The 8 Best Side Hustles to Make Money for Students in 2024

Why Students Should Consider Modern Apps to Make Money

College students are perpetually looking for extra cash. Tuition, room and board, textbooks, and basic living expenses often exceed the funds students have available. Taking on a part-time job can help, but it takes time away from studies. Money making apps provide an excellent alternative for students to earn extra income without a traditional job.

These apps allow students to work on a flexible schedule that won’t conflict with classes and studying. Most gig work apps enable users to choose their own hours and set their own availability. Students can pick up odd jobs that fit around exam times or periods with heavy course loads. The work can be done between classes, in the evenings, or on weekends.

Apps also provide opportunities not limited by location. Students can find jobs no matter where they are, rather than being restricted to what’s available nearby. Apps connect users with opportunities across their city, country, or even globally. Students can pick up work from campus, their apartment, or home.

The low commitment levels required are also advantageous. There’s no need to go through a lengthy interview process, onboarding, training, or minimum hour requirements. Students can work as much or as little as they choose. Most gig jobs can be completed on a flexible timeline, rather than at rigidly scheduled shifts.

In today’s economy, college students need to find creative ways to earn money outside of traditional employment. Apps that help to make money provide the perfect platform, giving students the flexibility, convenience, and freedom they need.

1. Survey Taking Apps to Make Money Online

Surveys are a popular way for students to make extra money in their spare time. Survey taking apps allow users to complete surveys in exchange for cash rewards.

Some of the top survey apps for students include:

• Survey Junkie: This app provides surveys tailored to each user. Students can earn points for each survey completed, which can be redeemed for gift cards or cash via Paypal. Surveys on Survey Junkie typically pay between $0.50 – $5.00 each.
• Swagbucks: This rewards app offers both surveys and other earning activities. For surveys, students can earn Swagbucks which can be redeemed for gift cards or cash. Each survey pays between $0.50 – $5.00 generally. Swagbucks also offers bonuses for meeting daily goals.

The benefit of these apps is flexibility. Students can complete surveys whenever they have spare time like between classes or while commuting. The surveys are easy and quick to do on a smartphone. While each survey may pay a small amount, the earnings can add up over time. Setting aside just 30 minutes a day can lead to a nice side income.

These apps are ideal for students looking to earn a bit of extra spending money without a big time commitment. As long as students are honest in their survey responses, they can utilize their free to make money.

2. Microtask Apps

Microtask apps allow students to make money by completing small tasks and assignments. These types of apps are great for students as the tasks are simple, quick to complete, and provide fast payments. Some of the best microtask apps for students include:

Field Agent

Field Agent allows students to make money by completing various missions and tasks. You can make money doing things like auditing local stores, checking prices, or scanning products. The pay is between $2-$12 for most jobs and students get paid weekly via PayPal. Field Agent operates in the US, Canada, Australia, and several European countries.

Easyshift

Easyshift pays students to visit local stores and take photos of shelves, products, prices and displays. The app provides simple photo-based missions that can be completed in under 5 minutes. Each task pays between $3-$12 and students are paid weekly via Paypal. It’s only available in the US but is a very quick and convenient way for students to earn extra money in their spare time.

Microtask apps are great for students as they provide the flexibility to work whenever it suits them. The quick and simple tasks make it easy to make money here and there between classes or in free time. With apps like Field Agent and Easyshift, students can conveniently build up extra income.

Delivery Service Apps

Delivery apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, GrubHub, and Postmates offer flexible ways for students to make money in their spare time. These on-demand delivery platforms allow students to work as contracted couriers, picking up and delivering food orders from restaurants to customers.

The process is simple. Students sign up through the app, go through a quick onboarding/background check, and can then start receiving delivery opportunities. They can choose which orders to accept based on factors like the time, restaurant location, distance, and payout amount. Most apps show the expected payout upfront for each delivery opportunity.

Deliveries can be done using cars, bikes, scooters, or by walking. Students set their own schedules and there are no minimum hour requirements, making it easy to fit some deliveries around class schedules or between study sessions. These apps have expanded into hundreds of cities, providing earning opportunities for millions of students across the country.

The average payout per delivery ranges from $8-12. Some savvy students report earning $15-22 per hour on average when factoring in costs like gas and vehicle depreciation. While it requires being out on the road making deliveries, the flexibility and ease of getting started make delivery apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash are popular apps providing an opportunity to make money.

4. Rental Apps

Rental apps allow students to make money by renting out their personal items and assets. These apps connect owners with renters, handling all the rental logistics. Rental apps are a great way for students to earn passive income from assets they already own.

Turo

Turo is a peer-to-peer car-sharing app where you can rent out your vehicle to others. As a student, you can earn thousands per year by renting out your car when you aren’t using it. Turo handles insurance, provides 24/7 roadside assistance, and conducts background checks on renters. They make the process easy and risk-free. All you have to do is list your car availability.

HyreCar

HyreCar is another car rental app, focused on renting vehicles specifically for ridesharing services. If you have a car that qualifies for Uber or Lyft, you can rent it to people who want to be drivers. HyreCar takes care of insurance and background checks. You set your own rental rates and availability. It’s a great option if you have a car sitting idle that could be generating rental income instead.

In summary, rental apps like Turo and HyreCar make it simple to turn your idle assets into earnings. As a student, it takes almost no effort to list your items and start getting paid. Rental apps provide flexibility to control when and how often you rent.

