15 Best Side Hustles for College Students in 2024
Lots of students want to earn some extra money, and if you're one of them, you've come to the right place! Juggling school and personal time doesn't leave much room for a regular job, so it's important to find ways to make money that fit into your student schedule. We're here to help you prosper financially and excel in your studies with our article listing the 15 best side hustles for college students in 2024.
15 Best Side Hustles for College Students
| Method | Average Earnings |
| Selling Course Notes | $15 to $76 per month |
| Delivering Food | $5 to $18.45 per hour |
| Taking Part in Research Studies | $50 to $500 per day |
| Babysitting and Nannying | $8.10 to $17.62 per hour |
| On-Campus Jobs | $8 to $15 per hour |
| Freelance Writing | $10 to $20 per hour |
| Proctoring Tests | $10 to $37 per hour |
| House-Sitting | $13 to $16 per hour |
| Selling Online Printables | $10 to $100 per week |
| Proofreading | $10 to $24 per hour |
| Tutoring | $10 to $24 per hour |
| Providing Senior Companionship | $13 to $22 per hour |
| Translating | $10 to $25 per hour |
| Completing Online Surveys | $0.41 to $2.03 per hour |
| Giving Tours | $8 to $20 per hour |
Selling Course Notes
Did you know that you can make money by selling your old course notes? While they may be gathering dust in a closet at home, some students will find them valuable enough to spend money on. If you're a good student with detailed notes, platforms like Stuvia, OneClass, and DocMerit will actually buy them from you to repurpose as a learning resource. To begin, you can create an account and upload your documents - if they get approved, you get paid! You can even contact your college directly to see if there are opportunities to sell notes through them.
| Pros | Cons |
| Minimal extra work is involved as it uses old notes | Average earnings are low |
| Most platforms pay you within 48 hours of a sale | Competition can be fierce |
| You can set your own prices for each document | You can’t cash out until you earn $10 with some platforms |
Delivering Food
Getting paid to deliver food is one of the most popular side hustles out there, especially since the U.S. is the second largest food delivery market in the world, meaning there's no shortage of jobs for college students.
As long as you have a vehicle like a car, scooter, or bike, you can start making money delivering food for platforms like DoorDash, UberEats, Grubhub, and Postmates by using their convenient mobile apps that allow you to pick up delivery shifts anytime that suits you. Simply sign up with a valid U.S. driver’s license, and once your background check is complete, you’re ready to go.
You even have the opportunity to earn tips to further increase your income, but be aware that these platforms offer different payout rates, so be sure to choose the right platform for you. For example, UberEats drivers usually earn $4 per delivery on top of 50% tips, while DoorDash pays you per delivery and lets you keep all the tips.
| Pros | Cons |
| Some delivery apps offer bonuses | Some delivery apps don't have a guaranteed hourly rate |
| You can work as much or as little as you want around college | Using your own car might lead to more maintenance and higher long-term costs |
| The job is in high demand | *You'll be self-employed, so will need to handle your own taxes |
*Please ensure you verify the taxation rules in your area
Taking Part in Research Studies
Research studies, also called clinical trials, are investigations conducted at colleges or research centers to gather data, often requiring humans to take part. It’s likely your college will run research studies that you could participate in to earn some money, like psychology departments studying human behavior or nutrition departments studying the effects of food on the human body. They will usually advertise any opportunities on your college department’s websites, and there might also be jobs you could apply to with other educational organizations in your local area.
| Pros | Cons |
| Can be very well-paid | *Some research studies can cause risks to your health |
| Research studies often hold check-ins and meetings online | Jobs can be hard to find |
| No startup or overhead costs | Options could be limited if you don’t meet the eligibility criteria for studies |
*Please make sure to only enter research studies once you are completely happy with all the information provided and are comfortable accepting any possible risks. Additionally, make sure to only take part in research studies from official research institutions.
