13 ways how to make money as a student

SnapAds offers students the opportunity to earn money by creating content for local businesses. Monetize your influence and support your community.

Nancy J. Hassler
21 May 2024

According to a recent survey, nearly 70% of college students in the United States worry about their finances, and over 50% work part-time jobs to make ends meet. Rising tuition, living expenses, and the burden of student loans create significant financial stress. Many students juggle academics, extracurricular activities, and part-time jobs, leaving little time for rest or personal pursuits.

Students often face the challenge of managing financial responsibilities while striving for academic excellence. Without a steady income, students may struggle to afford textbooks, housing, and meals. Additionally, financial insecurity can limit their opportunities for personal growth, such as participating in unpaid internships, study abroad programs, or extracurricular activities that enrich their college experience.

Let’s explore practical and effective ways to make money as a student without compromising their academic success.

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1. Get a part-time job

Part-time jobs offer a steady source of income and can be conveniently arranged around your academic schedule. Many universities provide on-campus job opportunities like library work, administrative offices, or dining services. These jobs are particularly advantageous because they offer flexible hours and are close to your classes.

A part-time job provides a consistent way to earn money as a student, builds your resume, and helps you develop work skills. Moreover, it offers the chance to meet other students and university staff, expanding your campus network. Check your university’s job boards or career services website for these opportunities. However, ensuring that the job does not interfere with your studies is crucial, so look for roles that offer the flexibility to work around your class schedule.

2. Participate in surveys online

Taking online surveys is a simple way to earn extra cash during your free time. Companies often pay for consumer opinions to help shape their products and services. This method to earn money as a student is highly flexible, allowing you to complete surveys anytime and from anywhere, with no special skills required. Reputable survey sites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Vindale Research are good places to start. To maximize your earnings, participate regularly and explore various platforms to find the most profitable surveys. While this won’t provide a substantial income, it can be a good source of extra spending.

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3. Start with SnapAds

Are you a student looking to earn extra cash while sharing your experiences with your followers? SnapAds offers an innovative way to monetize your content for local businesses, allowing you to earn money while supporting the community around you.

With SnapAds, everyone can be an influencer. You can create content for local businesses and earn cash doing it. Whether passionate about food, fashion, or fitness, SnapAds lets you showcase your favorite local spots and earn rewards for your influence.

Here's how it works to earn money as a student with SnapAds:

  1. Discover local businesses in your area that you want to promote. Whether it's a cozy coffee shop, a trendy boutique, or a delicious restaurant, find businesses that resonate with you.
  2. Use your creativity to create engaging content for the businesses you love. Take photos, shoot videos, or write reviews highlighting each establishment's uniqueness.
  3. Share your ads with your followers on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.
  4. Every time someone views or interacts with your content and visits the local business, you earn cash rewards. It's a win-win situation – you get paid for supporting local businesses, and the businesses gain exposure and customers.

You have full control over the content you create. You decide what to post, where to post it, and when to post it. You can tailor your ads to fit your style and preferences, making each promotion authentic and engaging.

Even if you only have a few followers, you can still make money with SnapAds. Local businesses are eager to tap into the influence of micro-influencers like you, who strongly connect with their audience.

So why wait? Start earning cash rewards for promoting your favorite local businesses. It's a fun and rewarding way to support your community while making extra money. With SnapAds, everyone wins – local businesses gain exposure and customers, while students earn extra cash and support their community.

4. Freelancing

Freelancing is an excellent way for students to earn money by leveraging their skills in writing, graphic design, programming, and digital marketing. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer connect freelancers with clients seeking various services.

Creating logos, social media graphics, or website layouts can be lucrative if you are good at design. Programmers and web developers can take on simple website fixes to full-scale app development projects. Digital marketers can assist with SEO, social media management, and email campaigns.

To succeed as a freelancer, create a professional profile showcasing your skills, experience, and portfolio. Start with smaller projects to build your reputation, and actively engage in online communities related to your field to network and find new opportunities. Freelancing offers the flexibility to work around your class schedule, but managing your time effectively is crucial to balancing work and academic responsibilities.

