How to Make Money Online as a College Student? [From Home in 2024]
Are you looking for ways to make money online as a college student? You're in luck! There are a number of great opportunities available to a college student who want to work from home. In this post, we'll discuss some of the best ways to make money online as a college student. We'll also provide tips for getting started.
So, if you're ready to start making some extra money online from home, keep reading!
1. Start an online video editing business ($37.7K/month)
Video editors manage camera footage, dialogue, sound effects, graphics, and special effects to produce the final film or video product. To become an online video editor, you must have media production and communication knowledge and the ability to work with others.
To start a video editing business, you can outsource video editing skills from an experienced professional. Your role will be to pick video footage from the customers and upload them for the video editor to do the magic.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
2. Start a find friends app business
Loneliness is on the rise, but technology can bridge the gap. A "find friends" app offers a straightforward solution for those looking to make new connections. This business idea revolves around developing a mobile application that connects people based on shared interests, hobbies, or location.
Imagine an app where users can create profiles, list their interests, and match with like-minded individuals in their vicinity. The app could also organize events, like book clubs or hiking trails, providing natural opportunities for face-to-face interaction.
Getting started requires a focus on market research to identify key features your target audience craves. From there, you'll need to collaborate with a development team, oversee the creation process, and manage ongoing updates and user feedback. This isn't a set-it-and-forget-it business; it demands continuous effort to keep the platform engaging and current.
This sort of application can offer significant social impact while presenting solid revenue potential through in-app purchases or premium subscriptions.
3. Become a proofreader
Proofreading business is a service that helps customers review their written work and ensure it is ready for publication. Typically, a proofreader corrects grammatical errors and provides the written piece meets any relevant style guide.
As a proofreader, you can work online, allowing you to choose what time to work.
If you plan to start a professional proofreading business, make sure you possess the following skills:
- Have an excellent grasp of grammar
- Ability to correct mistakenly capitalized words
- Familiarity with the proper use of capitalization
- Use spell-checkers to flag misspelled words
Proofreading is a great way to enhance content quality. With the increased use of written content marketing to reach a broader market, the demand for professional proofreaders has grown tremendously. Professional proofreaders earn an average of $12/hr. And $30/hr.
Therefore, consider proofreading as a business if you are looking for a great side hustle idea or simply looking for ways to increase your income.
How much you can make: $2,000/month
4. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
The podcast business involves creating and producing audio content that people can listen to online.
It’s a popular form of entertainment and information-sharing.
To start a podcast business on a budget, you'll need a few key steps.
First, choose a niche or topic that you're passionate about and that has an audience.
Next, get basic recording equipment like a microphone and headphones.
Then, find a free or affordable hosting platform to publish your episodes.
Finally, promote your podcast through social media, online communities, and word of mouth to build an audience and potentially attract sponsors or advertisers.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
5. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog can be a great way to engage with a passionate online community by sharing your expertise on a specific topic.
The first step is to identify a profitable and underserved niche, such as fashion, video games, film reviews, cooking, and more.
Find your niche and create unique and informative content, such as articles, commentary, news, how-to guides, top product lists, convention coverage, video interviews, and spotlights.
To monetize your blog, gain visibility and followers, provide affiliate links, grow a YouTube channel, collaborate with relevant brands, and speak at events.
To succeed in niche blogging, you need to have a passion for your topic, create engaging content, and regularly engage with your followers.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $650 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
6. Start a data entry service
Data entry service is expanding and growing with each passing day. Thus, starting a data entry business can be a profitable opportunity. Data entry experts can work from home and choose their preferred work schedule. To become a data entry specialist, you need computing skills. Alternatively, you can outsource the contracts to a third party.
How much you can make: $5,000/month
How long does it take to build: 400 days (?)
7. Become a social media influencer ($57.4K/month)
Social media has become integral to people's lives and daily routines. Given the importance of social media, brands are flocking to different social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok in the hope of connecting with their target audience.
A popular approach taken by these brands is engaging social media influencers. A social media influencer has established credibility in a specific industry and has access to a vast audience they can persuade to act based on recommendations.
Anyone can become a social influencer so long as they have the right strategy. Choose a popular niche based on your interests and start creating relevant content.
How much you can make: $2,500 — $166,666/month
How much does it cost to start: $800 (?)
How long does it take to build: 155 days (?)
