Many people around the world including college students are searching for the best side hustles that pay well and can support them during these tough economic times.
The good news?
The internet has opened up multiple opportunities that students can take advantage of with little to no startup capital. Here are 10 proven ways college students are making money in 2026.
YouTube has become one of the biggest income sources for students worldwide. If you can create engaging videos on topics like gaming, tech reviews, college life, or tutorials, you can monetize your channel through YouTube ads, sponsorships, and memberships.
Successful student YouTubers make anywhere from $100 to $1,000+ per month, depending on views and engagement. If you happen to join the list of top paid YouTubers, then I can guarantee that the returns will tempt you to make it a full time job and not a side hustle.
I once came across a platform called Stuvia in 2018. Its a marketplace where students share their notes, but not for free, they sell. I found the idea fascinating how students from around the world collaborate and support each other.
As online academic writing declines, students have become clever and are making money by selling their class notes on platforms such as Studocu, Studypool, PasingGrades and Docsity. Can you believe that there are students who earn up to $1500 during peak seasons just by uploading well-organized notes.
If you take detailed class notes, this is an easy way to make money while helping others succeed in their studies.
Thrifting, or reselling mitumba (second-hand items), is one of the most profitable side hustles for college students.
Many students buy and resell clothes, shoes, and accessories from local markets and sell them on platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, Jiji, and Facebook Marketplace.
This can be a very lucrative business for students especially with the availability of smartphones. However, you need to know that this road is not a walk in the path, you have to put in the work.
You don’t need a physical store to start. With as little as $10 (Ksh 1,000), you can purchase a few items, take high-quality photos, and market them online. If you’re good at branding and marketing, this can turn into a serious business.
Academic writing is still a source of income for students, even though AI is changing the industry. Some students and businesses still require well-researched content that AI tools can’t fully provide. Websites like Studypool, EssayPro, and Uvocorp offer writing gigs.
To stand out, focus on subjects that need human expertise, like law, business, and medicine. Avoid AI-generated content, as most clients now use AI detectors.
Many small businesses struggle to manage their social media accounts. If you have good knowledge of managing platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn, you can offer social media management services.
Students are making between $100 to $1,000 per month managing accounts for small businesses, helping them grow their audience and increase engagement.
Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter (X) have created opportunities for students to make money. If you’re good at creating engaging content, brands will pay you for promotions, ads, and affiliate marketing.
To get started:
Even with just 1,000+ followers, brands can pay you to promote their products.
I am a full time blogger, a free advice that I’ll give you is that blogging is a long-term hustle if you looking to make decent money. With blogging, you need patience, and just like thrifting; hardwork.
If writing is not an issue for you and you enjoy doing it like me, you can start a blog on topics like college life, finance, fashion, tech, or travel.
Once your blog gains traffic, you can monetize it through Google AdSense, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing.
To succeed in blogging you need to:
Some students have grown their blogs into full-time businesses, making passive income from their content.
Virtual assistant jobs are booming especially in 2026, many businesses need virtual assistants to handle simple administrative tasks like managing emails, scheduling meetings, and data entry. If you have good communication and computer skills, you can find virtual assistant gigs on Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour.
Some students working as virtual assistants earn between $150 to $400 per month (Ksh 20,000 to Ksh 50,000). The flexibility of this job makes it perfect for college students looking to earn money while studying.
Affiliate marketing is a great way for students to make passive income. By promoting products, you earn a commission for every sale made through your referral link. Popular affiliate programs include Amazon Associates, Jumia, and Kilimall Affiliate.
To start:
From the research that I have conducted, students who master affiliate marketing can make $50 to $500 per month (Ksh 5,000 to Ksh 50,000).
Dropshipping is an online business model where you sell products without handling inventory. As a student, you can create an online store using platforms like Shopify and sell trending products from suppliers without upfront stock investment.
To succeed:
Many students running dropshipping stores earn $500+ per month once their business picks up.
Side hustles are the way to go. In 2026, college students have more money-making opportunities than ever before in history. Whether you prefer blogging, affiliate marketing, thrifting, content creation, or freelancing, there’s a way for everyone to earn. The best part? You don’t need a lot of money to start, just your skills, a smartphone, and an internet connection!
I’m Clinton Wamalwa Wanjala, a financial writer and certified financial consultant passionate about empowering the youth with practical financial knowledge. As the founder of Fineducke.com, I provide accessible guidance on personal finance, entrepreneurship, and investment opportunities.
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