You Can Make Extra Money in College

How to Make Extra Money as a College Student

BIG Ideas:

  • The first step to financial independence starts with earning your own money.
  • With a little creativity and hustle, you could find opportunities to earn extra money for school.
  • While you’re making extra money, be sure you continue making school a priority.

College is an exciting adventure that’s worth every bit of the investment. But the expenses that come along with it can really add up. Tuition, books, housing, and basic everyday college essentials can pile up faster than you can say “debt regret.” And then there’s the extra spending money you’ll need to go out with your new pals.

The good news is that there are plenty of ways you can reduce your college expenses and make some of your own money as a college student. Yes, your money, so there’s no need to make emergency calls to Bank of Mom and Dad to get a quick loan.

Without further ado, here are some fun and interesting ways you could make college more affordable:

  • On-campus opportunities- One of the easiest things you could do is work where you spend most of your time – at school. Some popular on-campus jobs include becoming a tour guide, working the front desk at resident halls, or being an assistant to a department. You could even apply to become a resident advisor (RA), which is a great way to get free or discounted housing. Reach out to your school’s career center to learn about opportunities available.
  • Paid internships and part-time jobs- Think about what you’re interested in and try to find a part-time job or internship related to it. For example, if you’re thinking about working with kids, try babysitting, tutoring, or getting a job at a local daycare. As a sales, hospitality, or marketing major, a customer-facing role could be beneficial, such as working as a waiter, sales associate, or as event staff. Getting a paid internship or part-time job in a field related to what you’re studying is a great way to get experience, make a little extra money, and pad that resume!
  • Thinking outside the box- Opportunities to bring in money are all around you, like those textbooks from last semester. Instead of having them take up space in your cramped dorm room, resell them to other students. Skilled in photography, crafts, or graphic design? Start your own side hustle and sell your work. If you have a car, try pizza delivery, become an Uber or Lyft driver, or work for a food delivery service. You could even take on odd jobs like house sitting, pet sitting, and mowing lawns. There are countless ways to earn a few extra bucks; you just have to be creative.
  • Scholarships and grants- At the end of the day, making money in college is not just for “fun money”, it’s to build financial independence and help pay for the cost of admission. To ease the burden, look into applying for scholarships and grants. It’s like being given the gift of free money to help fund your education. The Murray Watson, Jr. Scholarship from Brazos awards a $5,000 scholarship every month for Texas students. (psst – register here!) We also offer the monthly Brazos $1,000 No Essay Scholarship – It takes just one minute to enter to win!

Need Help With College Costs? Brazos is Here

For more than 40 years, Brazos Higher Education has been helping make education more affordable for students and parents. As a Texas non-profit, we can offer you BIG savings on a wide range of student loans. Contact us today!