Best Online Jobs for College Students

Making money while in school can be tough, but do not worry! There are easy online jobs for students who want to work while studying. No matter what you are good at, there is a job you can do from your dorm room or apartment. This article gives you ideas for online jobs that are good for college students. 

Best Online Jobs for College Students 

Check out this list of the best online jobs for college students with no experience and start earning some income. 

1. Blogger (or Another Type of Website) 

 A great online job for college students with no experience is blogging!

How to Get the Job: If you want to start your own website or blog, it is easy. No need to apply; just buy a domain, get hosting, set up your website, and you are good to go. 

There are lots of blog topics, but it is best to choose one you really care about. For example, if you pick parenting but do not have kids, you will not have much to write about. 

Some popular blog topics include travel, food, health and fitness, and even arts and crafts. Think about what you can write about endlessly, and consider if it's a profitable topic if you plan on making money from it. 

Blogging is one of the top online jobs for students because it is easy to start. But remember, it takes time to build up as a career. 

Start a Blog Course:

• Define your niche and target audience: Who do you want to teach? Once you know your niche and target audience, you can start to develop your course content.
• Choose a blogging platform: There are many different blogging platforms available, such as WordPress, Blogger, and Wix.
• Create your blog posts: Your blog posts should be informative and engaging. They should be relevant to your niche and target audience. Use images, videos, and infographics to break up your text and make your posts more visually appealing.
• Promote your blog: There are many different ways to promote your blog, such as social media, email marketing, and guest blogging.
• Monetize your blog: There are many different ways to monetize your blog, such as advertising, affiliate marketing, and selling products or services.
• Build your community: Engage with your readers by responding to comments, answering questions, and participating in online forums.
• Be patient: It takes time to build a successful blog. Do not get discouraged if you don't see results overnight. Just keep creating great content and promoting your blog and you will eventually reach your goals.

Compared to some other jobs on this list, it might take a few years before you start making money from your website. 

That is why many people start blogging on the side while they are in college. By the time you graduate, you might have enough momentum to make a decent income from your website. 

To be a successful blogger, learn all about SEO (search engine optimization) to rank on Google and get organic traffic.

How Much it Pays: Some bloggers make a living, but usually, it takes a few years. Beginner bloggers might make between $100 and $500 per month. Once you are more established, you can earn $2,000 or more per month. The most successful bloggers make over $25,000 per month. 

To make money on your blog, try to join an ad network (like Mediavine, Ezoic, etc.) and focus on affiliate marketing. Also, think about creating digital products or online courses that you can sell to your readers. 

1. Freelance Writing Simplified: 

A cool online job for students is freelance writing. You are writing essays regularly for your classes, so you are a great writer by now. 

How to Get the Job: To be a freelance writer, you will need to apply for positions online. Beginners often use websites like Upwork and Fiverr to find jobs. You can also check out Flexjobs and Solidgigs. Another way is to look at online publications in your area of interest. For example, if you like travel writing, check if National Geographic Traveller is looking for new writers. 

Applying on Upwork is quick, but applying to online publications might take longer. Choosing a writing niche, like travel writing, can help you stand out.

How Much You Get Paid: Freelance writers are paid differently based on the client. Usually, it is a set rate for an article or by the word. It is not recommended to get paid hourly because, as you get faster at writing, hourly pay may not be fair. 

Beginner writers might make about $50 for a 2,000 to 3,000-word article. With more experience, you can charge around $0.25 or more per word. Several types of writers, like website copywriters, earn more than blog article writers. 

Choosing a niche early on, related to your college major, can lead to higher pay as you gain experience. So, if you are interested in writing and want to make some money, freelance writing is a good option! 

Social Media Manager - Making Money Online:

Becoming a Social Media Manager: College students can make money online by being social media managers. You do not need experience, especially if you use social media every day – you might know more than some managers out there! 

How to Get the Job: There are a few ways to do this. The easiest is to freelance, either starting your own business or using sites like Upwork and Fiverr. I did it myself and found clients on Upwork, so it is doable. 

Another way is using Facebook Groups. Join groups with online business owners – many need help with social media, and you can help them out. 

