Business Ideas For College Students [2024]
Balancing college life and finances can be challenging, but starting a low-investment business might offer you a solution. You could explore various business ideas that require minimal capital yet offer substantial potential for growth. These businesses might align well with your schedule and academic commitments.
In this article, we will cover 18 promising business ideas tailored for college students. Each idea requires little initial investment, making it easier for you to dip your toes into the world of entrepreneurship. From freelance gigs to smart product reselling, you'll find options that suit different skills and interests.
Whether you're looking to earn some extra cash or gain practical experience, these business ideas could provide multiple benefits. Consider these opportunities as stepping stones toward financial independence and future career success. Dive in to discover which business venture might be the perfect fit for you.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other college student businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a niche blog ($31.5K/month)
Starting a niche blog can be a fantastic opportunity for college students to engage with a passionate online community and share their expertise on a specific topic. By identifying a profitable and underserved niche—such as fashion, video games, film reviews, or cooking—you could create unique and informative content that stands out. This venture not only supplements income through monetization strategies like affiliate links and brand collaborations, but also helps build a personal brand and professional network.
Why start a niche blog?
- Flexible schedule: You could work on your blog around your class schedule without the need for a traditional 9-5 job.
- Skill development: Running a blog hones valuable skills like writing, marketing, and web development, which are attractive to future employers.
- Extra income: Monetization through ads, affiliate links, and brand partnerships could provide a valuable income stream while you're still in school.
For more insights, check out this Starter Story page about the profitability of niche blogs: Starter Story Niche Blog Profitability
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 (?)
Starter Story grew to 1.4 million monthly visitors and millions in annual revenue by sharing the stories of entrepreneurs. Pat breaks down the early days and how he grew the business into something that changed his life.
2. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast as a college student can be an excellent way to supplement your income or even create a budding side business. Podcasts are a popular medium for sharing information and entertainment, allowing you to tap into an existing audience while discussing topics you're passionate about. You could easily begin on a budget by choosing a niche, acquiring basic recording equipment, and utilizing affordable hosting platforms.
Why start a podcast?
- Flexible and manageable work hours. Recording and editing can be done around your college schedule.
- Build and monetize your audience. As your listener base grows, you could attract sponsors and advertisers.
- Develop valuable skills. Podcasting hones your communication, marketing, and technical skills, which can be highly beneficial in your future career.
For more details on starting your podcast, you can explore useful resources such as Startup Costs for a Podcast.
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
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
3. Start an ecommerce reselling business ($83.3K/month)
Starting an ecommerce reselling business could be a smart move for college students looking to supplement their income or even start a full-fledged business. As an ecommerce reseller, you would purchase products or services to sell online, bypassing the need for significant production costs. Given the accessibility of social media platforms, you could easily launch your business there and consider creating a website as you grow.
Why consider starting an ecommerce reselling business?
- Low initial investment. You don't need to produce your own goods, reducing startup costs.
- Flexible and scalable. Operations can begin on social media platforms, and you could expand to a full website later.
- Great learning opportunity. Managing an ecommerce store will teach you valuable skills in marketing, sales, and customer service.
For more ideas and resources, you can check out success stories from other ecommerce resellers.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $150,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,999 (?)
How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)
Empyre Off-Road, an e-commerce business founded by Greg Shuey which sells aftermarket parts for Toyota Tacomas, Tundras, and 4Runners, generated approximately $100,000 a month in revenue and was able to expand its product offering, focusing on content marketing, email marketing campaigns, and organic social media to attract and retain customers.
4. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel could be a great way to supplement your income as a college student. Whether you're into creating compelling video content or sharing your passions, YouTube provides a platform to express your creativity and potentially earn money through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. From how-to guides to vlogs, your channel can be about anything that interests you, offering endless opportunities to connect with a global audience and build a personal brand.
Building a successful YouTube channel requires dedication and consistency. You'll need to regularly plan, shoot, and edit videos, as well as engage with your audience. If you're ready to invest time and effort, the financial rewards and creative satisfaction can be well worth it. For more details on how to get started, check out this link from Starter Story.
Why start a YouTube channel as a college student?
- Minimal upfront costs: You don't need expensive equipment to start; a smartphone and basic editing tools are enough.
- Flexible schedule: You can create content around your class schedule, allowing you to balance academics with content creation.
