35 Methods to Earn Money While in College: Up to $10,000 Annually on a Part-Time Basis

35 Methods to Earn Money While in College: Up to $10,000 Annually on a Part-Time Basis

      Side Hustle Nation is committed to enhancing your personal profitability. To achieve this, we frequently collaborate with companies that align with our mission. If you register or make a purchase via one of our partners' links, we may earn a commission—at no additional cost to you. Learn more. While my own college experience feels like a distant memory, I believe it's increasingly crucial for college students to discover ways to earn money. The rising costs of college have led many to borrow heavily for tuition, with this year’s graduates facing an average debt of over $37,000 in addition to their degrees. In this article, I’ll share how I made money during my college years, along with many additional opportunities that are available now. (There are numerous options that didn’t exist back then!) Ready? Let’s get started.

      1. Scholarships

      When it comes to the return on investment for your time, seeking and applying for scholarships can yield some of the highest returns. I was fortunate to receive several academic and service-based scholarships during college. (No, I didn’t excel in athletics!) Collectively, these scholarships were valued at several thousand dollars, significantly reducing my tuition expenses. Visit Scholarships.com for a comprehensive database of opportunities, and apply only for the scholarships you qualify for.

      Next Step: My friend Jocelyn has created a free online workshop outlining the 6 Steps to Quickly Secure Scholarships for College.

      2. Part-Time Jobs

      One of my favorite jobs ever was working as a cashier at a Mongolian Grill. So much free food! (A great money-saving tip!) I earned $10 an hour and vividly remember walking to the University of Washington administrative offices to pay my tuition with money I had earned at the restaurant. Check out apps like Wonolo to find part-time gigs nearby.

      3. House Painting

      My primary income source in college came from painting houses during the summer through a company called College Works Painting. It was both the most challenging and rewarding work of my life at that time. Over two summers, I sold approximately $140,000 in painting jobs, translating into around $20,000 in profit. This was also a pivotal learning experience for me, as it marked my first experience with earning profits rather than wages and laid the groundwork for my future entrepreneurial pursuits. Fun fact: Since it was technically an "internship," I also earned some college credits, bringing me closer to graduation.

      4. Paid Internships

      After my painting work, my roommate pointed out an advertisement in our school newspaper for a marketing internship. “You should look into it,” he suggested. I secured a position at an e-commerce company in Seattle for $10 an hour, which introduced me to:

      - online advertising

      - affiliate marketing

      - search engine optimization

      - pay-per-click advertising

      and more.

      Internships are great opportunities to “get paid to learn” while gaining real-world experience. In my case, it directly led to my next income stream. Check out Internships.com for positions available near you.

      Possible alternative: Could you create your own “apprenticeship” in a field that interests you?

      5. Affiliate Marketing

      After my e-commerce internship, I decided to dive into affiliate marketing, where you generate traffic to products or services and earn commissions from sales. More than 15 years later, this is still my primary source of income. At the time, I began with a $1 daily ad budget, promoting specific shoe models that were in demand. This proved profitable, allowing me to earn $200-400 monthly in “passive income” from my college basement shared with five other roommates. After graduating, I invested in building a comprehensive affiliate comparison shopping site, which I consider my initial side hustle and the venture that enabled me to leave my corporate job.

      Related: Affiliate Marketing for Beginners: Earn $200/Month with this Easy Step-by-Step Guide.

      6. Real Estate (Seriously)

      Bear with me on this—it’s a bit unconventional. While in college, I was eager to become a real estate investor and actually managed to purchase a rental property. Back in those pre-bubble years, it seemed that a young person without a steady job could secure a $250,000 loan without many questions. I used the profits from my painting jobs to cover the down payment, and I earned about $100 monthly in positive cash flow from rent. Luckily, I sold the house for a good profit before the market downturn. Sometimes, luck is just as important as skill! If you're interested in real estate investing, consider platforms like Fundrise, which offer lower minimum investments and more options than traditional home buying.

      7. College Credits Outside the Classroom

      The final way I earned money during college was by graduating early, saving about $1,600. I entered college with AP test credits from high school. If you're currently in college, this advice might not be as relevant for you, but you can still check with your school about testing

35 Methods to Earn Money While in College: Up to $10,000 Annually on a Part-Time Basis 35 Methods to Earn Money While in College: Up to $10,000 Annually on a Part-Time Basis 35 Methods to Earn Money While in College: Up to $10,000 Annually on a Part-Time Basis 35 Methods to Earn Money While in College: Up to $10,000 Annually on a Part-Time Basis 35 Methods to Earn Money While in College: Up to $10,000 Annually on a Part-Time Basis 35 Methods to Earn Money While in College: Up to $10,000 Annually on a Part-Time Basis 35 Methods to Earn Money While in College: Up to $10,000 Annually on a Part-Time Basis 35 Methods to Earn Money While in College: Up to $10,000 Annually on a Part-Time Basis 35 Methods to Earn Money While in College: Up to $10,000 Annually on a Part-Time Basis 35 Methods to Earn Money While in College: Up to $10,000 Annually on a Part-Time Basis 35 Methods to Earn Money While in College: Up to $10,000 Annually on a Part-Time Basis 35 Methods to Earn Money While in College: Up to $10,000 Annually on a Part-Time Basis

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35 Methods to Earn Money While in College: Up to $10,000 Annually on a Part-Time Basis

Attending college doesn't imply you need to be financially struggling. Here's how I earned over $25,000 while in college and managed to maintain strong grades.