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5. Selling items or services

Selling items you no longer need can be an effective way to make quick money. Platforms like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace enable you to sell various goods, from clothing and electronics to furniture and textbooks. This method not only helps you earn cash but also declutters your living space.

When selling items, it's important to take quality photos and write detailed descriptions to attract potential buyers. Pricing your items competitively by researching similar products will increase the likelihood of sales.

6. Look for pet and house-sitting

Pet and house-sitting are great ways to make money as a college student while enjoying a low-stress environment. If you love animals, pet sitting involves caring for pets while their owners are away. This can include feeding, walking, and playing with the pets. Platforms like Rover and Care.com connect pet sitters with pet owners needing services. House sitting, on the other hand, involves staying at someone’s home to ensure its security and maintenance while the owners are away. This can include watering plants, collecting mail, and ensuring the property is safe.

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7. Offer tutoring services

If you excel in a particular subject, offering tutoring services can be a rewarding and profitable way to earn money. There is a constant demand for tutors in subjects like math, science, languages, and standardized test preparation. Tutoring allows you to set your hours, providing a flexible schedule that fits around your studies. Additionally, tutoring can be well-paid, especially for specialized subjects, and teaching others can deepen your understanding of the material.

To get started, advertise your services through campus bulletin boards, social media, and online tutoring platforms like Wyzant and Chegg Tutors. Setting competitive rates based on local tutoring prices and preparing thoroughly for each session will help you offer high-quality tutoring and attract more students.

8. Get a paid internship

Securing a paid internship is one of the easy ways to earn money while gaining valuable industry experience. Internships provide hands-on learning opportunities in your field of study, enhancing your resume and building professional connections. Many companies offer paid internships, especially during the summer, which can provide a substantial income. To find a paid internship, utilize your university’s career center, and job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor, and network with professionals in your field.

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9. Apply for scholarships and grants

Scholarships and grants are essential sources of financial aid that do not need to be repaid, making them highly beneficial for students. These funds can significantly reduce the financial burden of tuition, textbooks, and other expenses. Scholarships are typically merit-based, awarded for academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, or specific talents.

To find scholarships and grants, research opportunities offered by your university, private organizations, and government programs. Websites like Fastweb and Scholarships.com can help you discover various opportunities. Preparing strong applications involves writing compelling essays, obtaining letters of recommendation, and highlighting your achievements and qualifications.

10. Become an RA

The Resident Assistant (RA) oversees a dormitory floor or building, helping create a safe and supportive living environment. Duties include planning events, resolving conflicts, and supporting fellow students. In return, RAs typically receive free or discounted housing and sometimes a stipend or meal plan. To become an RA, you must apply through your university’s housing office, demonstrating your leadership abilities and commitment to community building. The application process often includes an interview and training sessions.

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11. Become a freelance writer

If you have a writing talent, becoming a freelance writer can be a lucrative way to earn money as a student. Freelance writers create content for blogs, websites, magazines, and businesses. You can write articles, blog posts, marketing copy, technical documents, or creative pieces.

To get started, build a portfolio of writing samples that showcase your skills. Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Medium allow you to find writing gigs and connect with potential clients. Networking with industry professionals and joining writing communities can also help you find opportunities.

12. On-demand delivery service

On-demand delivery services, as one of the easy ways to earn money, provide a flexible way for students to earn money. Companies like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Postmates hire drivers to deliver food and other goods to customers. This job allows you to set your hours and work as much or as little as you want, making it easy to fit around your class schedule. The application process typically involves a background check and a brief orientation. It’s a great way to use free time between classes or on weekends, though it’s important to consider the costs of vehicle maintenance and fuel when calculating your net earnings.

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13. Create a YouTube channel

You can earn money through ad revenue, sponsorships, merchandise sales, and affiliate marketing. To succeed on YouTube, choose a niche that interests you, such as vlogging, gaming, tutorials, or reviews. Consistent posting, high-quality content, and engaging with your audience are key to growing your channel. Invest in good equipment, like a camera and microphone, to improve the production quality of your videos. Promoting your channel through social media and collaborating with other YouTubers can also help increase your visibility. It may take time to build a substantial following and start earning significant income.

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