Passive Income Ideas For College Students [Updated for 2024]
I know you're busy. I'm busy too. So, what's the best way to make money without actually having to do anything? Passive income!
But don’t be mistaken. You have to work hard to achieve this passive income.
In this blog post, I'm going to share some ideas for how college students can make passive income. Stay tuned for tips on how to get started!
1. Become a house sitter
Consider becoming a house sitter if you are looking for a business that requires zero capital and minimal operating expenses.
As a house sitter, your responsibilities include overseeing home maintenance, watering plants, collecting mail, and conducting regular security checks while your clients are away.
To build your reputation and gain more referrals, focus on developing relationships with your clients and within the community.
As a house-sitting business owner, you have the flexibility to create personalized service plans based on your clients’ trip duration and needs. This business model allows you to pair independence with purpose by providing peace of mind to homeowners.
If you have a responsible nature, you can turn your access to your own home into a keys-to-the-castle business model that unlocks profits by building a clientele as a professional sitter.
How much you can make: $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
2. Start a pet sitting business
A pet sitter is a professional who provides daily care for pets while the pet owners are at work or on vacation. The pet sitter's duties include:
- Cooking special meals for pets as instructed by pet owners.
- Reporting any behavioral issues to pet owners.
- Playing with the pets to encourage their mental and physical stimulation.
One of the advantages of working as a pet sitter is that it's not a stressful career. You also get to work with different animals while enjoying a work-life balance.
How much you can make: $15,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
3. 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 (?)
4. Sell stock photos
Stock photography is the supply of licensed photographs for specific uses. If you have a camera and love traveling or taking photos, you can start your own stock photo business.
Create a stock photography website and upload the best shots to start your stock photography business. To ensure professional images, you can hire freelance photographers and photo editors. Alternatively, you can invest in a professional camera and learn the art of photography before launching your business.
Running a stock photo website allows you to create unlimited earning potential. Besides, stock photographers enjoy flexible working hours and have the potential for passive income.
How much you can make: $10,000/month
How long does it take to build: 3 days (?)
5. 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 (?)
6. Start an outdoor advertisement business ($35K/month)
Businesses rely on visibility to attract customers. Thus, these businesses pay advertising agencies for a billboard in strategic locations. If you have idle or vacant land, you can start an advertising agency and earn money by offering businesses some advertising space.
The type of outdoor advertising includes billboards and signage posted on the roadside.
How much you can make: $20,000 — $50,000/month
How long does it take to build: 248 days (?)
7. 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 (?)
8. Start an online retail store ($173K/month)
Starting an online retail store is straightforward. All you need is a computer, a domain, and a web hosting service. Then, determine a niche for your online store, and conduct product research before listing products.
You can start your online store based on a drop shipping business model or list your self-made products in your online store.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
9. 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 (?)
10. Become a product tester
As a product tester, you can try out new products before they hit the market and provide valuable feedback to manufacturers. This business idea is perfect for those who love trying new products and have an eye for detail.
To start your product tester business, you must establish relationships with manufacturers and companies looking for product testers. You can do this by networking, attending trade shows, or joining a product testing panel connecting you with manufacturers.
Once you have established relationships with manufacturers, you will be sent new products to test and review. It is essential to be thorough and honest in your reviews, as manufacturers will rely on your feedback to improve their products before they are released to the public.
To run a successful product tester business, it is important to be timely and efficient in your testing and review process. Manufacturers will expect prompt feedback, so it is crucial to have a system to test and review products quickly and accurately. You should also carefully read and follow any guidelines provided by the manufacturer regarding testing and reviewing their products.
Having a robust online presence as a product tester is also essential. By sharing your reviews and experiences with new products on social media and other platforms, you can build a following and establish yourself as a trusted source for product recommendations.
Starting a product tester business is an excellent opportunity for those who love trying new products and providing valuable feedback to manufacturers. You can run a successful business in this field by building relationships with manufacturers, being timely and efficient in your testing and review process, and having a solid online presence.
How much you can make: $150,000/month
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
11. Start a language translation app business ($169K/month)
The world is more connected than ever, but language barriers still pose significant challenges. Consider starting a language translation app business. This is a digital platform designed to break down these barriers by offering seamless language translation services.
In essence, you’ll develop an app that can translate text, voice, and even images into multiple languages. This involves partnering with linguists and leveraging machine learning algorithms to enhance accuracy. You’ll also need to focus on UX design to ensure the app is user-friendly.
This venture taps into the growing global market and the increasing demand for accessible communication. Imagine helping travelers, businesses, and educators bridge communication gaps effortlessly. While the development phase requires technical skills and resources, the long-term rewards—both financial and societal—make it a compelling opportunity.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $550,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
12. 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.
13. Rent party & events venue ($184K/month)
Businesses use event venues for various purposes, including meetings, tradeshows, conferences, product launches, etc. On the other hand, individuals host birthdays, weddings, and other celebrations at event venues.
According to the latest statistics, the events industry is growing rapidly. Events provide a great marketing tool for businesses, and events are crucial for strengthening relationships.
The demand for event venues increases as individuals and corporates host more events annually. If you have some unused space and are enthusiastic about hosting events, you can start an events rental business.
To start, choose a niche, and market your business. You can focus on corporate events, social and entertainment events, or general venues suitable for any setting and party theme.
How much you can make: $3,500 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
14. Start a sleep consulting service
Are you fascinated by the science of sleep and eager to help others? Sleep consulting might be your calling. This business involves working one-on-one with clients to identify and resolve their sleep issues, using your expertise to craft personalized sleep strategies.
Whether your clients are stressed-out professionals, new parents, or anyone struggling with sleep disorders, your role will be to offer tailored advice and practical solutions. To succeed, you'll need strong communication skills, a deep understanding of sleep science, and the ability to keep up with ongoing research.
