Last Updated on July 22, 2026 by Alexandra Markin, Dip.Mgmt.St.
Need extra cash? As an online student myself, I know trying to make extra money as a college student can be challenging when you already have a full calendar.
Wether you’re taking classes online, attending on campus or an adult learner going back to school, we can all do with a bit of extra cash.
This post is a list of my favorite ideas of how college students can make extra cash without a getting a traditional part-time job, taking on a demanding side hustle or starting a business.
How to Make Extra Money While In College
There are lots of flexible ways to work around your busy student schedule to make extra money. However, as I’ve done most of these myself, it’s important to set realistic expectations. These are not get-rich-quick schemes or ways to make hundreds of dollars overnight.
Instead, these ideas will help you earn extra money in college in your spare time to make a little more room in your budget, save towards a goal or carve out a few extra dollars to start investing while you earn your degree.
1. Sell Used Items on Facebook Marketplace
We all have a ton of stuff at home we no longer want or need, and selling those items is one of the best quick ways to make money as a student.
This is something I’ve been doing for 15+ years, long before I was an online student. I regularly sell items around my house and I’ve made over $9,500 and sold 450+ items.
Even if you don’t have expensive items like electronics or furniture to sell, don’t overlook low-cost items. I’ve personally sold everything from small household items like $2 mugs to $5 t-shirts on Marketplace. If you really need the extra cash, listing $2, $5 or $10 items adds up—and there are always buyers looking for affordable deals!
MY TIP: Try to list regularly to be in favor with the Facebook algorithm. I take 10 minutes each morning to list something new or delete and re-post an older item.
2. Sell Clothing to a Consignment Shop
If you have gently used clothing, shoes or accessories you no longer wear, take them to a local consignment shop for some extra cash. The split is generally 40/60 (meaning you get 60% of the item’s sale price and the consignment shop gets 40%).
While this doesn’t make as much as as selling your items on Facebook Marketplace, it’s a great option if you don’t have time to list items and schedule pickups.
MY TIP: Research what brands are accepted at different stores. Some consignment shops only accept certain brands that are currently in style, while others lean more towards vintage items.
3. Sell Used Textbooks
If you’re not planning on keeping your textbooks, sell them as soon as you’re finished your course. I’ve had success listing mine on Facebook Marketplace or through Facebook groups at my college.
MT TIP: Don’t wait too long to sell them as newer editions are frequently released and the value of older versions decrease over a short period of time.
4. Collect Refundable Bottles/Cans
If you live in an area with a bottle deposit program, collecting refundable bottles and cans can be an easy way to earn extra money as a student. Many states and provinces offer a small refund when you return eligible beverage containers to a recycling depot or collection center.
MY TIP: Sometimes grocery and liquor stores are equipped to take these back, so you don’t always have to make a trek to the smelly bottle depot!
5. Babysit
If you’re good with children, the classic pocket money gig of babysitting might be a good choice for you.
MY TIP: If you opt for evening/late hours, you can get in some focused study time while the child sleeps.
6. Pet Sit/Dog Walk
If you’re an animal lover, pet sitting or dog walking can be a fun and therapeutic way to earn extra money while in college. You can find opportunities through local community groups, word of mouth or pet care platforms and choose jobs that fit around your classes and other responsibilities.
7. Peer Tutoring
If you’re doing well in a particular subject, offering peer tutoring to classmates or students in lower grade levels can be an easy way to make some extra money.
MY TIP: Don’t undercharge just because you think you’re not “qualified” enough! Do your research and charge the going rate for similar peer tutors in your area.
8. Use a Cash Back Credit Card
This is one of my favorite ways to earn extra money for doing absolutely nothing other than buying things you had planned to buy anyways. If you don’t have a credit card with any kind of rewards system, I highly recommend getting a cash back credit card if you’re eligible.
MY TIP: Shop around and do a thorough comparison to make sure you get the credit card with the highest cash back percentage.
DON’T MISS: 12 Essential Credit Card Tips for College Students to make sure you’re not wasting all the cash back you’re earning!
9. Use a High Interest Savings Account
Make sure your hard-earned savings are working hard for you. Earning interest in a high interest savings account is another easy way to earn extra money for doing absolutely nothing other than holding your money in that account.
MY TIP: Once again, make sure you shop around to get the highest rates before committing.
10. Pick Up Event Staffing Jobs
Event staffing is temporary gig work helping out during specific events like concerts, festivals, conferences and trade shows. You can pick up shifts when you have free time without committing to a regular work schedule and it’s one of my favorite flexible side jobs for college students. Some events also provide free meals or admission once your shift is over.
MY TIP: I used to work in event staffing for clothing sample sales. Once you get your foot in the door, make a good impression and network a bit, you’ll often find yourself with a lot of work on offer.
11. Housesit
If you’re looking for how to make money while taking online classes, house sitting can be a great way to get a change of scene from your own living room while earn extra cash.
Responsibilities may include bringing in mail, watering plants, taking care of pets or just making sure everything is secure. This is a fun and flexible option for college students since many house sitting opportunities are short-term and fit around a busy online schedule.
12. Become a Mystery Shopper
As a mystery shopper, you’re paid to visit a store or restaurant and then fill out a form or report on your experience. This doesn’t pay much, but it can be a fun way to get paid for shopping if that’s something you enjoy.
MY TIP: If you’re mystery shopping at restaurants but are looking for more than just a free meal out, make sure to confirm if you’re paid a fee on top of your meal reimbursement.
13. Deliver Food or Groceries
If you have a vehicle, delivering food or groceries can be a flexible way to make extra money as a college student as you’re able to pick your work hours. Services like DoorDash, Instacart or Uber Eats are always busy and it’s very easy to get hired.
Ways to Make Extra Money as a College Student Online
14. Take Online Surveys
Make extra money from the comfort of your couch by giving your opinion on products, services and lifestyle habits by taking online surveys on your smartphone or computer.
You can easily make these part of your daily routine by fitting them in during commuting, on study breaks or while waiting for appointments.
The best online survey sites for college students I’ve found are:
- LEO Surveys (my favorite and I’ve made over $300 cash so far)
- Survey Junkie
- Swagbucks
- InboxDollars
- Pinecone Research
MY TIP: Start by signing up for one to get the hang of it before signing up for another. You’ll make the most money with online surveys when you’re registered with multiple sites.
15. Utilize Cash Back Apps
Cash back apps are an easy way to earn money on purchases you were already planning to make. Upload your receipts or shop through participating retailers to earn cash back on groceries, household essentials, clothing and more. Over time, those small rewards add up.
My favorite cash back apps are:
- Rakuten USA or Rakuten Canada
- Fetch Rewards
- Ibotta
MY TIP: Learn how to maximize a handful of cash back apps rather than trying to be on all of them so you can get paid out faster.
16. Become an Online Tutor
Online tutoring allows you to work with students from all over the world with the ability to set your availability around your classes and coursework. Whether you tutor academic subjects, languages or specialized skills like STEM, this can be a great way to put to use that knowledge you’re spending money to learn.
How to Make Extra Money as a College Student From Home
17. Rent Out a Spare Room
If you have a spare room in your home, consider renting it out (if you’re allowed) to bring in some extra cash.
18. Offering Sewing/Alteration Services
If you’re able to sew and have a machine, offering your services to friends, family, classmates and coworkers is a creative way to make money as a student from home. You can hem pants, fix buttons and do more advanced alterations if you have the skills all on a flexible schedule.
Your Next Step: Start Making Extra Money as a College Student
Now that you have a list of easy ways to make money while going to school, start with one idea and get good at it before adding another into your busy schedule to avoid overwhelm.