Babysitting and Nannying
Babysitting and nannying are popular side hustles for college students who have a bit of childcare experience and want to earn some extra money. Becoming a babysitter or nanny can be as straightforward as creating profiles on platforms like Care.com, Bambino, and Urban Sitter, making sure to include your experience so you can be matched with the profiles of parents looking for help. You can also choose the availability and rates that suit you, but be sure to research the average costs for your area to have the best chance of getting hired, using sites like Indeed.com.
| Pros | Cons |
| High earning potential, especially when combined with tutoring | Gaining clients and references can take time |
| You may get some quieter evening jobs to catch up on your studies | Can be physically and emotionally exhausting |
| There are always lots of job opportunities | It’s often hard to find steady work |
| Pay is quick, usually at the end of your shift | Training can cost money |
On-Campus Jobs
Colleges are hubs of activity, hosting a wide variety of on-campus jobs that allow students to conveniently work and study in the same place. There are lots of different on-campus jobs out there, including:
- Becoming a campus ambassador and representing a brand or company at events like Careers Fairs
- Working in the college library filing, tidying, or helping out with fellow students’ questions
- Becoming a research assistant for your professor
If you’d like to try out an on-campus job, you can check your college's website and careers section to see if there are any available, or contact your professors directly to see if you can help out. Although you probably won't make a fortune, jobs on campus can still be a fun and useful way to get some additional income during your studies.
| Pros | Cons |
| They are designed to fit around classes as college is a priority | You may not be able to earn money during semester breaks |
| Very convenient meaning less time and money spent on travel | Can be quite low-paid |
| Some on-campus jobs have bonuses like free gym memberships | Highly competitive |
Freelance Writing
College students who have a knack for writing could take advantage of the freelance boom and start a freelance writing side hustle. With so many different paths to take, it’s important to identify the type of writing you want to do, whether it’s copywriting, transcribing, journalistic writing, or creative writing, to name a few. Once you’ve read some examples of each type of writing and decided what you want to do, you can begin searching for freelance gigs in lots of different places, by:
- Contacting publications through the Internet, including local newspapers, magazines, or newsletters
- Following writing publications on social media to see if they post any paid opportunities
- Searching jobs listing websites like Indeed.com for any positions
- Advertising your services on freelance hiring platforms such as Upwork and Behance
While they may not be paid, you could also join your college's writing society, student newspaper, or other local writing groups to network and gain valuable experience that will help you in your search.
| Pros | Cons |
| You have control over the writing gigs you apply for | It’s often the lowest-paid freelance side hustle |
| It has the potential to expand into a full-time career | Finding new clients regularly for a stable income can be time-consuming |
| Startup and overhead costs are minimal | Invoices can be paid late in this industry |
Proctoring Tests
For those unfamiliar with proctoring, this involves supervising students during exams, providing them with equipment, and helping answer questions if necessary. High schools and colleges are always looking for responsible proctors to help out, and college students’ experience with exams makes them attractive candidates.
You could contact them directly to see if there are any openings, or keep an eye out on platforms like ZipRecruiter to land your first gig. Even though proctoring might not be as consistent as other side jobs, it can offer a straightforward means of boosting your income during your college years.
| Pros | Cons |
| Hourly average pay is higher than other side hustles | This job is mostly seasonal, so you may not have a steady income |
| You can do online exam proctoring from home | It can be very dull |
| You don’t need any experience or certification to start | Some states require you to be 21 or older to proctor tests |
House Sitting
House-sitting can be a fantastic opportunity for some college students to get some peace and privacy away from shared dorms or apartments, all while earning some money. Typically, house-sitting is no more demanding than staying in someone's home while they are away for safety reasons and helping out with light housekeeping. However, keep in mind that many people are looking for pet care too, so if you're not an animal lover, this may not be the right side hustle for you.
All things considered, if you’re still interested, there are lots of platforms out there connecting house sitters with jobs, like:
First, create a profile with some information about yourself and your references - they don't have to be from previous house-sitting roles! As a general rule, the more positive references on your profile, the more likely you are to get a job because more people will trust you to take care of their home. Then, these platforms will usually verify you within 24 hours so you can start contacting clients to secure your first job.
| Pros | Cons |
| You can keep your regular schedule, just sleep somewhere else | Most platforms take a membership fee |
| You can study in a quiet, empty place | You can't travel during the semester, so jobs might be limited |
| If you get a long-term gig, you could save on housing | There might not be many jobs, especially in smaller college towns |
Pay for this side job can vary greatly. In popular neighborhoods, people will probably be willing to house-sit for free, but in less popular areas, pay could be higher. Make sure to check if your college town is a competitive destination before deciding if this side hustle is possible for you.