- Learning experience: Developing a channel hones your skills in video production, SEO, and social media marketing, which are valuable in today's job market.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
5. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
Starting a dropshipping business can be an excellent way to supplement your income and gain entrepreneurial experience as a college student. It requires minimal upfront investment since you don't need to hold inventory, allowing you to focus on critical aspects like marketing and customer service. By selecting a niche, setting up an online store using platforms such as Shopify or WooCommerce, and partnering with reliable suppliers like those on AliExpress, you could efficiently manage your time and finances while studying.
For more detailed insights and successful examples, you can explore dropshipping business success stories.
Why start a dropshipping business?
- It requires low initial investment since you don't need to purchase inventory upfront.
- It offers flexible hours, making it easy to balance alongside your college schedule.
- It provides hands-on experience in e-commerce, marketing, and business management, valuable skills for any aspiring entrepreneur.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
6. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
Starting an online course sales business is a fantastic entrepreneurial opportunity for college students. With your unique skills and knowledge, you could create courses on a variety of subjects like music, cooking, coding, or web design and sell them to a global audience. The initial effort in creating high-quality course content could turn into a long-term passive income stream, especially since the e-learning market is projected to be worth over $645 billion in the next few years (Forbes).
To get started, you would need to select a target audience, develop your course materials, and choose an online platform to sell your courses. This business model provides flexibility, allowing you to balance your course creation efforts with your academic schedule.
Why start an online course sales business?
- The e-learning market is rapidly growing, presenting a lucrative opportunity.
- Creating and selling courses offers the potential for passive income, making the most of your initial efforts.
- You could turn your existing knowledge and skills into a valuable product while helping others learn.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
7. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
Considering a focused online business that offers both creative freedom and potential revenue? Start a niche website. A niche website centers around a specialized topic, serving a dedicated audience with targeted content and products. This venture involves selecting a niche you’re passionate about, creating compelling content, and driving traffic to your site. You could explore various monetization options like affiliate marketing, ad placements, or selling digital products, turning your specialized content into a source of income. Once established, a niche website can become a reliable source of passive income. If you’ve got a specific interest and the drive to dive deep, building a niche website could be your next rewarding project. To see real-life examples of niche websites, visit Starter Story.
Why start a niche website?
- Low startup costs and flexibility. You could begin with minimal investment, making it perfect for a college budget.
- Potential for passive income. Your initial work in content creation and SEO could lead to continuous revenue streams.
- Enhanced expertise and credibility. Focusing on a niche you’re passionate about allows you to showcase your knowledge and grow your personal brand.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
8. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Starting an affiliate marketing business as a college student makes perfect sense if you're looking for a way to generate passive income with flexible hours. Affiliate marketing allows you to earn commissions by promoting other companies' products and services, making it a low-risk and high-reward side hustle. With the right strategy, you could be generating consistent income while still focusing on your studies.
Why consider starting an affiliate marketing business?
- You could start with minimal initial investment, making it budget-friendly for students.
- Managing your affiliate marketing efforts can be done in your spare time, offering ultimate flexibility.
- There is the potential to earn passive income, meaning you could make money even when you're studying or sleeping.
For more details on starting an affiliate marketing business, check out successful affiliate marketing business stories.
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 (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
9. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business offers an exciting opportunity for college students to generate extra income while tapping into niche markets. With the growing popularity of curated, monthly product deliveries, you could capitalize on consumer demand for unique and exclusive items. By understanding your niche, sourcing quality products, and leveraging social media marketing, you could establish a profitable side business that fits into your college schedule.
Learn more about subscription box business ideas and tips.
Why consider a subscription box business?
- Low startup costs: You can start small and scale your operations as your customer base grows.
- Flexibility: Manage your business around your academic obligations.
- High demand: Consumers are consistently looking for personalized and curated product experiences.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
10. Start a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)
As a college student, starting a stock investing business could be a strategic move to supplement your income and potentially build significant wealth over time. With a fundamental understanding of financial markets and access to modern trading platforms and educational resources, you could analyze market trends, make informed decisions, and execute trades efficiently. This business venture not only aligns with your academic learning but also provides a real-world application that furthers your financial acumen.
Navigating the volatile world of stocks requires dedication, continuous learning, and a keen eye on market movements. Though it demands time and effort, the potential for high returns makes it a lucrative side hustle or even a primary business. For those with a passion for finance and numbers, this entrepreneurial journey offers an exciting avenue for turning that enthusiasm into profit.
Why start a stock investing business?
- You could capitalize on your financial skills and knowledge, turning academic learning into practical experience in the stock market.