8. Start a blog ($44.9K/month)
In recent years, blogging has become a highly sought-after & lucrative Business. This location-independent business is a creative outlet to reach a broader audience and even work at any time. According to Optinmonster’s list of blogging statistics and facts:
- Blogs have been rated as the 5th most trustworthy source of gathering online information.
- 77% of internet users read blogs.
- Each month, approximately 409 million people view more than 20 billion pages.
Originally blogging started as an online journal, but today it is a highly profitable career option. Many people are choosing blogging as their full-time career and are earning their bread and butter from this profession.
If you want to start blogging as a side hustle or as a full-time profession, choose a niche you will enjoy writing about and have a content strategy ready. Then, create a mailing list, and decide on a good blog posting routine to keep your audience engaged.
How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
9. Start a transcription business ($115K/month)
A transcription service converts live or recorded speech into a written or electronic text document. Transcription service is in demand globally across industries.
Becoming a transcriptionist can be a side hustle or a full-time job, so long as you have the right gear.
Do you plan to become a transcriber ? Take an online transcriptionist course and work on your listening skills. To succeed, you need a good typing speed and excellent language command.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
10. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Are you looking for a side hustle to pay you a passive income? Affiliate marketing is one of those side hustles that will pay you well over the long term. It is a way to earn money online by promoting other companies' products and services. You will be paid a commission for each sale you make as an affiliate marketer.
To get started, learn how to find the right product and brand to partner with. For example, you may prefer becoming an affiliate marketer for an eCommerce store, partnering with a manufacturer, and marketing their products for a commission.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
11. Start a golf instruction business
Looking to turn your passion for golf into a profitable venture? Consider starting a golf instruction business. This business entails offering lessons and skill-building sessions to golfers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned players.
You'd need to be well-versed in golfing techniques and have a nurturing approach to guide your clients. To attract clients, consider partnering with local golf courses or setting up your own practice space. Marketing efforts should focus on social media advertising and word-of-mouth referrals, which are key in this personalized service industry.
Golf is a sport that attracts a dedicated following, making it a stable market. If you love golf and are adept at coaching, this business can be fulfilling both personally and financially. With the right skills and strategy, it’s a hole-in-one opportunity to build a business around something you love.
How much you can make: $165,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
12. Start a real estate business ($281K/month)
Are you a qualified architect with a broad range of knowledge in the real estate field? Starting a real estate business can be a profitable venture.
Real estate involves purchasing, selling, managing, or investing in land and buildings.
To become a successful real estate business owner, you must have finely honed visual awareness and a strong understanding of various building materials and structures.
How much you can make: $1,500 — $1,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
13. Start a stock market research website ($7.27M/month)
Navigating the stock market can be overwhelming, which is why a stock market research website is a valuable business idea. This concept revolves around providing in-depth analysis, insights, and tools to help both novice and seasoned investors make informed decisions.
Setting up such a website involves gathering and analyzing massive amounts of financial data, creating user-friendly dashboards, and offering expert commentary on market trends. You'd be responsible for generating unique, actionable research reports and utilizing data visualization to make complex information accessible.
With the rise of DIY investing and the constant flux in the financial markets, the demand for reliable stock market research is unwavering. If you have a knack for data analysis and financial acumen, this niche offers a promising avenue to cultivate a loyal user base. Building trust through accurate, timely information can set your platform apart and carve out a competitive edge in the financial landscape.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $18,800,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
14. Start a live stream gaming business ($6.43K/month)
Video game live streaming is where participants broadcast themselves playing games to a live audience online. Therefore, spectators watch the gameplay and interact with the streamer in real time.
In recent years, many people have taken up the trend of broadcasting their video-game gameplay live, attracting thousands of spectators.
Video game streaming is fun to do, and the appeal of attracting an audience is enough to motivate you to start the business. While many starts live video-game streaming for fun, there is still the chance of making profits through advertisement, partnerships, and viewer donations.
To start a video game streaming business, choose a trending game genre. Whatever your approach, consistency is key! Game viewers should be able to see you often, so they come back to you on a regular schedule.
Besides, choosing the proper hardware and streaming services impact your performance and ability to retain viewers.
How much you can make: $300 — $15,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
15. Start a language translation service ($124K/month)
Language translation services bridge the linguistic barriers, helping businesses reach a wider audience outside of a single language. A language translation job is an opportunity to cover a wide range of topics and meet people from different cultures.