Selling Online Printables
Online printables are 2D designs that you can buy and print out, often for a specific function, such as calendars, shopping lists, invitations, or home decoration. College students with a background in art or graphic design would be well suited to make some money by joining the flourishing market of creating and selling online printables. If you fit the bill, you can get started by following these steps:
- First, you should figure out what kind of online printables you want to make. Researching online printables on the market could help you identify a gap you can fill.
- Once you know what you want to make, you can use programs like Photoshop, Canva, or Adobe Illustrator to create them. If you're a beginner, no problem - each platform has a thorough guide on how to create using their program.
- Then, it’s time to sell your products. There are many platforms where you can create a free online store including Etsy, Shopify, and Sellfy.
- Once your online store is live, you can start promoting it through social media, or, if you have them, your website and blog, to attract buyers.
| Pros | Cons |
| Can be a low-effort income once your store is established | Online selling platforms take a fee per product sold |
| Potential to grow into a printables business | Can take a lot of time to create unique printables |
| Selling platforms can promote your products to millions of users | Free design programs are limited and require payment for the best features |
Proofreading
Do you have an eye for detail and an understanding of grammar? Then you could make proofreading your side hustle and join the thousands of people in the U.S. who make money by reading text and fixing mistakes, whether they be spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, or anything in between. Proofreading can be attractive because many jobs are freelance, so you can choose what to work on, when to work, and how much to charge.
Freelance hubs like UpWork and Reedsy can be a great place to start looking for proofreading jobs, and you can create profiles so employers can contact you directly. Platforms like Proofed also connect proofreaders with work, but you have to prove your skills by proofreading 10 documents in a paid trial.
This can help when you’re starting out, as it can be difficult to land your first gig without proofreading experience, although college students are often sought after because of their experience writing essays and exams.
| Pros | Cons |
| You don’t need any certification to start | There are sometimes strict deadlines |
| You can work from home and schedule your hours | *Self-employment taxes for freelance proofreading can be high |
| Sites like Proofed find you work | Initially, you’ll likely need to offer lower prices to attract clients |
*Please ensure that you research the tax laws and regulations in your area
Tutoring
College students can often be successful tutors because of their experience in higher education, making it a great opportunity to turn their academic skills into some money. To become a tutor you will first need to choose a subject you specialize in to teach, like your major, before reaching out to clients on tutoring platforms such as Tutor.com, Preply, or Pear Deck Tutor. Creating a profile on these sites will allow you to get your name out there and attract students who can contact you directly through the platform. Alternatively, you can promote yourself by contacting local schools to see if they have students looking for extra help.
| Pros | Cons |
| You can tutor online, in person, or both, giving you flexibility | Can restrict socializing, as students are available on weekends or evenings |
| It's always in demand, especially with online tutoring for students around the world | *You are responsible for your own self-assessment tax returns |
| With competitive, high salaries, you could earn well working fewer hours | Can be inconsistent due to cancellations, vacations, or sickness |
| It’s low-risk financially as no investment is required | It's demanding to create lessons for multiple students and provide individual feedback |
*Please check your local rules and rates for taxation
Providing Senior Companionship
Senior companionship is a vital service for the elderly that provides company and assistance with regular tasks such as laundry, housekeeping, picking up medication, and grocery shopping. Papa is a popular platform that pays college students an hourly fee for providing companionship to seniors and allows them to create a profile easily by following these steps:
- First, you can sign up by sharing your U.S. ID, which you verify by taking a selfie. Papa will ask for your consent to run a background check, too.
- You'll then be given a questionnaire to complete to be paired with your elderly companion and take the ‘Papa Safety Training’ course to prepare you for your role.
- Finally, add your banking information to get paid, and then you can start reaching out to clients!
