making it perfect for busy students.

Getting Started

1. Create a Portfolio: Gather your best writing samples into a professional portfolio. If you don’t have any samples, write some blog posts or mock articles on topics you’re passionate about.
2. Join Freelance Platforms: Sign up on platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and ProBlogger, which connect freelancers with clients looking for writing services.
3. Pitch Your Services: Actively reach out to potential clients on LinkedIn or Upwork with personalized pitches highlighting how your skills can meet their needs.

Potential Earnings

Freelance writers can earn between $500 and $2,000 monthly, depending on their experience, niche, and workload.

2. Graphic Design

Graphic design is one of the best side hustles for college students because it’s remote work that fits around your schedule and is in demand. Many small businesses and startups need help creating graphics for their social media posts, websites, and marketing materials. 

Getting Started

1. Create a Portfolio: Showcase your best design work in a professional portfolio. If you don’t have client work yet, create sample designs to demonstrate your skills.
2. Join Freelance Platforms: Sign up on platforms like 99designs, DesignCrowd, and Fiverr. These sites connect you with clients looking for graphic design services.
3. Reach Out to Potential Clients: Actively pitch your services to small businesses and startups. Personalize your pitches to highlight how your design skills can meet their specific needs.
4. Network and Build Relationships: Join online design communities and forums, attend webinars, and connect with other designers on LinkedIn and r/GraphicDesigners on Reddit.

Potential Earnings

As a graphic designer, you can expect to earn between $300 and $1,200 per month, depending on your experience, the complexity of the projects, and the clients you work with.

3. Virtual Assistant Services

As a virtual assistant (VA), you’ll handle tasks like email management, scheduling, data entry, social media management, and more, helping busy professionals and small business owners stay on top of their workload. 

Getting Started

1. Create a List of Services: Identify what tasks you’re good at and enjoy doing. This could include calendar management, booking travel, customer service, social media posting, etc.
2. Build a Portfolio: Even if you don’t have previous VA experience, you can showcase your skills with examples of work you’ve done for school projects, clubs, or any relevant experience.
3. Join Freelance Platforms: Sign up on platforms like Zirtual and Time Etc where clients look for VAs. You can also use sites like Upwork and Fiverr.

Potential Earnings

As a virtual assistant, you can expect to earn between $400 and $1,000 per month, depending on the number of clients you take on and the complexity of the tasks. 

4. Social Media Management

Many small businesses need help managing their social media presence, from creating content to engaging with followers. If you’re social media savvy, this is one of the best side hustles for college students. You can assist businesses in growing their online presence, increasing engagement, and driving traffic to their websites.

Getting Started

1. Create a Social Media Portfolio: Gather examples of your best social media posts, campaigns, and strategies. If you don’t have professional experience, create sample posts or manage a personal or mock account to showcase your skills.
2. Join Freelance Platforms: Sign up on platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and LinkedIn, where businesses seek social media management services.
3. Network: Contact small business owners, entrepreneurs, and marketing professionals to let them know you offer social media management services.

Potential Earnings

As a social media manager, you can earn between $400 and $1,500 per month, depending on the number of clients you manage and the complexity of their social media needs. 

5. Tutoring and Teaching

If you excel in a particular subject, tutoring is a successful side hustles for college students. Many students need assistance with challenging subjects, and your expertise can make a significant difference in their academic performance.

Getting Started

1. List the Subjects: Identify and list the subjects you’re qualified to teach. This could be anything from math and science to languages and history.
2. Create a Profile: Sign up on tutoring platforms like Tutors.com, Wyzant, and Varsity Tutors. Create a detailed profile highlighting your qualifications, experience, and the subjects you offer.
3. Reach Out to Potential Clients: Start by offering your services to fellow students, local schools, or community centers. Use social media and campus bulletin boards to advertise your tutoring services.
4. Set Your Rates: Determine a fair hourly rate based on your experience and the going rates in your area.

Potential Earnings

As a tutor, you can expect to earn between $200 and $800 per month, depending on the number of students you tutor and the hourly rates you charge.

6. Selling Stock Photos

Do you love taking photos? Sell your photos as stock images on sites like Shutterstock, iStock, or Getty Images. Many businesses and individuals need high-quality images for their projects and are willing to pay for the right ones.

Getting Started

1. Sign Up: Register on stock photography sites like Shutterstock, iStock, or Getty Images. Each platform has its own requirements and guidelines, so make sure to read through them carefully.
2. Upload Your Best Photos: Select your highest quality and most marketable photos to upload. Ensure they meet the site’s standards, including resolution and content guidelines.
3. Tag and Describe: Properly tag and describe your photos to make them easily searchable for potential buyers. Good keywords can make a big difference in visibility.
4. Be Consistent: Regularly upload new photos to keep your portfolio fresh and increase your chances of making sales.

Potential Earnings

By selling stock photos, you can expect to earn between $50 and $300 per month, depending on the quality and volume of your uploads and the demand for your type of images.

