How to Make More Money in College
Learn actionable ways college students can generate income, manage expenses, and enhance their financial well-being during studies.
Many college students need to generate income to support their studies, cover living expenses, or reduce student debt. This article explores practical strategies for college students to earn money, detailing common opportunities and important financial considerations.
On-Campus Income Streams
Colleges and universities frequently offer employment opportunities directly to their students, convenient due to proximity and flexible scheduling. Work-study programs provide part-time jobs for students demonstrating financial need, with earnings typically not impacting future financial aid eligibility. While work-study income is subject to federal and state income taxes, it is generally exempt from Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes if the student is enrolled at least half-time and the work is performed on campus.
Beyond work-study, institutions hire students for roles such as library assistants, cafeteria staff, or resident advisors (RAs). Students can also find positions as tutors, research assistants, or administrative support staff. These roles are often advertised through university job boards, career services offices, or financial aid departments. Applying typically involves submitting an application, resume, and sometimes an interview.
On-campus employment offers flexibility, as employers are accustomed to accommodating student class schedules and academic commitments. This makes it easier to manage work alongside studies. Students usually receive a Form W-2 from their university employer, detailing annual earnings and any taxes withheld.
Off-Campus Employment Opportunities
Many students seek part-time employment within the local community, offering a broader range of job types. Common roles that accommodate student schedules include retail sales associate positions, various roles within food service like waitstaff or baristas, administrative assistant roles, or customer service representative positions. These jobs provide experience and can supplement income.
Finding these opportunities involves checking local job boards, online platforms such as Indeed or LinkedIn, and networking. Students might also find success by directly approaching businesses. Considerations for off-campus work include commuting time and costs, and ensuring the employer offers flexibility to balance work hours with academic demands.
Income from non-work-study part-time jobs is taxable and can influence future financial aid eligibility. When completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), all earned income must be reported, which can affect the Student Aid Index (SAI) used to determine aid packages.
Leveraging Digital Platforms and Skills
The digital landscape offers flexible opportunities to earn income, often remotely, by leveraging existing skills. Freelance writing, graphic design, web development, and social media management are examples of services in high demand. Online tutoring for subjects ranging from English and mathematics to test preparation also presents an income stream.
Other digital opportunities include virtual assistant services, transcription, and data entry. Students can find these roles on freelance platforms such as Upwork and Fiverr, or tutoring platforms like Chegg Tutors. Building an online portfolio or a professional social media presence can also attract clients.
The flexibility of online work allows students to set their own hours and often work from any location with an internet connection, making it compatible with fluctuating academic schedules. Income earned from these freelance activities is typically considered self-employment income. If net earnings from self-employment reach $400 or more in a year, students are required to pay self-employment taxes. It is prudent for self-employed individuals to set aside approximately 30% of their gross earnings to cover federal, state, local, and self-employment taxes. They may also need to make estimated tax payments quarterly if they expect to owe $1,000 or more in federal income tax.
Service-Based and Entrepreneurial Ventures
Students can also generate income by offering personal services or launching entrepreneurial ventures. Common service-based opportunities include pet sitting, dog walking, babysitting, lawn care, and house cleaning. Tutoring for local high school students is another option.
For those with creative talents, selling handmade crafts through online marketplaces or local craft fairs can provide income. Reselling items, such as thrift store finds or old textbooks, also offers a pathway to earnings. Participation in delivery services for food or groceries is another accessible option.
To find clients, students can utilize word-of-mouth referrals, local advertisements, community social media groups, or neighborhood apps. All students should understand their tax obligations; for 2025, a dependent student generally needs to file a tax return if their earned income exceeds $1,350 or their gross income exceeds $1,350 (or earned income plus $450, whichever is greater). Even if income falls below these thresholds, filing a tax return may be beneficial to claim any potential tax refunds from withheld earnings or to explore education tax credits like the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC), which can provide up to $2,500 for qualified educational expenses during the first four years of college.