Money · For students

13 Ways for Students to Make Money

School is expensive. These thirteen ideas help high school and college students earn, save and start building wealth early.

1Beginner

1. Get a campus job or Federal Work-Study

Libraries, dining halls, gyms and offices hire students and work around class schedules. Federal Work-Study is part of financial aid for students who qualify.

How to start

1. Fill out the FAFSA to see if you qualify for Work-Study.
2. Check your school's student job board early in each term.
3. Ask for quiet jobs, such as front desk work, where you may be able to study during slow times.

What to expect

Hours are usually part-time and pay is hourly. Campus jobs are convenient and often understanding about exams.

2Side hustle

2. Tutor other students

If you are strong in a subject you can tutor classmates or younger students in your community.

How to start

1. Ask professors and your school's tutoring center about openings.
2. Offer to tutor middle and high school students in subjects you aced.
3. Prepare practice problems ahead of each session.

What to expect

Tutoring often pays better than many entry-level jobs. Exam weeks bring the biggest demand.

3Beginner

3. Join paid research studies on campus

University departments often pay students to take part in research studies, surveys and experiments.

How to start

1. Check psychology, business and health department boards for study sign-ups.
2. Read each study's consent form carefully before you agree.
3. Keep a calendar of study times so they do not clash with classes.

What to expect

Payments vary by study and are usually occasional. It is easy extra money that fits between classes.

4Long term

4. Become a resident assistant

Resident assistants help students in dorms. Many schools offer free or reduced housing and sometimes a meal plan or stipend.

How to start

1. Look for RA applications, which often open months before the next school year.
2. Show leadership through clubs, volunteering or campus jobs.
3. Ask current RAs about the real workload before applying.

What to expect

Housing savings can be worth a lot. The role takes time and responsibility, especially on nights and weekends.

5Beginner

5. Sell or rent out textbooks

Selling textbooks after a class ends gets money back. Buying used or renting saves money from the start.

How to start

1. Compare buyback prices online and at the campus store.
2. Sell right after finals when demand is highest.
3. Keep books in good condition to get the best price.

What to expect

Resale value depends on whether the edition is still used. Selling quickly usually pays more.

6Side hustle

6. Be a brand ambassador

Some companies pay students to promote products on campus through events, social media and referrals.

How to start

1. Look for programs from brands you already use and like.
2. Read the terms. Avoid any program that asks you to buy inventory.
3. Disclose that you are a paid ambassador when you post.

What to expect

Pay can be a stipend, commission or free products. Good programs also add useful marketing experience to your resume.

7Beginner

7. Work as a camp counselor or lifeguard

Summer camps, pools and parks hire students every year. Some camps include housing and meals.

How to start

1. Apply early. Many summer positions are filled by spring.
2. Earn lifeguard or first aid certification if the job requires it.
3. Ask about returning bonuses for working multiple summers.

What to expect

Summer jobs can add up to a solid amount by fall. Lifeguarding often pays more because of the certification.

8Long term

8. Land a paid internship

Paid internships give you income and experience in your field. They can lead to job offers after graduation.

How to start

1. Visit your career center for resume help and internship listings.
2. Apply widely, including smaller companies and local government offices.
3. Follow up with a thank-you note after every interview.

What to expect

Pay varies by field. The bigger value is often the experience and the connections you make.

9Beginner

9. Keep applying for scholarships and grants

Scholarships and grants are money you usually do not have to pay back. Many are offered every year by schools, churches and community groups.

How to start

1. Fill out the FAFSA every year to stay eligible for need-based aid.
2. Ask your financial aid office, church and local organizations about scholarships.
3. Reuse and tailor essays so you can apply to more of them.

What to expect

Smaller local scholarships often have fewer applicants. Never pay a company to find scholarships for you.

10Beginner

10. Work restaurant and coffee shop shifts

Servers, baristas and hosts can often choose shifts that work around classes. Tips can add to hourly pay.

How to start

1. Apply to places near campus so you do not waste time commuting.
2. Ask about evening and weekend shifts that fit your schedule.
3. Track tips and set some aside for taxes.

What to expect

Earnings depend on how busy the spot is. Weekend nights usually bring more tips.

11Side hustle

11. Build websites or apps for clubs and small businesses

If you are learning to code or design, campus groups and local shops may need simple websites.

How to start

1. Build a portfolio site that shows a few projects.
2. Offer a discount to your first few clients in exchange for reviews.
3. Write down exactly what each project includes before you start.

What to expect

Projects grow your skills and resume as you earn. Clear agreements prevent endless revision requests.

12Long term

12. Start a Roth IRA with what you earn

If you have earned income you may be able to open a Roth IRA. Money invested young has decades to grow.

How to start

1. Open a Roth IRA at a low-cost brokerage. Teens may need a custodial account.
2. Contribute what you can, even small amounts. You can only contribute up to what you earned that year and up to the IRS yearly limit.
3. Invest in a broad, low-cost index fund inside the account.

What to expect

Investments can go up and down, but time is a young investor's biggest advantage. Starting small still counts.

13Side hustle

13. Help classmates move in and out

Move-in and move-out days are chaotic. Students and parents will pay for help carrying boxes, packing and storage runs.

How to start

1. Team up with a friend and set an hourly or per-room rate.
2. Advertise in student groups a few weeks before move days.
3. Bring dollies and lift safely.

What to expect

Work is concentrated around the start and end of each term. A few busy days can bring in a solid boost.

Every dollar you earn and save as a student gives you a head start. Pick one idea that fits your schedule and start this semester.