7. Dog Walking and Pet Sitting

Dog walking services and pet sitting can be fun and a great income stream if you love animals.. Not only do you get to spend time with pets, but you also get to earn extra cash while providing a valuable service to pet owners who need help caring for their furry friends.

Getting Started

1. Sign Up for Platforms: Register on pet-sitting and dog-walking platforms like Rover or Wag. These platforms connect you with pet owners in need of your services.
2. Create Flyers: Make eye-catching flyers advertising your services. Include your contact information, a brief description of the services you offer, and any relevant experience. Post these flyers in your neighborhood, local community centers, pet stores, and vet offices.
3. Offer Additional Services: To increase your earnings and attract more clients, consider offering additional services like pet grooming, training, or pet transport.

Potential Earnings

You can earn between $200 and $600 monthly by providing dog walking and pet sitting services. Your earnings will depend on the number of clients you have, the services you offer, and your rates

8. House Sitting

House sitting is one of the most lucrative and flexible side hustles for college students. By taking care of someone’s home and possibly their pets while they’re away, you provide a valuable service and can enjoy a change of scenery. 

Getting Started

1. Network: Start by letting professors, family, and friends know you’re available for house-sitting. Personal recommendations can be a great way to get your first few gigs.
2. Use Apps and Websites: Sign up on house-sitting platforms like Rover, MindMyHouse, and House Sitters America to find opportunities. These platforms connect you with homeowners looking for reliable housesitters.
3. Create a Profile: Create a compelling profile highlighting your experience, skills, and trustworthiness. Include any relevant references or reviews to build credibility.

Potential Earnings

As a house sitter, you can expect to earn between $200 and $800 per month, depending on the location, duration of the sitting, and the responsibilities involved. 

9. House Cleaning

Cleaning homes can be an excellent side hustle. Many college towns and big cities have busy families who need help keeping their homes clean when they don’t have the time. This can also include other college students who prefer not to clean their college campus dorms or apartments.

Getting Started

1. Advertise Independently: Create flyers or business cards and distribute them around your campus, local coffee shops, and community bulletin boards.
2. Use Online Platforms: Advertise your services on Craigslist, local Facebook groups, and community forums focused on busy professionals and working parents.
3. Network: Contact friends, family, and classmates and tell them you clean houses. Word-of-mouth marketing can be powerful for gaining initial clients.

Potential Earnings

As a house cleaner, you can expect to earn between $300 and $700 per month, depending on the number of clients, the frequency of cleanings, and the rates you charge. 

10. Translation

If you’re fluent in more than one language, translation work is in high demand. Translators help convert written content from one language to another, which is essential for businesses, websites, and individuals looking to reach a global audience.

Getting Started

1. Use Platforms: Sign up on translation platforms like Rev, Upwork, and Gengo to connect with clients. These platforms offer a variety of translation jobs and can help you get started quickly.
2. Create a Profile: Create a compelling profile highlighting your language skills, certifications, and previous translation work. If you have samples, include them.
3. Network: Join translation communities and forums, both online and in-person, to find more opportunities and connect with other translators.

Potential Earnings

As a translator, you can expect to earn between $200 and $1,000 per month, depending on the volume of work, your language pairs, and the complexity of the translations.

11. Transcription Work

Convert audio files into written documents. Transcription work pays well and involves listening to audio recordings and accurately typing out what you hear.

Getting Started

1. Look for Gigs: Sign up on transcription platforms like TranscribeMe, Rev, and Upwork to find job opportunities. These sites often have a variety of transcription jobs available, from general transcription to specialized fields.
2. Create a Profile: Make a detailed profile highlighting your typing speed, attention to detail, and relevant experience or skills.
3. Complete Tests: Many transcription platforms require you to pass a test to demonstrate your skills before you can start accepting jobs.

Potential Earnings

As a transcriptionist, you can expect to earn between $200 and $1,200 per month, depending on your experience, the complexity of the audio files, and the volume of work you take on.

12. Do Odd Tasks

Platforms like TaskRabbit connect you with people needing help with various tasks. These tasks can range from furniture assembly and yard work to moving assistance and general handyman services. It’s a flexible way to earn extra money by using your skills and available time.

Getting Started

1. Sign Up: Register on TaskRabbit and create an account. Complete your profile by selecting the services you want to offer and the areas you want to work in.
2. Choose Jobs: Browse available tasks and choose ones that fit your skills and schedule. You can set your own rates and availability.
3. Build Your Reputation: Complete tasks efficiently and professionally to receive positive reviews, which will help you get more jobs in the future.

Potential Earnings

As a TaskRabbit tasker, you can expect to earn between $300 and $800 per month, depending on the number of tasks you complete, the rates you set, and the demand for services in your area.

13. Babysitting

Babysitting is flexible, pays well, and can be fun. It’s a great way to earn extra cash while providing a valuable service to families. Babysitting allows you to work around your school schedule and can be a rewarding experience if you enjoy working with children.