You could also look for part-time jobs with online companies, but this might take up more time. The cool thing is you do not usually need experience, making it perfect for college students. You set your rates and work hours that fit your college schedule.

Starting Pay for Part-Time Work: If you work part-time for a company, you will usually get paid by the hour. As a beginner, you might earn between $13 to $20 per hour. 

Freelancing Pays More: As a freelancer doing your own thing, you can charge more. It is best to use fixed-rate packages. Start with around $300 to begin, and for more comprehensive packages, you can charge a lot more. 

This can be an effective way to make money, especially for college students without experience. 

As a freelancer, you might have monthly expenses like client management systems and social media tools but they make your services better, leading to more happy clients and referrals. 

1. Graphic Design - Making Money Online:

    

Another awesome online job for students is being a graphic designer. You do not need to be a design expert; even if you have played with design tools like Canva for school presentations, you can do this. 

How to Get the Job: Like social media management, the best way to start as a graphic designer is by using websites like Upwork or Fiverr. This lets you find immediate work and set your own rates. You could also try Facebook Groups or part-time positions, but freelancing is the best way to begin with no experience needed. 

If you are interested but want to learn more, there are free tutorials online. You do not need to use fancy tools like Adobe; Canva works too. 

While some clients might ask for a portfolio, it is not always necessary, especially on sites like Upwork. You can show school projects or be honest about being a student working on the side. 

How Much You Get Paid: Graphic design is great for earning money online. Beginners can charge around $20 per hour, and as you gain clients and experience, you can charge over $50 per hour. Alternatively, you can set a fixed price for your projects, especially if you work quickly and still want good pay. It is a fantastic way for students to make money from home! 

1. Entrepreneurship for College Students:

    

You can start a business even while you are in college. Being an entrepreneur might not be the usual online job for students with no experience, but it can be extremely rewarding. 

How to Get Started: To start, think of a great idea for your business. Decide if you want to sell things online (like handmade jewelry or digital products) or offer services (like website design, consulting, or coaching). 

Nobody will ask about your experience. They care more about what you do or sell. 

How Much You Make: Entrepreneurs invest money upfront, especially for an online store. It takes time, but your business should start paying off with sales and clients. 

Entrepreneurs make different amounts. Some make around $10,000 a year, while others earn over $100,000. It depends on how much you work and what you charge for your products or services. 

Becoming an entrepreneur is a wonderful way to turn your passions into profits! 

6. Teaching English Online:

Good news if English is your first language—you can get paid to teach it online! It is one of the best jobs for college students because no experience is needed. 

How to Get Started: If you speak other languages, you can still make money teaching your native language using platforms like PrePly or Cambly. Usually, you would need a bachelor's degree and a TEFL certificate, but some companies hire without a degree, making it perfect for college students. 

To start, go through an application process, which often includes a stress-free interview. If hired, you can start teaching, usually to students in Asia and other parts of the world learning English as a second language. 

If you are interested in assisting U.S. kids with reading comprehension, check out BookNook—they pay $18 per hour. 

How Much You Make: Most online teaching jobs pay by the hour, usually around $20 USD. Preply lets you set your rates, and BookNook pays $18 per hour. 

Some companies even pay for no-shows, ensuring you make money whether your student attends or not. Plus, you can teach from your dorm or apartment if you have a good internet connection. It is a rewarding online job for students! 

1. Virtual Assistant - Help Online, Earn Money:

If you are good at following instructions and like helping, being a virtual assistant is a perfect online job for students. No experience is required! 

How to Start: Look for opportunities on Upwork or Facebook Groups. Your college learning can be an asset to businesses. 

Tasks as a Virtual Assistant: You will do various tasks like managing social media, writing, scheduling, and more to support business owners. 

No Need for Experience: You do not need experience but having some skills like managing schedules.

Pick Your Interest: Choose the kind of client you enjoy helping, like bloggers or online creatives. 

Earnings: Start at $15 to $20 per hour. With more experience, you can charge over $50 per hour. Offering discounted hourly packages can attract more work. 