- It offers the potential for high returns, making it a worthwhile investment of your time and resources.
- You have access to numerous educational resources and trading platforms that can equip you with the tools necessary for success.
For further tips on starting a stock investing business as a college student, click here.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $160,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Ticker Nerd is a monthly subscription service for investors that surfaces and analyzes trending stocks before the hype train arrives, and now has $4.5k in monthly recurring revenue from its newsletter without spending a single dollar on advertising, having validated the business via subreddits and organic Product Hunt launch strategy.
11. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)
Starting a social media automation business as a college student could be a strategic way to supplement your income while leveraging your technological and marketing skills. Managing multiple social media accounts, driving engagement, and growth becomes streamlined with the help of automation tools and services you create. Clients, ranging from small businesses to influencers, will pay for these services to save time and enhance their social media presence.
If you have a knack for technology and stay updated on social media trends, this could be both a lucrative and fulfilling endeavor. To learn more about starting a social media automation business, check out some tips and success stories here.
Why start a social media automation business?
- Social media is indispensable for businesses and influencers, ensuring there’s a steady demand for automation services.
- You can start small with minimal investment, making it a viable side hustle alongside your studies.
- Working with clients from various industries allows you to build a broad network and valuable experiences that can benefit your future career.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month
How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)
MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.
12. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Looking to streamline business operations with cutting-edge technology? Consider an AI-based business solution. This idea leverages artificial intelligence to optimize various aspects of business processes, from customer service and inventory management to data analysis and personalized marketing. By integrating AI solutions, companies can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and make data-driven decisions. You don’t need a background in tech to start—many platform providers offer user-friendly interfaces and robust support systems. For more insights, explore startup costs within AI-based business solutions.
Why consider starting an AI-based business solution?
- The demand for AI solutions is growing rapidly, providing substantial market opportunities.
- Implementing AI can automate repetitive tasks, making business operations more efficient.
- AI-driven insights can help companies make better, data-driven decisions, giving them a competitive edge.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
13. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
Developing a health and wellness app as a college student could be a brilliant business move, allowing you to leverage your tech skills and passion for fitness and mental well-being. By creating a platform that offers personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, and mental well-being exercises, you could positively impact users' lives, while earning extra income or even launching a full-time business. The market for health and wellness apps is booming, and with the right strategies, your app could carve out a significant niche.
Building this app involves market research, collaboration with health experts, app development, and effective marketing strategies. If you're passionate about health and technology, this path offers the chance to make a meaningful contribution while building a thriving business. To learn more about startup costs and success stories, visit Starter Story.
Why create a health and wellness app?
- The health and wellness app market is growing rapidly, offering plenty of opportunities to stand out.
- As a college student, you could integrate your tech knowledge with health trends to create innovative solutions.
- Developing this app allows you to make a positive impact on users' well-being, aligning profit with purpose.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.
14. Develop a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
Developing a lead generation tool could be a lucrative venture for college students looking to supplement their income or start a side business. This idea involves creating a software application or platform that identifies and captures potential customer leads for businesses. The demand for efficient lead generation solutions is high, as companies of all sizes strive to streamline their marketing efforts and grow their customer base.
Imagine automating the often laborious process of finding new clients, allowing companies to focus on conversion instead. By integrating with websites, social media channels, and other digital touchpoints, your tool can collect valuable data like email addresses, phone numbers, and interests. If you’re tech-savvy and have an eye for marketing, developing a lead generation tool could be your next profitable venture. For more details, check out some success stories of other lead generation tool startups here.
Why developing a lead generation tool?
- You’ll address a high-demand market, giving you a solid customer base just waiting for your solution.
- You can automate a tedious process, providing significant value to businesses looking to improve their marketing efforts.
- As a college student, you can leverage your tech skills and entrepreneurial spirit, potentially building a highly scalable business from your dorm room.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Dux-Soup is a LinkedIn automation tool that helps business owners and sales & marketing professionals generate more leads, increase efficiency, and save time; with over 70,000 users and revenue of nearly $5 million, it offers automated top-of-the-funnel LinkedIn outreach activities, targeted LinkedIn campaigns and multi-touch & personalized LinkedIn drip campaigns for lead generation.
15. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
Thinking about turning your brilliant idea into a mobile app? As a college student, this venture is highly feasible and offers a myriad of opportunities. Whether you develop the app yourself or hire a developer, the primary tasks involve planning user experience, designing engaging interfaces, and rigorous testing to ensure functionality. With effective marketing strategies, your app could attract a large user base and generate substantial revenue, making it an ideal side business or even a full-time endeavor. For further insights, check out these mobile app success stories.