Getting Started

1. Word-of-Mouth: Let friends, family, and neighbors know that you’re available for babysitting. Personal recommendations are a great way to get your first few jobs.
2. Local Parenting Groups: Join local parenting groups on Facebook or other social media platforms to find babysitting gigs. Parents often post job opportunities in these groups.
3. Babysitting Platforms: Sign up on websites like Sittercity, UrbanSitter, Care.com, and Babysits to find babysitting jobs in your area.

Potential Earnings

As a babysitter, you can expect to earn between $200 and $800 per month, depending on the number of hours you work and the rates you charge. 

14. Sell Handmade Crafts and Goods

Selling handmade goods like jewelry, knitted items, or other crafts can be a fun and profitable side hustles for college students. It allows you to express your creativity while earning extra cash. Whether you enjoy making jewelry, knitting scarves, or crafting home decor, there’s a market for handmade items.

Getting Started

1. Use Etsy: Etsy is a popular platform for selling handmade goods. It’s easy to set up a shop and start listing your items. The site has a large customer base specifically looking for unique, handmade items.
2. Set Up Your Own Website: If you want more control over your brand and sales, consider setting up your own website using platforms like Shopify or Squarespace. This allows you to create a customized shopping experience for your customers.
3. Social Media Marketing: Use social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to showcase your products and drive traffic to your Etsy shop or website. Engaging with your audience through social media can help build a loyal customer base.

Potential Earnings

Selling handmade crafts or goods can earn you between $100 and $500 per month, depending on the number of items you sell and your pricing. 

15. Build Websites

Technical skills like web development are in high demand. Businesses and individuals constantly seek people to build and maintain their websites, create custom web applications, and solve technical problems. 

Getting Started

1. Use Platforms: Sign up on freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr to find clients. These platforms connect you with businesses and individuals looking for web development services.
2. Create a Portfolio: Showcase your best work in a professional portfolio. Include examples of websites or applications you’ve developed, highlighting your skills and expertise.

Potential Earnings

By offering web development services, you can expect to earn between $500 and $2,000 per month, depending on the complexity of the projects you take on and the rates you charge.

16. Affiliate Marketing

Participating in affiliate marketing involves promoting products and earning a commission when purchases are made through your unique affiliate link. This can be a great way to generate passive income by leveraging your online presence.

Getting Started

1. Join Affiliate Programs: Sign up for affiliate programs or networks like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or Commission Junction. These platforms connect you with a wide range of products and services to promote.
2. Create Content: Develop engaging content around the products you are promoting. This could be blog posts, social media updates, videos, or email newsletters.
3. Share Your Links: Embed your affiliate links in your content. Ensure the promotions are natural and provide value to your audience to encourage clicks and purchases.

Potential Earnings

By participating in affiliate marketing, you can expect to earn between $100 and $600 per month, depending on the traffic to your content and the conversion rates of the products you are promoting. 

17. Deliver Food or Groceries

Sign up for delivery apps like DoorDash, Instacart, and Postmates. Delivering food or groceries can be a flexible way to earn extra income, allowing you to choose hours that fit your schedule.

Getting Started

1. Choose Your Platform: Sign up for one or more delivery apps such as DoorDash, Instacart, and Postmates. These platforms have straightforward sign-up processes and allow you to start working quickly.
2. Set Your Schedule: Choose delivery hours that fit your schedule. These apps typically allow you to work whenever you have free time, making it easy to balance with school or other commitments.
3. Prepare Your Vehicle: Ensure your vehicle is in good working condition and meets the requirements of the delivery platform you choose.

Potential Earnings

By delivering food or groceries, you can expect to earn between $300 and $1,200 per month, depending on the number of hours you work and the demand in your area.

Start a Side Hustle Today

There you have it, my friend – the 17 best side hustles for college students to earn extra money. From freelancing and tutoring to selling your stuff and walking dogs, there’s no shortage of ways to make cash on the side.

Here’s the best part: these side hustles work around your life on campus. You can pick up shifts between classes, on weekends, or even late at night. And while you’re stacking cash, you’ll also sharpen skills that can seriously boost your resume after graduation.

So what are you waiting for? Pick a side hustle (or two!) and start earning. Your bank account will thank you, and you might just discover a new passion along the way. Happy hustling!

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FAQs

What is the best side hustles for college students? 

The best side hustles for college students include freelance writing, graphic design, tutoring, dog walking, and social media management. These jobs offer flexible hours, can be done remotely, and can fit around a student’s schedule. Additionally, gigs like food delivery and babysitting are also popular due to their flexibility and decent pay.

How can a broke college student make money? 

A broke college student can make money by engaging in activities that require minimal investment and offer flexible hours. Also, re-read our article on the best side hustles for college students. It’s packed with ideas you can start with $0! 

Some options include:

1. Freelance writing or graphic design.
2. Tutoring fellow students.
3. Participating in the gig economy through platforms like TaskRabbit or UberEats.
4. Selling handmade crafts or digital products online.
5. Completing online surveys or testing websites.