5. Freelancing Apps

Freelancing apps allow students to make money by offering their skills and services to clients around the world. These platforms connect freelancers with people and companies looking to outsource work in areas like writing, programming, design, marketing, and more.

Popular freelancing apps for students include:

Fiverr

Fiverr is one of the largest online freelance marketplaces, with buyers and sellers from over 160 countries. Students can create a profile highlighting their skills, experience, and education. Then they can browse open projects posted by buyers and submit proposals to get hired for gigs. Jobs start at just $5 on Fiverr, providing an easy way for students to get experience, build their portfolios, and make money. Common student services on Fiverr include graphic design, data entry, research, tutoring, and more.

Upwork

Upwork is another large freelance platform where businesses and clients post job openings that freelancers can apply for. Students can create a detailed profile outlining their skills, experience, education, portfolios, and more. The platform makes it easy to connect and communicate with potential clients. Upwork offers opportunities in thousands of categories, with high-paying jobs like web development, copywriting, consulting, animation, engineering, and more. Students can earn substantial income through ongoing client relationships built on Upwork.

The flexibility of freelancing apps allows students to work around their class schedule. They can choose projects that align with their skills and interests. Building a profile and portfolio on these platforms also helps prepare students for future careers. However, freelancing requires discipline, professionalism, and good time management skills. Students need to ensure they can deliver quality work on time for clients. However, those who excel at freelancing can earn excellent income even as students.

6. Selling Used Items Apps

Students often have belongings that they no longer use or need – old textbooks, furniture, electronics, clothes, etc. Instead of letting these items gather dust, students can sell them for cash using apps like Letgo and Decluttr.

Letgo is a popular peer-to-peer marketplace app where students can list their used items for sale and connect with local buyers. The app makes it easy to upload photos with descriptions and set a price. Once an item sells, students can coordinate pickup or delivery. Letgo allows students to declutter and earn extra money at the same time.

Decluttr is an online resale store that buys used items directly from students. Students simply enter their item information, ship the items to Decluttr, and receive payment by direct deposit. Popular products accepted by Decluttr include cell phones, tablets, game consoles, CDs, DVDs, and books. They accept items in any condition but offer more money for electronics and media in good working order.

Selling unused possessions can be a lucrative way for students to make money without any upfront costs. Apps like Letgo and Decluttr streamline the selling process and help students quickly connect with interested buyers or resellers.

7. Participating in Research Studies

Participating in research studies is another great way for students to make money without any investment. Many companies and universities conduct research studies and will pay people to participate.

Some popular sites that connect participants with studies include User Interviews, Respondent, and Prolific. With User Interviews, participants can earn up to $60 for a 60-minute interview. The studies focus on everything from everyday consumer topics to more serious subjects.

Respondent pays participants $5-$250 depending on the study. Studies revolve around market research, academia, and more. With Prolific, participants take surveys, studies, and experiments. Each study shows the pay rate upfront, with rewards starting at $6.50 per hour and up to $22 per hour.

The time commitment for each study varies. Some take just 5-10 minutes, while others can be over an hour. Participants can conveniently do studies online, by phone, video call, or in person. Once the study is complete, earnings are quickly paid out via PayPal, gift cards, bank transfer, or cryptocurrency.

The key benefits for students are getting paid for their opinions and time, choosing studies that fit their schedule, gaining experience participating in research, and make money without any financial investment. As long as students meet the screening criteria, participating in research is an easy way to monetize their free time.

8. Testing Websites and Apps

Testing websites and apps is a great way for students to make money without any investment. Companies like UserTesting and TryMyUI pay people to test out websites and apps to provide feedback.

As a tester, you’ll be given tasks like finding certain pages on a website, purchasing items, or completing forms. The tasks are meant to simulate a typical user experience so the developers can identify issues and improve the site/app.

The work is flexible, allowing you to sign up for tests that fit your schedule. You get paid per test, usually $5-$10 for a 10-20 minute test. The pay isn’t huge, but it adds up over time.

Some benefits of website/app testing:

• Get paid for every test completed
• No long-term commitment required
• Flexible – do tests whenever you have time
• Gain experience using new websites and apps before they launch
• Income isn’t dependent on having an audience or selling products

Signing up on both UserTesting and TryMyUI gives you access to more opportunities. Make sure to provide thoughtful feedback when you encounter issues to maximize your chances of getting invited to future tests.

Website and app testing is an easy way for students to start earning money online without any financial investment. Just devote some spare time to providing quality feedback.

Tips to Maximize Earnings from Money Making Apps

Choosing the right money making apps is crucial to maximizing your earnings as a student. Do your research and focus your efforts on 2-3 apps that best fit your needs, skills, and schedule.

Being consistent is key – set aside dedicated time each week to work on your money-making apps. Setting a schedule and sticking to it will help you earn more over time. Consider setting a weekly or monthly earnings goal to stay motivated.

Many apps have referral programs that allow you to make money for referring friends. Take advantage of these programs by sharing your referral codes with other students interested in earning extra cash. Just make sure to only recommend apps you genuinely use and find valuable.

Tracking your earnings across the different apps can help you identify which ones are most profitable for you. Consider keeping a spreadsheet to monitor your progress and find opportunities to optimize your efforts.

As you get more experienced with money making apps, look for ways to increase your efficiency and output. For example, identify your most lucrative microtask types and focus on those.

While earning extra money from apps takes consistency and effort, it can be incredibly valuable for students. By maximizing your efforts and sticking to a routine, you can earn hundreds of dollars per month without any financial investment.