Trader logo

Top 10 Ways to Make Money Online as a College Student

Unlock Your Financial Potential and Build Your Career from Your Dorm Room with These Lucrative Online Opportunities

By Top 10 PercentPublished 3 years ago 11 min read
Image by Buro Milennial

As a college student, you are often strapped for cash and looking for ways to earn some extra income. Fortunately, with the rise of the internet, there are now more opportunities than ever to make money online. In this article, we will cover 10 proven ways for college students to make money online.

Image by Daniel Thomas

Freelance Writing:

As a college student, freelance writing can be an excellent way to make some extra cash. Luckily, there are many online platforms that connect freelance writers with clients looking for high-quality content. Here are three of the most popular platforms for freelance writers:

Upwork: Upwork is one of the most popular freelance platforms out there, and it's a great place for writers to find work. Clients post job listings for writers to bid on, and you can set up a profile to showcase your writing skills and experience. There are a variety of writing jobs available, from blog posts to white papers, so you're sure to find something that fits your skills.

Fiverr: Fiverr is another popular freelance platform that can be great for writers. The platform is designed around the idea of "gigs," which are short-term projects that clients hire freelancers to complete. As a writer, you can offer gigs like blog posts, product descriptions, and social media posts. Fiverr also has a rating system that allows clients to rate freelancers, which can help you build a reputation and attract more work.

Freelancer: Freelancer is another platform that connects freelancers with clients looking for their services. Like Upwork, clients post job listings for writers to bid on, and you can set up a profile to showcase your skills and experience. Freelancer has a wide variety of writing jobs available, from technical writing to copywriting, so there's something for everyone.

Click Here to get started making money online for writing!

Image by Katerina Holmes

Online Tutoring:

Online tutoring has become an increasingly popular way for students to supplement their education and for individuals to earn extra income. Here are three different platforms that someone could use to do online tutoring:

Chegg Tutors: Chegg Tutors is an online platform that connects students with tutors in a variety of subjects. As a tutor, you can set your own rates and availability, and work with students through a virtual classroom that includes video chat, a whiteboard, and document sharing. Chegg Tutors also offers a mobile app that makes it easy to connect with students on the go. The platform pays tutors weekly, and offers 24/7 support to ensure that you have everything you need to succeed.

TutorMe: TutorMe is another online tutoring platform that connects students with tutors in a variety of subjects. The platform offers one-on-one sessions that can be scheduled at a time that works for both you and the student. As a tutor, you can set your own rates and work as much or as little as you like. TutorMe offers a virtual whiteboard and screen-sharing capabilities to make it easy to work with students, and also provides access to resources such as textbooks and practice exams.

Varsity Tutors: Varsity Tutors is a platform that offers live, online tutoring sessions in over 3,000 subjects. As a tutor, you can create a profile and list your areas of expertise, and then Varsity Tutors will match you with students who are looking for help in those subjects. Varsity Tutors offers a virtual classroom that includes a whiteboard, video chat, and document sharing, as well as access to a variety of online resources such as practice tests and study guides. The platform pays tutors weekly and offers opportunities for bonuses and promotions based on performance.

Image by Kerde Severin

Social Media Management:

Social media management has become a lucrative career path for individuals looking to capitalize on the explosive growth of social media platforms. The demand for social media management services is high as more businesses recognize the need for a strong social media presence. To make money with social media management, one can start by acquiring the necessary skills in social media marketing, content creation, and community management. This can be achieved through online courses, workshops, or by seeking mentorship from seasoned social media managers.

Once equipped with the necessary skills, one can start by offering social media management services to small businesses and startups in their locality. Alternatively, they can create social media management packages and promote them on freelancing platforms such as Fiverr or Upwork. To grow their business, social media managers can also build a website or a blog to showcase their portfolio and offer additional services such as social media audits, paid advertising, and analytics. With dedication and commitment, social media management can provide a sustainable income stream and the opportunity to work remotely.

Click Here to become a social media manager!

