College students can earn great money online by:
- Local lead generation
- Ecommerce
- Blogging
- Writing
- Translating
- Graphic designing
- Proofreading
- Resume writing
- Online tutoring
- Social media managing
The average college student working a part-time job earns around $15 per hour, or about $2,628 per month, according to ZipRecruiter. If you’re making more than that while studying, you're ahead of the game. But many students earn less and have to deal with in-person jobs that require commuting, which can eat up time and money. The NCES reports that 40% of full-time and 74% of part-time undergraduates have been employed since 2020.
With a profitable side hustle, you can cover your expenses without relying on loans or family help. Plus, you'll gain work experience and develop time management skills. NCES data shows that 10% of full-time students work 35+ hours a week. 15% work 20 to 34 hours a week. But, balancing work and school isn't easy. Taking on too much can lead to burnout or lower grades.
Steve Huffman and Alexis Ohanian are two college students from the University of Virginia. They are a perfect example of how college students can make significant money online. They first wanted to create a sandwich ordering app. But, after pitching to Y Combinator's Paul Graham, they shifted focus. He called it the "front page of the internet."" This led to the creation of Reddit. It is an online platform where users submit content and vote on what's interesting or not. In just 16 months, they sold Reddit to Condé Nast, becoming multi-millionaires by age 23. Today, Reddit is one of the most visited websites in the U.S.
I've been earning money online for over 10 years, and I've personally tried most of these strategies. I've done e-commerce, blogging, local lead generation, and more. I've spent over a decade studying online business ideas. I want to know which are best for beginners. These top ways to make money online can help college students balance online work with studying. In this article, I’ll cover different online business ideas and include a success story for each. I'll suggest some small business ideas for college students. I'll also discuss the challenges of balancing online work with studying.
1. Local Lead Generation
Starting a local lead generation business involves creating websites that rank well on Google for specific services in local areas, such as roofing or plumbing. These websites capture customer inquiries, or "leads," which are then sold to local businesses that need more customers. According to ProjectArmy, 68% of businesses report difficulties in generating leads.
For college students, local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the best method. Optimizing for local search terms, like "best plumber in Austin," will attract customers. The leads generated are valuable to local businesses, and each lead generation website can earn between $500 and $3,000 per month.
Students need no formal certifications to start. Just basic skills, like building a WordPress site and understanding SEO. With just one or two websites, students can make an extra $1,000 a month. If they scale up and manage multiple sites, it's possible to earn over $10,000 per month. ProjectArmy also notes that nurtured leads buy 47% more than non-nurtured ones. It emphasizes the importance of quality lead generation. The flexible nature of this business model allows students to work on it during their spare time, making it an ideal side income while studying.
After graduating from Michigan State, I found myself in a $2,500-a-month office job. I couldn't accept being trapped in a 9-to-5. I tried several online business models: Shopify dropshipping, Amazon FBA, and affiliate marketing. None were reliable or long-term. My real breakthrough came when I found local lead generation. In the past 10 years, I've built over 50 lead gen sites. Each earns $500 to $2,500 a month with little maintenance once ranked.
Local lead generation gave me the passive income I'd sought. It helped me grow my businesses into 7-figure earners. It all started in 2014 when I joined Dan Klein's local lead gen program. Since then, I've used my skills to help him and build my dream lifestyle.
2. Sell Products Online
Selling products involves offering goods through various websites like Amazon and Etsy. This can be a great option for college students because it’s flexible, and you can work on your own schedule. Whether you want to sell your own products or resell items, there are many platforms to choose from. According to Parcel Pending, 96% of college students own a smartphone, which they use extensively for online activities. It includes shopping and selling. Each platform has its own process, but the goal is the same: list products, make sales, and earn money.
In 2021, while still in his senior year, Warner Fields made over $600,000 in sales and earned a monthly profit of $19,861.26 through his e-commerce business. His business, which sells millions in brand-name products from Walmart and Target, started with just $1,500. Warner's rise from college student to successful entrepreneur shows the power of online selling.