To become a language translator , master a second language and earn some experience so you become fluent in the second language.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $550,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
16. Start a youtube video creation business
In today's digital world, YouTube channel has become an essential marketing tool. YouTube is the top video marketing platform for brands looking for paid and organic growth through video content. Businesses hire video creators to help them record, edit and upload YouTube videos.
Are you a videographer with an interest in YouTube marketing? Consider starting a YouTube video creation business.
To start your business, register a brand name and create a website and a YouTube channel. Use the YouTube channel and the website to sensitize your target customers on the importance of video marketing.
Potential customers include new and existing startups, individuals, celebrities, and organizations looking to use YouTube video marketing to grow their reach.
How much you can make: $50,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $257 (?)
How long does it take to build: 25 days (?)
17. Start a stock video business
Stock video is pre-filmed footage that can be purchased and used in various projects and films. Like stock photos, copyrighted stock videos cannot be used without permission and licensing from the rightful owner.
Businesses and filmmakers use licensed stock footage as they save money and hours, they would need to create original footage. Starting a stock video suitable for use in commercials and entertainment can be a great venture.
How much you can make: $10,000/month
How long does it take to build: 197 days (?)
18. Start a private tutor business
Private tutor business
Do you have expertise in a particular subject and a passion for teaching? Consider starting a private tutor business.
As a private tutor, you will offer personalized one-on-one instruction to students, helping them grasp challenging concepts and improve their academic performance. This business requires strong knowledge in your chosen subject area, along with excellent communication skills to tailor lessons to each student's needs.
The demand for personalized education is on the rise, driven by parents seeking extra support for their children and students preparing for standardized tests. Setting up a private tutor business can be as simple as offering sessions locally or virtually, using platforms like Zoom or Skype.
The flexibility and personal fulfillment from aiding students in their academic journey make this a rewarding venture. It’s not just about delivering lessons; it's about making a tangible difference in someone's educational experience. Make your skills count by turning them into a thriving tutoring business.
How much you can make: $240/month
How long does it take to build: 1200 days (?)
19. Start an online course creation business
Starting an online course could be perfect if you want a passive income. Whatever your background, you could start teaching online and earn a passive income.
All you need to start an online course is patience, imagination, and an enabling eLearning platform where you can connect with the relevant audience.
Online courses may take time and require a lot of effort to start selling. However, once your audience finds the content resourceful, they start sharing and recommending it through their network. Remember, creating an online course could take longer than expected, so remain focused and give your best.
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
20. Start a copywriting business ($34.9K/month)
A copywriter creates clear, compelling copy to sell products and/or educate and engage consumers.
To become a copywriter, focus on covering the basics, plan your copywriting business and choose the services you intend to offer.
To develop your brand, establish a marketing strategy, and offer quality services to your audience. Email marketing, newsletters, and other digital marketing tools can help you create a successful copywriting business.
How much you can make: $700 — $160,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
21. Become an affiliate marketer ($55.3K/month)
An affiliate marketer business is a venture where you promote other companies' products or services and earn a commission for every sale made through your referral.
It's a low-cost business idea because you don't need to create or own the products yourself. Instead, you use your marketing skills to drive traffic and sales to the products of other businesses.
To start, you'll need to sign up for affiliate programs offered by companies in your chosen niche.
Once approved, you'll receive unique tracking links that help the company identify sales generated through your efforts, allowing you to earn a commission for each successful referral.
This business model requires minimal upfront investment, making it an accessible option for those looking to start a business on a budget.
How much you can make: $18,000 — $83,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
22. Start an online influencer business ($46.3K/month)
An online influencer business is a company or service that gets products or services sold through popular online users. It can be a very lucrative form of marketing.
As technology has advanced, more and more influencer businesses are starting to rise. These are people or companies who become famous for being influential on various topics.
More and more companies are investing in online influencer marketing because this channel is successful for new product exposure or for sharing news about a brand through voice-overs on popular online videos. You can work with these online influencers in different ways including the use of affiliate marketing or product embeds with sponsorship.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $83,333/month
How long does it take to build: 145 days (?)
23. Start a custom app development service ($193K/month)
In today's digital landscape, custom app development services are increasingly in demand. Imagine offering tailored mobile and web applications for businesses that need specialized solutions beyond off-the-shelf software.
Starting a custom app development service means you can become the go-to resource for companies looking to innovate and streamline their operations. You’ll work closely with clients to understand their unique needs, translate those requirements into functional apps, and support them through the digital transformation process.
This business requires strong programming skills and an ability to understand diverse business models. It's not an easy road, requiring continuous learning and a keen eye for new technologies. However, the satisfaction of creating a unique product that solves real problems can be immensely rewarding.