Image by Vojtech Okenka

Create Websites:

WordPress: WordPress is a free and open-source content management system (CMS) that allows users to easily create websites and blogs. It is used by millions of websites worldwide and offers a wide range of templates, themes, and plugins that can be customized to fit any need. With WordPress, users can create a professional-looking website without any technical knowledge or coding skills.

Wix: Wix is a cloud-based website builder that allows users to create professional-looking websites without any coding or design skills. It offers a range of customizable templates and drag-and-drop tools that make it easy to create a website in minutes. Wix also offers a range of marketing and e-commerce tools that can help users grow their businesses online.

GetResponse: GetResponse is an all-in-one marketing platform that offers a range of tools for email marketing, landing pages, webinars, and more. It also offers a website builder that allows users to create a professional-looking website in minutes. With GetResponse, users can choose from a range of customizable templates and drag-and-drop tools to create a website that is optimized for conversions and user experience.

Click Here to make a free account with GetResponse!

Image by Tima Miroshnichenko

Affiliate Marketing:

Affiliate marketing is a popular method of making money online that involves promoting products or services and earning commissions for any sales generated through your unique affiliate link. Here are the steps with explanations on how to make money with affiliate marketing:

Choose a niche: The first step to making money with affiliate marketing is choosing a niche that you're passionate about. This could be anything from health and fitness to technology or finance. It's important to choose a niche that has a large enough audience and that you can create quality content around.

Research affiliate programs: Once you have your niche, it's time to research affiliate programs that align with your niche. You can find affiliate programs through affiliate networks like ShareASale, Commission Junction, or Amazon Associates. Look for programs that offer a good commission rate and have products or services that your audience would be interested in.

Create quality content: The key to success with affiliate marketing is creating quality content that provides value to your audience. This could be in the form of blog posts, videos, social media posts, or email newsletters. Your content should be engaging, informative, and promote the affiliate products or services in a natural way.

Promote affiliate products: Once you have quality content, it's time to start promoting your affiliate products. This could be through product reviews, tutorials, or recommendations. You can include your unique affiliate link in your content, which allows you to earn a commission for any sales generated through that link.

Build an email list: Building an email list is an effective way to promote your affiliate products and generate sales. You can offer a lead magnet, such as a free ebook or course, in exchange for people's email addresses. Then, you can send regular newsletters with content and affiliate promotions.

Analyze and optimize: As you start making sales, it's important to analyze and optimize your strategy. You can use tools like Google Analytics to track your traffic and conversions. Use this data to optimize your content and promotions to improve your results.

Click Here to get started with affiliate marketing!

Image by Peter Olexa

Online Surveys:

Online surveys have become a popular way for people to earn some extra cash without leaving the comfort of their homes. With the advancement of technology, several platforms have emerged that allow people to participate in online surveys and earn money. Here are three different platforms that someone could make money with online surveys:

Swagbucks: Swagbucks is a popular survey platform that rewards users with Swagbucks points that can be redeemed for cash or gift cards. The surveys on Swagbucks cover a wide range of topics, including shopping habits, entertainment preferences, and more. In addition to surveys, Swagbucks also offers other ways to earn points, such as watching videos, playing games, and searching the web. Users can redeem their points for cash via PayPal or for gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

Survey Junkie: Survey Junkie is another well-known survey platform that pays users for their opinions. The platform offers a variety of surveys on topics like food, technology, and entertainment. Users can earn points for completing surveys, and once they accumulate enough points, they can redeem them for cash via PayPal or for e-gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon and Target. Survey Junkie also offers a referral program that rewards users for bringing in new members.

Vindale Research: Vindale Research is a survey platform that pays users for their opinions on a variety of topics, including food, entertainment, and technology. Users can earn cash for completing surveys, watching videos, and participating in other activities on the platform. Vindale Research pays users via PayPal or by check, and users can also earn money by referring friends and family to the platform.

Image by Christina Morillo

Online Freelance Marketplaces:

Online freelance marketplaces are an excellent way for college students to make money by offering their skills and expertise to potential clients worldwide. These platforms provide a level playing field where individuals can offer their services in various fields, including writing, graphic design, video editing, programming, and more. Some of the popular online freelance marketplaces include Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour, among others.