Why develop a mobile app?
- Mobile apps are integral to daily life, offering vast opportunities for innovative solutions.
- You can potentially reach a global audience with the right marketing strategy.
- Starting this business can also build and showcase your tech and entrepreneurial skills, which are highly valuable in today's job market.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
16. Start a travel agency business
Turning your passion for travel into a business could be a thrilling and profitable venture as a college student. By starting a travel agency, you have the opportunity to leverage your knack for planning exceptional vacations, helping others experience the world while supplementing your income. With a growing demand for unique and meaningful travel experiences, your attention to detail and excellent customer service could quickly build a loyal clientele.
Why start a travel agency business?
- You could earn money while indulging your passion for travel, turning a hobby into a business.
- You'll develop valuable skills in customer service, logistics, and networking by establishing relationships with airlines, hotels, and tour operators.
- It's a flexible business that you can operate alongside your studies, offering the potential for great work-life balance.
More about the startup costs and strategies for a travel agency business.
How much you can make: $12,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
A luxury yacht rental business in Dubai generates $12M monthly by offering exclusive experiences with over 50 private yachts, charging between $2,000-$4,000 for 4-hour charters, and upselling additional amenities like supercars and bespoke services to VIP clients.
17. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Starting a print-on-demand business could be a smart move for a college student looking to supplement their income, make extra money, or launch a full-fledged venture. This business model allows you to create and sell customized products without the hassle of maintaining inventory or managing shipping logistics. With platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy serving as your virtual storefronts, you could reach a global audience while focusing on designing unique and trendy merchandise.
Why start a print-on-demand business?
- Low startup costs make it accessible for students on a budget.
- Flexible schedules mean you could manage the business alongside your academic commitments.
- It's scalable, allowing you to grow at your own pace as your designs gain popularity.
For more detailed insights on launching a print-on-demand business, visit Starter Story.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
18. Start a chopped potatoes business
Starting a chopped potatoes business as a college student can be a fantastic way to supplement your income and gain entrepreneurial experience. With a minimal initial investment and the ever-present demand for convenient and healthy food options, this business idea offers substantial growth potential. Plus, engaging in a food-related business can provide you with invaluable practical skills that are applicable in various future ventures.
Why start a chopped potatoes business?
- The startup costs are relatively low, making it accessible even on a student budget.
- There is a consistent demand for easy-to-prepare, nutritious food items, particularly among busy students and professionals.
- It's a flexible business that you could scale up or down based on your academic schedule and time constraints.
For more information on starting a chopped potatoes business, including startup costs and marketing ideas, check out this detailed guide.
19. Start a SEO & lead generation service ($60K/month)
Starting an SEO & lead generation service as a college student presents an excellent opportunity to supplement your income and gain hands-on experience in digital marketing. With businesses constantly seeking ways to attract more customers, your skills in driving traffic and generating qualified leads could become invaluable. Plus, since you can learn and practice these skills online, it's a flexible side hustle that you can manage alongside your studies. For more insights on its profitability, check out success stories in SEO & lead generation services.
Why start an SEO & lead generation service?
- High demand for your skills. Businesses are always looking to increase their customer base.
- Flexible and low-cost startup. You can learn and practice SEO and lead generation online without significant up-front investment.
- Valuable experience. You gain practical skills in digital marketing that are highly sought after in today’s job market.
How much you can make: $8,000 — $200,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
A link building company co-founded by Justas Markus has grown to make an average of $35k per month in recurring revenue with a focus on delivering high-quality services through manual processes and focusing on fewer markets.
20. Develop an online survey tool ($304K/month)
Starting an online survey tool business could be a brilliant option for college students looking to supplement their income. This venture allows you to tap into the growing demand for customer feedback services. By offering features like a survey builder, data collection capabilities, and a reporting system, you could attract businesses eager to understand their customers better and make data-driven decisions. Typeform, for instance, has seen its annual recurring revenue surpass $70 million after experiencing significant growth.
Why create an online survey tool?
- There is a high demand for data collection, and businesses are willing to pay for quality insights.
- This business requires relatively low startup costs, making it an accessible option for college students.
- You could gain valuable experience in tech development and marketing, skills that are highly marketable post-graduation.
How much you can make: $40 — $1,600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.
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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.
