Ways to Make Money in College: Side Income for Students

4 minute read

Ways to Make Money in College: Side Income for Students

College students face challenges covering the costs of higher education. Many save money from summer jobs or work part-time during the school year through jobs or work-study programs.

If you need to make money while in college, you may be wondering which options are best for your schedule and needs.

Pros and Cons of Part-Time Jobs for Students

In most college towns, part-time work is readily available in restaurants, coffee shops, and retail stores. However, balancing a job with a challenging course load can be difficult. Here are some points to consider:

Pros:

• You’ll gain valuable work experience: In addition to earning money, you’ll learn new skills and build your résumé.
• You’ll meet more people: Working a part-time job provides a chance to interact with people outside your community, offering opportunities for new friendships and valuable career networking connections.
• Some employers help pay for college: National companies such as T-Mobile and Home Depot offer tuition assistance programs to part-time employees, which is money in addition to your regular salary.

Cons:

• Working may interfere with your schoolwork: Balancing a regular work schedule with attending classes and completing assignments can be challenging for full-time students. An inflexible boss may make it difficult to take time off for big projects or exams.
• You miss out on extracurricular activities: When all your spare time is devoted to working, it's hard to participate in social activities.
• You may negatively impact your financial aid: Making too much money could cause you to lose financial aid eligibility. Consult your school’s financial aid advisor about employment implications.

Work-Study Programs

Work-study jobs can be a great way to make money in college, but not all students are eligible. The Federal Work-Study Program is available to undergraduate and graduate students with demonstrated financial need. Most positions are on campus or with community non-profit organizations.

Work-study is often a better option than regular part-time jobs because administrators try to place students in career-related fields, and employers are generally more flexible with class schedules. However, you are limited to earning no more than the total amount of your Federal Work-Study award.

Side Income Ideas for Students

If you don't have time for a structured job, there are ways to earn money.

1. Turn Your Hobby Into a Side Hustle
   If you are creative, consider selling your custom-painted jeans, handmade jewelry, or other crafts online. You can open a virtual shop on sites such as Etsy.
2. Get Paid to Watch Videos and Take Surveys Online
   You can earn money from your dorm room or apartment by taking online surveys or providing feedback on movie trailers, video games, and marketing emails. Sites like InboxDollars or PrizeRebel offer compensation for your input.
3. Become an Online Tutor
   If you have a strong Wi-Fi connection, you can work as a tutor from anywhere. Online tutoring services connect you with other students in need of academic assistance, allowing you to get paid for your expertise. 
4. Apply for Scholarships
   Scholarships can mean big bucks. Even if you have an existing scholarship, keep applying for more. For an easy start, enter to win the NC Assist $1,000 No Essay Scholarship. You can enter every month for a new chance to win. Use the CFNC Scholarship Search to find even more opportunities.

When Your Earnings Aren’t Enough

Even with extra income, a financial gap may remain. That’s where the NC Assist Loan Program comes in—to help you bridge the gap between the funds you have and your total college expenses.

NC Assist is a private, non-profit loan offered by College Foundation, Inc., a trusted North Carolina non-profit lender. This program provides competitive fixed-rate loans to North Carolina residents and out-of-state students attending eligible North Carolina schools.