To start making money on these platforms, students should create a profile that highlights their skills and experiences, and set their hourly rates or project fees based on their level of expertise. Freelance marketplaces offer job categories that cater to a broad range of skills and industries, allowing students to choose projects that align with their interests and passions. Students should ensure that they produce high-quality work, meet deadlines, and communicate effectively with clients to build a solid reputation on these platforms. Additionally, offering exceptional customer service, providing revisions when needed, and responding promptly to client inquiries can help students secure repeat business and positive reviews, increasing their chances of getting hired for future projects.

Image by Julia M Cameron

Sell Online Courses:

In recent years, online courses have exploded in popularity as a means of education and professional development. This has led to an increasing number of platforms that allow creators to create and sell their own online courses. Here are three of the most popular platforms for creating and selling online courses:

Udemy: Udemy is one of the most popular platforms for creating and selling online courses. The platform boasts over 40 million students and 155,000 courses in over 65 languages. Udemy allows course creators to set their own prices and keep up to 97% of the revenue generated from course sales. Udemy also provides tools and resources to help course creators market and promote their courses to potential students.

Teachable: Teachable is another popular platform for creating and selling online courses. The platform offers course creators a range of features, including custom branding, course customization, and marketing tools. Teachable also provides creators with a range of payment options, including one-time payments, subscriptions, and payment plans. Course creators keep 100% of the revenue generated from course sales, minus transaction fees.

Skillshare: Skillshare is a popular platform for creators looking to create and sell short, project-based courses. The platform focuses on creative and hands-on courses, such as photography, graphic design, and cooking. Skillshare offers a subscription-based model, with students paying a monthly fee for access to all courses on the platform. Course creators earn revenue based on the number of minutes watched by students in their courses.

Image by Vlada Karpovich

Become A Live Chat Assistant:

One way to make money as a live chat assistant is to work for companies that offer live chat support services. These companies provide support to businesses that need to communicate with their customers in real-time. Live chat assistants may work from home or a remote location and are responsible for answering customer inquiries, resolving issues, and providing information about products and services.

To get started as a live chat assistant, you can look for job openings on freelance websites or search for companies that offer live chat support services. Some companies require previous customer service experience, while others provide training to new hires. Live chat assistants typically work on a part-time or flexible schedule, making it a great option for college students looking to make money on the side. The pay rate for live chat assistants can vary depending on the company and the level of experience, but it is generally around $25-$35 per hour.

Click Here to get started as a live chat assistant!

Image by Anna Shvets

Sell Products Online:

Etsy: Etsy is a marketplace that specializes in handmade, vintage, and unique items. It is a great platform for artists, crafters, and designers to sell their products. With more than 81 million buyers worldwide, it is a massive online marketplace where sellers can create their shops and list their products for sale. Sellers can also take advantage of the platform's marketing tools, like promoted listings, to boost their visibility and sales.

Shopify: Shopify is an e-commerce platform that allows users to create their online stores. It is a versatile platform that can be used to sell anything from physical products to digital products like ebooks or courses. With Shopify, users have complete control over their online store, including the design, layout, and functionality. They can also take advantage of the platform's built-in marketing tools to drive traffic and sales.

Amazon: Amazon is the largest e-commerce platform globally, with more than 300 million active users. It allows individuals to sell their products through the Amazon marketplace, with the option to fulfill orders themselves or use Amazon's fulfillment services. With its enormous customer base and reputation, Amazon is an excellent platform for sellers who want to reach a vast audience quickly. Additionally, it offers a range of services to help sellers optimize their listings and boost their sales, such as Amazon Advertising and Amazon Brand Registry.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, making money as a college student is possible, and there are many ways to do it online. By utilizing your skills and interests, you can earn extra income and gain valuable experience that will help you in your future career.

careerpersonal finance

About the Creator

Top 10 Percent

Top 10 Percent: Your go-to source for insightful articles on anything to improve yourself as a person!

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2026 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.