3. Blogging
Blogging is an online business where you create and share written content on a website, often about a specific topic or interest. Starting a blog needs a little money. You can publish content whenever you're not busy with your studies. So, it's a good choice for college students who want to earn money online. You can even create your blog around one of your favorite hobbies or even relate it to your field of study in school. You can make money from your blog in several ways. The most popular are running AdSense ads and affiliate marketing. These might enable your blog to generate a substantial income online.
To make money on a blog, college students can:
However, you won’t make money right away from blogging. Instead, you'll likely need to spend at least 10 hours a week on your blog. You may see some money within the first year. Business journalist Janette Novak of Fit Small Business says first-year bloggers earn $200 to $2,500 per month. But, established blogs can earn over $15,000 per month.
Carly Heitlinger’s journey from college student to full-time blogger is a true success story. She started The College Prepster in 2008 during a tough semester at Georgetown University, simply as a creative outlet. A hobby grew into something bigger. By 2013, Carly's blog income had doubled her salary. So, she took a big step and quit her tech startup job.
Now, Carly is a well-known lifestyle influencer. She shares her love for fashion, beauty, and travel with millions of readers. She collaborates with top brands. Her contracts earn $7,500 to $20,000. A manager helps her with her growing business. Carly’s story shows how taking a leap of faith can turn a passion into a career.
4. Freelance Writing
Freelance writing lets you write content for clients. You get paid for each project. For college students, it's a great way to earn money. They can use the writing skills they develop in their coursework. Many companies outsource their writing needs, and freelance writers in the U.S. can earn an average of $22.71 per hour, according to Indeed. This means a student working around 20 hours a week can make nearly $2,000 a month.
Freelance writing also offers flexibility. You can choose projects related to your major. For example, a finance student could write for a blog like NerdWallet. It can lead to higher pay for specialized knowledge. It also allows students to learn more about their field while getting paid.
You can find freelance writing jobs on various platforms, including:
A few months after graduating, Ashley Hawley turned her passion for writing into a successful freelance career. She started Ashley Hawley Freelancing. She used her college writing to build a solid portfolio. In her creative writing class, she explored different styles. It helped her develop a range of skills. After graduation, she landed an editorial assistant role with Dear English Major by reaching out directly to the site’s owner. She also took freelance work for Home Scribe Creative. It involved writing blog posts about local neighborhoods for real estate companies.
Ashley's success came from turning her schoolwork into marketable skills, like writing. After nearly two years with Home Scribe Creative, she moved to A Kid Again as Associate Director of Foundation Relations.
5. Translation Services
Translation services help translate text or documents from one language to another. Multilingual college students can make good money by offering these services online. According to ZipRecruiter, U.S. translators earn an average of $28.73 per hour. Translation services are less competitive since only about 20% of Americans speak a second language. You don’t need formal certification to get started. However, getting the certification from the American Translators Association can boost your credibility.
Here are some websites where you can find translation jobs:
6. Graphic Design
Graphic design is about creating visual content for clients. This includes logos, websites, and marketing materials. For college students with artistic skills or a passion for creativity, it’s a great way to make money online. Entry-level graphic designers earn $25 to $32 per hour, according to Salary.com. Experienced freelancers on Upwork can charge up to $145 per hour, according to CNBC.
Some websites where you can find graphic design jobs include:
Tabea Otto graduated from the M.A. Communication Design and Creative Strategies program. She quickly got her dream job as a designer at the famous agency, MetaDesign. There, she worked on a branding project for a big tech firm. She helped shape its visual identity and create brand guidelines. Tabea enjoyed collaborating with talented designers and appreciated the professional environment.
7. Proofreading
Proofreaders review and correct written content before publishing it. As a proofreader, you check for grammar mistakes, spelling errors, and ensure the formatting is correct. It is a flexible job that pays well. Proofreaders can earn an average of $22.43 per hour, according to Indeed. You can also proofread content related to your major. This includes academic papers and industry articles. It can help you stay connected to your field while earning money. Proofreading lets you make money while improving your language skills and attention to detail.
