How Students Can Make Money for School

Managing education costs can be a challenge for many students. Academic goals involve tuition, living expenses, books, and other necessities. Managing these financial demands often requires generating income through various employment options and leveraging resources.

Structured Employment Opportunities

Many students find stability and predictable income through structured employment. These positions offer consistent hours and hourly wages, making financial planning straightforward.

Educational institutions provide on-campus job opportunities like library assistant, lab assistant, administrative support staff, resident advisor, or dining hall staff. Students can find these through their university’s career services or departmental postings. On-campus jobs average around $14.21 per hour, with some roles like teaching assistants paying $16-$18, or dining hall night shifts up to $30-$40. These jobs offer the convenience of being close to classes and accommodating academic schedules.

Federal Work-Study programs link financial aid eligibility with part-time employment. Positions typically range from 10 to 20 hours per week, not exceeding 40 hours. Work-study wages are generally exempt from Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes if the student works less than 20 hours per week during enrollment. Students can find these positions by contacting their college’s financial aid or student employment office.

Off-campus part-time jobs include retail sales, food service, administrative assistant, or customer service. Retail workers average about $15.77 per hour, and food service workers around $16.22. These jobs can be found through local job boards, company websites, or community networking. These positions typically issue a Form W-2, indicating the employer withholds income and payroll taxes.

Paid internships offer income and valuable professional experience. The average hourly pay for a student intern is about $18.84, typically ranging from $14.42 to $19.47 per hour. Internships can be found through university career fairs, company websites, and professional networking. Some internships may also provide benefits like relocation assistance or housing stipends.

Flexible and Gig Economy Work

The gig economy offers flexible income opportunities, often project-based or on-demand, which can complement a student’s academic schedule. These roles allow individuals to set their own hours, providing autonomy.

Online freelancing offers remote work in fields such as writing, editing, graphic design, web development, virtual assistance, data entry, and social media management. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer.com, and Guru connect freelancers with clients. These platforms facilitate project-based work, allowing students to take on tasks that fit their availability.

Tutoring and teaching services are flexible ways to earn income. Students can tutor peers, younger students, or adults in academic subjects, music, or other skills. Online tutoring platforms exist, alongside opportunities for in-person sessions. The average hourly rate for online tutors ranges from $18.80 to $29, while private in-person tutoring can range from $25 to $80 per hour depending on subject and experience.

Delivery and rideshare services provide flexible income for individuals with a vehicle and a valid driver’s license. Services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Uber, and Lyft offer on-demand work. Uber Eats drivers average about $24.68 per hour, while DoorDash drivers average about $18.93 per hour, including bonuses and tips. Rideshare drivers can average $15-$25 per hour with Uber, and about $23.23 per hour with Lyft. Earnings can vary based on demand, location, and trip management efficiency.

Personal services such as pet sitting, dog walking, babysitting, house sitting, or running errands offer flexible earnings. Platforms like Rover or Care.com, or local community outreach, connect students with clients. Hourly rates for pet sitting, dog walking, or babysitting can range from $15 to $25 or more depending on the service and location. Online microtasks and surveys also allow for earning small amounts of money through digital tasks like data transcription or completing questionnaires.

Individuals in flexible and gig economy work are classified as independent contractors. They are responsible for their own tax obligations, including income tax and self-employment taxes. Self-employment tax is a 15.3% tax on net earnings, comprising a 12.4% Social Security tax and a 2.9% Medicare tax. This tax applies to net earnings from self-employment exceeding $400 in a tax year. Independent contractors typically receive a Form 1099-NEC from each payer if earnings from that payer exceed $600 in a calendar year.

Monetizing Your Skills and Assets

Students can generate income by leveraging their skills, possessions, or by selling goods. This approach emphasizes an entrepreneurial mindset, turning hobbies or unused items into financial resources.

Selling used items is a straightforward way to earn money. This includes old textbooks, electronics, clothing, or furniture. Platforms such as eBay, Facebook Marketplace, local consignment shops, and specialized textbook buyback websites facilitate sales. Selling items can provide immediate cash without significant time commitment.

Students with creative talents can generate income by creating and selling handmade goods. This might include crafts, art, jewelry, or baked goods. Online marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon Handmade, and Goimagine provide platforms for artisans. Local craft fairs and community events also offer venues for selling creations directly to consumers.

Leveraging niche skills involves offering specialized services. This could include photography, video editing for local businesses, music lessons, technology support, or graphic design for personal clients. Students can market these services through word-of-mouth, social media, or by creating a simple online portfolio. These services often allow for premium pricing based on the value provided.

Reselling items for profit, often called “flipping,” is another method. This involves purchasing items at a low cost from sources like thrift stores, garage sales, or online clearances, then reselling them at a higher price. Popular items include vintage clothing, collectibles, and refurbished electronics. This strategy requires an eye for value and an understanding of market demand.