College Students: Top Side Hustles for Extra Cash

If you’re a college student looking to make some extra money, there are plenty of side gigs that not only help pay the bills but can also improve your grades. From selling class notes to tutoring, here are the best options to consider:

1. Take Notes for Cash

StudySoup

StudySoup is a great platform for students to monetize their note-taking. If you’re already taking notes in class, why not get paid for it? The site pays between $25 and $50 per upload, with total earnings ranging from $300 to $600 per class, per semester. However, they only accept notes from one student per class and limit it to three classes per semester.

Learn more about StudySoup here.

NexusNotes

NexusNotes lets you sell your notes to other students. While the site takes a 50% commission, you can earn around $17.50 for each set of notes sold, since notes typically go for $35. If you’re taking notes for a large, consistent class, this could be a nice long-term income stream.

Learn more about NexusNotes here.

OneClass

OneClass offers a similar opportunity but with much lower pay. Instead of $25 per set of notes, you get 25 credits—each worth less than a penny. While this platform’s pay is subpar, taking good notes could still help improve your grades.

College-Specific Note-Taking Jobs

Many schools hire students to take notes for classmates with disabilities. The pay varies by school, with some offering stipends of $100–$200 per class. For example, the University of Southern California offers up to $100 per class, depending on the quality of the notes. It’s worth checking with your college’s disability services department to see if this option is available.

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2. Tutor for Extra Income

If note-taking isn’t for you, consider becoming a tutor. Whether you’re helping high school students or tutoring your fellow college peers, tutoring is a lucrative side hustle.

Wyzant

Wyzant allows you to set your own rates and availability as a tutor, and the site takes a commission after you get paid. It’s one of the best platforms for those who want flexibility in their tutoring gigs.

Learn more about Wyzant here.

Chegg Study

Chegg Study offers tutors $20 per hour, but be aware that clients are billed in 5-minute increments, so you might not always get a full hour’s pay. Still, it’s a decent option compared to other platforms like Course Hero, which has received criticism for low pay and unreliable payment processing.

Learn more about Chegg Study here.

Local Tutoring

If you prefer to tutor in person, you can also post your availability on free local platforms like Nextdoor to find students in your area.

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3. Write for Cracked

If you’re witty and love facts, you might enjoy writing for Cracked, a comedy website that specializes in humorous listicles based on true facts. Popular examples include topics like “5 Dumb Questions with Surprisingly Interesting Answers.” Writing for Cracked can earn you $150 per story, with more potential if you write regularly. Plus, you’ll likely dive deep into fascinating topics, making this a fun way to earn extra cash.

Learn more about Cracked here.

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In Conclusion

These side hustles provide flexible options for college students looking to make extra money. Whether you prefer to take notes, tutor, or write, there’s an opportunity that can fit your schedule and skills. And in many cases, these gigs might even boost your academic performance!