15 Side Hustles Every College Student Should Consider

College life is exciting, but let’s face it—money can get tight. Whether you’re looking to earn extra cash for weekend plans or help fund your education and living expenses, side hustles can provide a great solution. The trick is finding jobs that offer the flexibility to work around your hectic class schedule while also being easily accessible. Here's a list of 15 flexible side jobs that could help boost your income while you balance academic life.
1. Babysitting or Nannying
Do you love kids and have a natural sense of responsibility? Babysitting or nannying could be the perfect fit for you. Not only does this job offer great pay, but you can also use the downtime to catch up on homework when the kids are asleep or occupied. With certifications like CPR (which can be earned affordably through online courses), you could increase your earning potential. The average pay for babysitting one child in the U.S. is $24.99 per hour, according to UrbanSitter.
2. Dog Walking
If you’re a dog lover, why not get paid to walk them? Services like Rover and Wag make it easy to connect with pet owners looking for dog walkers. Depending on your location and experience, you could earn anywhere between $14 to $19 per hour. This job is perfect for squeezing in between classes or over weekends.
3. Pet Sitting or House Sitting
For those who enjoy spending time with animals, pet sitting is another rewarding hustle. In addition to pet care, many house sitting gigs allow you to stay at someone’s home and take care of their property while they’re away. Sites like HouseSitter.com and Rover offer various opportunities. Expect to make between $20 to $100 a day, depending on your location and responsibilities.
4. Rideshare Driving (Lyft/Uber)
Are you always on the go? Become a rideshare driver with services like Uber or Lyft. The pay varies depending on factors like ride distance, demand, and tips, but the average driver earns between $15 to $25 per hour. Just remember, you’ll need a reliable car, and factor in expenses like gas and maintenance.
5. Food Delivery or Package Delivery
Don’t want to drive people around? Consider delivering food, groceries, or other items instead. Platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Instacart allow you to work at your own pace and earn around $19.70 an hour, on average. Plus, you can use a bike or scooter to deliver, which can help you save on gas.
6. Grocery Shopping
If you prefer not to drive, grocery shopping could be an ideal gig. Sign up to shop for others with services like Instacart or Amazon, and earn up to $22 an hour. With a flexible schedule, you can shop around your classes and even get a workout in while earning.
7. Reselling Items
Turn your unwanted items into cash by selling clothes, electronics, or books. Whether it’s an old iPhone or your college textbooks, there’s a marketplace for nearly anything. Use platforms like Decluttr, eBay, Poshmark, and Amazon to make extra money by selling goods you no longer need.
8. Private Tutoring
Do you have a knack for a particular subject? Use your academic skills to help others by becoming a tutor. Whether it’s test prep or helping fellow students improve their grades, private tutors can earn around $35 an hour. Websites like Tutor.com and Pear Deck Learning offer online tutoring gigs if you’re approved.
9. Resident Advisor (RA)
As a Resident Advisor, you’ll have the chance to mentor and help fellow students. The perks are significant: many RAs receive free housing, a stipend, and even priority class registration. Though the job requires a lot of time and commitment, it can also help you build leadership skills and make a lasting impact on your college community.
10. Selling Class Notes
Do you take great notes in class? Turn that skill into cash by selling your notes to fellow students or through official platforms. You can make anywhere from $25 per class unit to $150 per course. Just make sure to sell your notes legally by consulting your school’s guidelines.
These 10 side hustles aren’t just ways to make money; they’re also flexible enough to fit into your college schedule. Whether you’re helping kids, walking dogs, or selling your old books, there’s a side job that can help you earn extra cash while keeping your academic priorities intact.