Some popular websites to find proofreading jobs include:
Adrienne Luedeking’s journey into proofreading began after she lost her job as an online consultant. As a college student with big dreams, she wanted a flexible job that would allow her to pursue her passions. After finding Proofread Academy, Adrienne wanted to start a proofreading business. So, she learned the skills to do it. In her first month, she earned $3,200 by proofreading on her iPad. She worked from anywhere and set her own hours. In 10 months, she made almost $30,000 working part-time. This let her focus on her other goals. Proofreading lets Adrienne build a career while chasing her dreams.
8. Résumé Writing
Resume writing helps clients create professional resumes that showcase their skills and achievements. As a college student, you know what your peers can offer to employers. Many students struggle to write resumes as they enter the workforce. You can help by guiding them. Resume writers typically earn between $100 and $400 per resume, according to CNBC.
By making a few strong templates and spending hours on each resume, you can earn a great hourly rate. This includes time spent discussing with clients.
Mary Southern started Resume Assassin nearly 10 years ago, combining her love for resume writing and helping others. With 12+ years of experience, she has helped thousands of pros land jobs at top firms like Google, Amazon, Tesla, and Microsoft. Despite some initial doubts, her passion turned into a thriving business, growing by over 25% each year for the past five years. Mary specializes in creating strong resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles. They help job seekers stand out and achieve their career goals.
9. Online tutoring
Online tutoring helps students improve their grades. It does this through one-on-one sessions that clarify course materials. For college students, tutoring is an excellent way to earn money by sharing their knowledge in specific subjects. You can focus on Science, Mathematics, Finance, and SAT. According to ZipRecruiter, online tutors in the U.S. earn an average of $22.37 per hour.
You can find opportunities on several online tutoring platforms, including:
While recovering from ankle surgery, Adam Shlomi started SoFlo SAT Tutoring. He used his test prep experience and 1570 SAT score to help students raise their scores. A small side project grew into a business. It now has 100 tutors who offer SAT and ACT prep to students worldwide. In just a little over two years, SoFlo has helped countless students get into top colleges. Adam's story shows that college students can earn money by starting an online tutoring business. It helps others succeed academically.
10. Social Media Management
Social media management is about managing a presence on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Many college students are already familiar with social media, making it a great way to earn money online. If you've built a social media following, offer your skills to businesses that need help managing their accounts. The average U.S. social media manager earns about $70,287 a year, says Zippia. Even part-time work pays about $30 an hour.
Some services you can offer include:
Five years ago, AJ Aminat started in social media management. She had no experience, just a passion for graphic design and social media. She wanted to turn her interest into a career. So, she took a social media management course through HubSpot. It gave her the skills and confidence she needed. She faced challenges and self-doubt. But, she pushed through by learning and improving. AJ combined her creativity with strategic thinking. This helped her stand out and build a successful career.
11. Social Media Influencer
Being a social media influencer lets you build a following. You can do this by sharing content about your hobbies. These can include fitness, gaming, cooking, or your life as a student. You can make money on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Twitch. Create engaging content that attracts viewers.
As your audience grows, brands may reach out for sponsorship deals, offering to pay you for promoting their products. YouTube sponsorships pay $10 to $50 per 1,000 views. A video with hundreds of thousands of views can earn a lot. Social media influencing lets college students profit from their passions.
LSU gymnast and influencer Olivia Dunne shared on the Full Send podcast that she earned over $500,000 from one sponsored post. With deals from Microsoft, Purina, and Snapchat, Olivia has earned $6 million. Her 5.3 million Instagram and 8.1 million TikTok followers help her earn more. Each post makes a lot of money.
12. Data Entry
Data entry involves inputting information into electronic formats, like spreadsheets or databases. It’s a simple way for college students to make money online without needing special skills, other than basic typing. Indeed says data entry jobs pay about $17.86 an hour. Zippia also reports over 132,000 data entry jobs in the U.S. It's a great opportunity for students.
You can find data entry jobs on websites like:
Jazzy Mac built a successful work-from-home career using her data entry skills and now helps others do the same. After low-paying jobs, she learned to optimize her resume with the right keywords. This helped her land higher-paying remote jobs, like those at US Bank. In just a week, she increased her income significantly, earning over $50,000 by simply improving her resume.
13. Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants handle tasks like scheduling meetings, organizing business trips, and planning schedules. Virtual assistants can also handle more specialized roles. For example, they can offer guidance on accounting or maintain a website. To make money online in college as a virtual assistant, you need a working phone number and a reliable internet connection. The average rate for a virtual assistant in the United States is $27.40 per hour, according to Indeed.
Some of the best places to find virtual assistant jobs are:
Libryria Jones, known as "The Remote Work Queen," turned her love for remote work into a successful career as a virtual assistant. When the pandemic forced businesses to go virtual, Libryria helped others. With 15 years of remote work, she focused on moms. She helped them find flexible remote jobs. Through her group, Wandering Moms, she teaches people how to balance work and family life while working from anywhere. As a virtual assistant, she handles tasks from home. These include scheduling, project management, and client commu
14. Become a search engine evaluator
A search engine evaluator helps companies improve their search engine results by evaluating the relevance and accuracy of search queries. As a college student, this is a flexible way to make money online. You give feedback on the quality of search results. This ensures users get the best information. All you need is a computer and a reliable internet connection.
Search engine evaluators typically earn around $24.46 an hour or $50,884 per year, according to ZipRecruiter, which offers these types of jobs. This role lets students work part-time, set their own schedules, and earn money. They will help search engines improve their results for users.
15. Virtual Bookkeeping
Virtual bookkeeping helps businesses track and record their financial transactions remotely. It’s a great way for finance and accounting majors to gain useful experience while earning money during college. You don't need a degree or certification to start. But, you must learn to use bookkeeping software like QuickBooks or FreshBooks. According to ZipRecruiter, work-from-home bookkeepers earn an average of $23.81 per hour.
You can find bookkeeping jobs on platforms such as:
Rita Julian started Julian Bookkeeping while still in college, turning her love for numbers into a virtual business. In December 2019, after attending a business workshop, she decided to go for it, even though she wasn’t sure about starting her own company. With her accounting skills, she began helping small businesses with bookkeeping, payroll, and taxes. Her business quickly grew, gaining clients across the U.S., especially in California. Now, she manages three part-time employees while also being a new mom.
What Are the Small Business Ideas for College Students?
The small business ideas for college students are social media management, tutoring, and freelance writing. As a student, you’re likely familiar with platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter, making social media management a great fit. If you excel in certain subjects, consider tutoring. You can help other students improve their grades, either in person or online. Freelance writing is flexible. You can write articles, blogs, or marketing content on your own schedule.
For those looking for something more hands-off, dropshipping is a good option. You can sell products online without needing to handle inventory or shipping. Photography is another creative business idea. You can do event photography or sell your photos to stock image sites. If you study finance or accounting, bookkeeping could help small businesses. They need help managing their finances. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are great for finding clients. It gives you the flexibility to balance work with your studies.
What Are the Drawbacks College Students May Face When Making Money Online?
Conclusion: What Is the Smartest Way College Students Can Earn Great Money Online in 2024?
The smartest way for college students to earn great money online in 2024 is local lead generation. Local lead generation involves creating websites that help local businesses attract new customers. You build simple websites that rank on Google for services like tree trimming, plumbing, or HVAC repair. You get paid when customers contact the business through the site. This method creates a passive income stream. Once the website is set up and optimized, it requires little ongoing maintenance.
Local lead generation offers college students flexibility and scalability. Unlike traditional part-time jobs that trade hours for pay, local lead generation involves building websites. These assets generate income without constant work. For example, during summer or winter breaks, students can spend time setting up these websites. Once the sites are ranked on Google and work well, they need little maintenance. This frees up time during the school year to focus on studies.
The income potential from local lead generation can be substantial. One local lead generation website can bring in anywhere from $500 to $2,000. A few high-earning websites can fund students' living and tuition costs. They can then focus on their studies.
For students who are looking for a way to make money online without trading their study hours for a paycheck, local lead generation is a smart option. It's not just about making short-term money. It's also about building a long-term income that keeps generating money after graduation.