If you’re tech-savvy and have a knack for problem-solving, this could be your path to a fulfilling and lucrative business.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $700,000/month
How long does it take to build: 80 days (?)
More business ideas
- 24. Start a tips advisory podcast business
25. Become a copywriter ($37.4K/month)
Copywriting is a high-demand, high-reward job. This kind of work can be done from anywhere - all you need is a computer and an internet connection.
With services like Upwork and Fiverr, it's easier than ever to find work, build up your clientele, and make a substantial living copywriting.
Once you've gained experience and connections in this field, you may consider venturing out on your own and starting your own copywriting business.
How much you can make: $500 — $160,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 42 days (?)
26. Start a graphic design business ($171K/month)
Graphic designers create logos, brochures, ads, and other marketing materials for companies and organizations. They also design websites and other digital content, including social media graphics.
Graphic designers may specialize in one type of design (such as print or web design), or they can be generalists who do everything from logo design to social media graphics.
Starting a graphic design business can be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do. It’s not easy, but if you’re passionate about design and want to make a living, starting your own graphic design business is a great way to go.
Consider a suitable pricing structure when starting a graphic design business. You may charge the customers per hour or fixed pricing based on the project’s nature.
How much you can make: $2,500 — $1,750,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 87 days (?)
More business ideas
- 27. Open a high-yield savings account
- 28. Start a local business listings website business
29. Start a take online surveys
Want to make money from your couch? Consider taking online surveys. This business idea is as simple as it sounds: companies pay you to share your opinions through surveys.
You'll find numerous survey platforms like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie that connect you with brands eager to understand consumer preferences. The work is straightforward—log in, find available surveys, and fill them out. Each survey you complete earns you points or cash, which can add up over time.
While it won’t make you rich overnight, taking online surveys can offer a consistent, low-effort income stream. It’s an ideal opportunity if you’re looking for a flexible, part-time gig to do in your spare time. Plus, it requires no upfront investment and can be done anytime, anywhere.
How much you can make: $16,000/month
How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)
More business ideas
- 30. Start a cashbacks sites business
- 31. Start a virtual assistant services
32. Start an audiobooks business
The growing popularity of audiobooks presents a captivating business opportunity. Picture this: turning written words into captivating audio experiences that people can enjoy anywhere.
Starting an audiobook business involves converting books to audio formats. You'll need a quiet recording space, quality equipment, and editing software. Talent-wise, voice actors and skilled editors are essential. The work includes securing rights to the books, recording, editing, and distributing via platforms like Audible or your own website.
Audiobooks cater to busy lifestyles, offering a way to enjoy stories and learning on the go, making this venture promising. With commitment and a love for literature, transforming texts into audio tales can be both rewarding and profitable.
How much you can make: $30,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $7,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
More business ideas
- 33. Start an affiliate marketing without website business
34. Become an e-commerce web page developer
Global eCommerce sales are expected to reach over $6 trillion in the next few years. The market growth is because of the increased number of merchants following consumer demand online.
Online stores are popping up daily, with an estimated 12-24 million eCommerce sites across the globe.
If you are wondering how to build a profitable business within the eCommerce industry, consider becoming an eCommerce webpage developer.
eCommerce web developers play a critical role in ensuring potential customers can easily navigate eCommerce stores, find what they are looking for, and checkout easily and safely. To become an eCommerce platform developer, you must have the capability to:
- Design your eCommerce storefront to be both functional and beautiful
- Make it easy for customers to find what they want, whether through filtering options like size, color, or price
- Help eCommerce platform owners decide which features work best with the rest of the website content
How much does it cost to start: $20 (?)
How long does it take to build: 88 days (?)
35. Become a website tester
Imagine getting paid to uncover the hidden issues in websites before they go live. As a website tester, your job is to review websites, apps, or software to identify bugs, usability issues, and other glitches that could hinder user experience.
This business idea is straightforward: you test digital products, document any problems you find, and offer solutions to improve them. You don’t need a vast tech background—just an eye for detail and a knack for navigating websites.
The demand for quality website testing is growing as businesses understand the importance of a seamless user experience. You can work from anywhere, set your own hours, and choose projects that interest you.
If you enjoy problem-solving and have a critical mindset, becoming a website tester could be an ideal venture. It's a flexible and accessible way to start earning—and make the internet a better place—without requiring a hefty initial investment.
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