Sleep consulting offers the satisfaction of making a tangible difference in people's lives, combined with the flexibility to build a schedule that suits you. If you're prepared to invest in certification and build your credibility, this could be a meaningful and rewarding endeavor.
How much you can make: $60,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
15. 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 (?)
16. 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 (?)
17. Start a website development business ($387K/month)
Website developers create websites for their clients. as a website developer, your responsibility is to ensure a website is visually appealing and easy to navigate. Web developers also focus on improving the website’s performance and capacity.
To become a website developer, learn different web programming languages. Your customers can be eCommerce business owners or brick-and-mortar businesses looking to have an online presence.
How much you can make: $200 — $8,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 55 days (?)
18. 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 (?)
19. 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 (?)
20. Start a food delivery business ($510K/month)
In today’s busy lifestyles and schedules, cooking is no longer a priority to many. People like to order-in food from their nearest restaurants or food joints and enjoy a meal in the comfort of their homes.
The food delivery business is like a courier service through which restaurants deliver food to their customers.
You can offer retail food delivery services to restaurants within your locality if you have a truck. Customers order through a restaurant or grocer’s website, and the owners contact you to deliver.
How much you can make: $14,000 — $1,800,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
21. Start a real estate rental business
Thinking of generating passive income through property? Enter the real estate rental business. In this venture, you invest in properties to rent out to tenants, which can provide you with a steady flow of income over time.
The process involves finding suitable properties, buying them, and then managing rental agreements, maintenance, and tenant relationships. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme – you'll need to conduct thorough market research, ensure legal compliance, and maintain properties to keep tenants satisfied.
This business has potential for long-term financial stability and asset growth. With the right strategy, you can build a diverse portfolio of rental properties, providing a dependable income stream and even the possibility of significant capital gains if property values rise.
If this aligns with your financial goals and you're ready to commit to the necessary groundwork, the real estate rental business can be a rewarding investment.
How much you can make: $10,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 240 days (?)
22. 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 (?)
23. 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 (?)
24. 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 (?)
25. 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 (?)
More business ideas
- 26. Start a tips advisory podcast business
27. 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 (?)
28. 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 (?)
More business ideas
- 29. Start a rent your car
30. 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
- 31. Open a high-yield savings account
- 32. Start a sell college notes
- 33. Start a textbook sales business
- 34. Start a micro-influencing business
- 35. Start a local business listings website business
- 36. Start a ridesharing company
- 37. Start an object customization and printing business
- 38. Start a virtual assistant services
- 39. Start a blood bank business
- 40. Start an instantaneous peer-to-peer lending business
41. 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 (?)
More business ideas
- 42. Start a cashbacks sites business
43. 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
- 44. Renting out a parking space
- 45. Start an affiliate marketing without website business
46. Start a memo notes program business
Memo notepads are excellent for marketers as they provide a place for drafting thoughts, emails, journals, lists, or market research notes. Often referred to as sticky notes, these tools provide an excellent resource for business executives looking to store information for later use or to share with their juniors.
Unlike manual notepads, memo apps are long-lived, can be accessed from anywhere, and are incredibly functional, as users can collaborate and share them easily.
Therefore, creating an innovatively designed notepad can be a great business idea. If creating memo notepads, ensure a user-friendly design, and maintain a simple onboarding process.
How much you can make: $27,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $300 (?)
How long does it take to build: 552 days (?)
More business ideas
- 47. Start a cashbacks sites business
- 48. Start a micro-lending business
- 49. Become a medical assistant
Frequently asked questions
Can you build passive income as a college student?
Yes, you can build passive income. As a college student, you can use your spare time to do a particular task, gig, or extra work. Due to the increase in expenses, inflation, and other things, building a passive income is becoming more of a necessity.
Of course, a passive income isn't meant to consume all of your time. After all, your primary concern is to finish your tasks as a college student.
A passive income not only helps build financial stability. Moreover, it helps you create a better future while you continue doing your tasks as a college student.
Now, a passive income doesn't necessarily mean one thing. In general, you can build a passive income by doing something you enjoy as a college student. As such, we have several ideas for you to know. These ideas can help you identify which one you like, so you enjoy your spare time and earn simultaneously.
Building passive income as a college student is possible since you get more flexible online work opportunities. So it's possible to do so, especially when you have some time to spare.
How can you build passive income as a college student?
Once you have established that you want to build passive income, the next thing to ask is how you would do so without compromising your college student duties.
In general, you'll find plenty of opportunities to build passive income as a college student. The key here is to evaluate what you want, how much you want to earn extra, and what passive income opportunity suits you as a college student.
With the ideas we share, you can build a passive income and work your way through financial stability while still keeping up with your duties as a college student.
Is passive income for college students truly passive?
Most passive income sources for college students are truly passive, meaning you don't have to work. However, such sources need some foundation to start.
In general, you won't necessarily have a passive income source without doing anything apart from being a college student. But, in most cases, you must work and spare some time and effort to start. Afterward, passive income starts, and you enjoy the benefits of your work.
Having a passive income isn't as easy as wanting it. As a college student, you should note that any income requires work. The only difference is that most passive income sources only require initial work.
On the other hand, some passive income sources would need you to spare some time, effort, and even some resources to continue. Such a thing is completely normal, and as a college student, you know you're doing it right when it's not so easy.
Conclusion
Online passive income is an excellent option if you are a college student looking for ways to make some extra money. Several options are available, and many of them can be started with little to no investment.
Do your research, find something that interests you, and get started! You may be surprised at how quickly those extra dollars start adding up. What have you got to lose?
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.