Specializing for More Pay: Choosing a specialty, like helping course creators, can help you charge more. It is a flexible and rewarding online job for students! 

8. Course Creator - Share Your Passion, Make Money:

Being a Course Creator: If you are passionate about something and want to teach it to others, being a course creator is an excellent job! 

How to Start: It is a freelance gig, meaning you are in charge. Start your own business, create a website, and begin making courses. You can teach anything you love, like jewelry-making. 

Finding a Platform: Use platforms like Skillshare, Kajabi, Thinkific, or Teachable to host your courses online. 

Why It is Good for Students: Like starting a blog, being a course creator takes time upfront. Starting in college means you could have a decent income by the time you graduate. 

Earnings: There is no set income for course creators. Your income depends on how well you market your course. Prices range from $47 for a mini course to $2,000 for a more comprehensive one. Successful course creators can earn a lot, especially if they offer coaching or consulting services later. It is a lucrative job! 

9. Taking Surveys - Easy Money in Your Free Time:

College students can make money by taking surveys online. It is one of the easiest jobs because you can do it in your free time between classes. 

How to Start: Companies want to understand consumer behavior for their products, so they pay for surveys. Be cautious of fraud. Use reputable sites like Inbox Dollars, Branded Surveys, YouGov, Opinion Outpost, or Toluna. Research and check reviews on TrustPilot before signing up. 

Keep in Mind: This job takes time, and some surveys might not pay much. Be patient and choose wisely. 

Earnings: Surveys pay about $1 to $5 each, depending on the company. While the payout per survey is low, it adds up. With consistent survey-taking, you could make around $1,000 USD a month. You will need a computer or a strong internet connection. It is a great option for easy online jobs for students. 

1. Transcriptionist - Listen and Type to Earn

For college students with no experience, being a transcriptionist is a great online job. All you must do is listen to something and type it out. 

How to Start: Companies prefer actual people for accuracy. You will need to take an online typing test and a practice transcription test. It is a sought-after job, but if you pass the tests, you are in. 

Requirements: A strong internet connection, good headphones, and a computer are essential for this job. 

Earnings: Most transcription jobs pay by the minute of audio transcribed, starting at around $0.30 per minute. As you gain experience, you can make upwards of $2,000 per month with consistent work. 

Bonus: Proofreading and Editing: Proofreading and editing are great remote jobs for college students, even without experience or certificates. Investing in an online proofreading course, like Nowadays' Becoming a Proofreader course, can enhance your skills and job opportunities. 

Conclusion:  

Now that you are aware of the best online jobs suitable for college students with no prior experience, the crucial aspect of success lies in organizing your schedule to align with your classes. It is essential to ensure that your work does not overshadow your education. 

Additionally, thorough research is key to finding a job that brings you genuine enjoyment. Wishing you the utmost success in earning that extra income as a college student! 

FAQs 

1. What online jobs are suitable for college students with no experience?

Several online jobs cater to students with no prior experience. Some options include freelancing, blogging, virtual assistance, and transcription. 

2. How can I balance online work with my college schedule?

Balancing online work with your college schedule requires effective time management. Create a detailed schedule, prioritize tasks, and ensure your work commitments complement your class timings. 

3. Are online jobs a viable source of income for college students?

Yes, online jobs can be a viable source of income for college students. They offer flexibility, allowing you to work around your class schedule, and cover a range of skills and interests. 

4. What skills do I need for online jobs as a college student?

The skills needed depend on the type of online job. Common skills include time management, communication, and basic computer literacy. Specialized skills may be required for roles like graphic design or social media management. 

5. How much can I earn from online jobs as a college student?

Earnings vary based on the type of job and your experience level. Beginners may earn around $50-$500 per month, while more established roles, like blogging or social media management, can generate several thousand dollars per month with experience. 

References

• Abel, J. R., Deitz, R., & Su, Y. Are recent college graduates finding good jobs?. Current issues in economics and finance, 20(1).
• Larkin, J. E., LaPort, K. A., & Pines, H. A. Job choice and career relevance for today's college students. Journal of Employment Counseling, 44(2), 86-94.

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