One important note is that you will need a driver's license to join Papa and participate in this side hustle more generally, as seniors will usually need help with transportation. If this is an issue for you, there are more casual ways to become a senior companion, such as contacting friends and family to spread the word in your area to see if you can help with tasks other than driving.
| Pros | Cons |
| *With Papa, you are paid one-way commute mileage | Job availability can be unstable and competitive |
| No previous experience or background in care needed | Papa isn’t available across all states in the U.S. |
| A higher hourly average salary than other side hustles | Some platforms take a fee for having a profile on their site |
| You get to choose which visits you take on | Can be emotionally challenging and tiring |
*Commute pay can vary per market
Translating
College students majoring in foreign languages, or those who are already fluent in several languages, may consider freelance translation as a side hustle to generate some additional money. Generally, this involves translating written text, including documents and websites, but there are many avenues to explore, including:
- Linguistic proofreading
- Interpreting
- Localizing content
- Literary translating
- Medical translating
Many translation opportunities nowadays are freelance, meaning you can balance your time by only applying to jobs you can manage and working hours that suit you. Translation platforms such as Smartcat, ProZ, and TranslatorsCafé host communities allowing translators to get in touch with clients and employers directly for a variety of paid projects while providing helpful tips and pointers for those new to the field.
| Pros | Cons |
| Often, you won’t need any previous experience in official translating | AI and machine translation could mean fewer jobs |
| Offers valuable translation experience for future job applications | Newcomers may initially earn less money by setting lower fees to attract more clients |
| You choose your working hours so you can juggle it with other responsibilities | Income is often unstable due to difficulty finding jobs |
Completing Online Surveys
Paid online surveys are questionnaires that ask you to share your opinions, preferences, or experiences on the Internet in exchange for money or other rewards. For some students, the idea of getting paid to say what they want to say may seem ideal, and with platforms like Freecash, SurveyJunkie, and LifePoints, it can be a reality. To get started, simply sign up, verify your email, and you can start completing surveys for virtual currency, which you can later withdraw for PayPal or VISA money. However, keep in mind that it can take a long time to earn a decent amount on some survey platforms, although it can be a good boost to your wallet overall.
| Pros | Cons |
| You can earn money alongside many different rewards | Most platforms require you to have earned $5 before you can withdraw |
| With mobile apps, you can earn money easily on the go | Some platforms can take 10 business days to send payment |
| You don’t need any previous qualifications, just your opinion | There’s a risk of being disqualified, preventing you from earning |
Giving Tours
If you're a college student who loves history or enjoys exploring your local area, offering educational tours can be a fun way to boost your income while you're studying. A tour guide takes groups of people, like tourists, to different places, such as landmarks or famous attractions while providing information and telling stories on the way. There are many different types of tours to get involved in, such as:
- Sightseeing tours, where you walk around and point out landmarks or attractions
- Photo tours, where you take pictures of your guests along the way
- Food tours, exploring local cuisine and restaurants
- Historical tours that focus on historical attractions
- Cultural tours to explore the heritage and culture of an area
If you’re interested in starting this side hustle there are two options: you can either make your own tour or sign up to a tour company as a freelancer. It might be easier for college students to work for a company because they will take care of the advertising and you're guaranteed to make money, but if you're excited about creating your own tour, why not give it a go?
However, be aware that this side hustle requires you to be more sociable and outgoing, so if you're on the shyer side, it might not be right for you.
| Pros | Cons |
| You can boost your income by earning big tips | It can be very seasonal, so you may not earn throughout the year |
| Tours offer networking opportunities with different people | Pay can be quite low, especially if you don’t make any tips on a tour |
| Tour companies let you pick shifts to work around you | Weather can often ruin or cancel a tour |
FAQ
What’s the highest-paying side hustle for college students?
Side hustles with the highest average short-term pay are proctoring tests for between $10 to $37 per hour, tutoring at $10 to $24 per hour, and participating in research studies at anywhere from $50 to $500 a day. However, side hustles such as selling online printables, freelance writing, and translating have the potential to earn you much higher amounts in the long run.
Are there any side hustles that don't require experience to get started?
Lots of side hustles don’t require any experience, like proctoring tests, house-sitting, delivering food, selling online printables, and providing senior companionship, making them great for college students who are still learning.
Is it good for students to have a side hustle?
Side hustles can help students earn money to support themselves and maybe even start paying off some student loans, but they shouldn't make you stressed or negatively impact your studies. Make sure to only engage in side hustles that offer you a good work-life balance. publi
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