Top 10 Ways to Make Extra Cash in College

By Aimee Hosler | Apr 16, 2012

College can be an investment in your future, but it can also be an expensive one. Especially today when soaring tuition costs are leaving grads more indebted than ever before. For some students, a little cash on the side means more than an extra night out on the town -- it can save their education (not to mention their credit scores). Not sure how to boost your income while managing a student schedule? Check out these top 10 ways to make extra cash in college.

10 ways to make more money in college (without selling a kidney)

1. Find a job.

If you aren't already working, now would be a great time to land a part- or even full-time position. Managing school and work is a juggling act, but decreased course loads, evening classes and online colleges make life easier to manage.

2. Get another job. Seriously.

Already have a job? Get another (flexible) job on the side. Consider odd jobs, like walking your neighbor's pup or washing cars. You can also look into secret shopper gigs or product sales (think: Avon).

3. Sell your stuff.

Okay, so you probably need furniture, clothes and appliances, but what about those old video games or that guitar you never bothered learning how to play? Skip the pawn shop; sites like Craigslist and eBay make clearing house easier than ever.

4. Start a high-yield savings account.

Passive income? Yes, please. If you actually have a little money put away, consider moving it to a high-yield savings account or money market. Some banks and credit unions even offer special deals for college students, though most require a minimum deposit.

5. Become a tutor.

Really know your way around integrals? Somewhere there's an English major who needs your help. Tutoring is a great way to earn a little extra cash while reinforcing the skills you've mastered in school. Start by posting signs around campus, but don't limit yourself to the "real" world; students attending online colleges need help, too.

6. Get an internship.

If you have to work, why not find a gig that will help you land another gig after graduating? You may have to do some digging to find an internship that will pay you what you need, but it can be well worth the effort. Visit your school's career services office to get started.

7. Put your hobby to work.

It isn't really "work" if you love it, right? Turn your hobby into extra cash. Love to take photos? Sell your images to stock photography sites online. Play far too many online video games? Level characters and sell off those accounts. Even crafty types can make a buck or two on sites like etsy.com.

8. Look into work-study programs.

Did you know that many colleges have jobs set aside especially for students? These work-study programs are often (but not always) need-based. Some pay you directly while others apply your earnings to your student account, offsetting some of your tuition and book fees.

9. Make an app for that.

Imagine how much better your bank account might look if you were the one that designed the Angry Birds or Words with Friends apps. You don't have to be a computer science major to design an app, but some programming skills couldn't hurt.

10. Get a roommate.

If you can't afford your rent, you should probably consider splitting the burden with a friend or carefully selected roommate. Leaving town for the summer? Find someone reliable to sublease your apartment while you're away.

A penny saved…

Sometimes the best way to pad your pocket book isn't to simply make more (though it never hurts), but to just spend less. Learn how to manage a budget, and take advantage of student deals and discounts whenever you can. Just remember that the little sacrifices you make now can pay off in a major way after school.