10 Ways College Students Can Earn Money

College tuition is expensive, averaging $11,000 for public universities and $43,000 per year at private institutions. Students find many ways to earn money for tuition and expenses—or more cash to spend on the weekends.

1. Food Delivery

Students can take advantage of their flexible schedules and help those on-campus or community residents with food delivery services. According to Glassdoor, the hourly rate for DoorDash drivers ranges from $21 to $34.

2. Tutoring

Whether helping other undergraduate or graduate students or young people at a local school, college students can make money tutoring. Websites like Care.com can help students connect to those who need academic help. In 2025, over 100,000 tutors listed their services on the site.

3. Sell Used Clothing

Students can find local thrift stores that will resell their clothing on consignment or post online at sites like Poshmark.com or ThredUp.com.

4. Be Creative

For crafters and creative students, sites like Etsy.com or Shopify.com can provide a platform and even a lucrative income for those who sell their creations. The average Etsy seller made $2,900 in 2024.

5. Blogging

Students can consider blogging for bucks. Individuals with a niche topic or unique angle that draws readership can make money through programs like Google Adsense and Amazon Associate’s affiliate program. According to the digital freelance company Fiverr, bloggers who sell digital content like online courses or guides can earn up to $10,000 monthly.

6. Internships

The tried and true way that college students earn money is through internships. From private companies, to state and government offices, students can find paid summer or semester employment. Sites like ZipRecruiter.com or Indeed.com feature a search option for internships. Most colleges and universities also offer job placement resources.

7. Ride Share

Ride-share driving may be an option for undergraduate or graduate students, depending on the age requirements. For example, Uber requires drivers to have at least one year of licensed driving experience in the U.S. Drivers younger than 23 must have three years. Drivers must have a valid U.S. driver’s license and proof of insurance with their name on the policy.

8. Teach a Skill

Students with special skills can organize classes or training in skiing, tennis, writing, acting, web design, knitting, cooking, weight training, scrapbooking, car repair, or any hobby.

9. Repairs or Tasks

Students with specialized skills like car repair and who have a cache of tools and supplies can advertise their services on campus. Additionally, there is always a market for building or moving furniture. Sites like Taskrabbit.com can connect students who can assemble furniture or mount TVs with those in need.

10. Dog Walking

Dogs may live on and off campus in a university town. Students with flexible schedules may find work walking multiple dogs a day. ZipRecruiter reports that dog walkers earned an average of $17 per hour in 2025.

The Bottom Line

Tuition and housing during college can be expensive for students. Many work part-time jobs to help with expenses. Flexible class schedules often allow students to intern or find gig employment.