22 Unusual Ways to Raise Money For College
College isn’t cheap—and when scholarships, loans, and part-time jobs don’t cut it, it’s time to get creative. Whether you’re facing a big tuition bill or just trying to stay ahead of next semester’s costs, or pay for housing, there are some surprising ways to bring in serious cash.
Forget boring bake sales or endless side hustles that barely move the needle.
These unusual money-making ideas are bold, fast, and a little outside the box—perfect for students who need to hustle smart.
Flip furniture or appliances for profit
Old furniture or used appliances can be bought cheaply at yard sales or thrift stores. With a little fixing up, they can sell for a lot more online or locally. It doesn’t take a fancy workshop—just time, tools, and basic skills. Some students make hundreds off one flip.
This can help cover books, fees, or even part of tuition. The work can be done on weekends or in between semesters.
To learn more: How to Flip Items Online for Profit
Buy and resell trending products online
Some items sell fast and for a big profit, like limited shoes, gadgets, or gaming gear. You can buy them online or in stores, then resell them on platforms like eBay or StockX. You have to move quickly and know what’s hot.
It’s a good way to make extra money without clocking in. Profits from a few good flips can cover class supplies or tuition payments.
To learn more: 13 Insider Secrets to Thrift Store Shopping from an Expert
Sell custom meal prep or catering for busy families
Many families are too busy to cook during the week. If you’re good in the kitchen, you can prep meals for them and charge per dish or per week. You don’t need a big kitchen—just a clean space and some good recipes. Don’t forget to check with local health regulations.
This can turn into steady money each week. It’s great for students trying to pay tuition without relying only on loans. Word of mouth helps, and repeat customers make it easier.
To learn more: Monthly Meal Planner
Rent out your car on Turo or a similar app
If your car sits in the driveway most days, it could be making you money. Apps like Turo let you rent it out by the day or week. Some owners make hundreds a month just by sharing their car.
It’s a passive way to earn, especially if you don’t drive every day. You’re making your car work for you.
To learn more: 10 Legit Ideas to Make $300 in a Week
Do high-paying gig work like event security or catering
Big events need help with security, food service, or setup. These jobs often pay more per hour than retail or food service. They also come with flexible hours, which helps with classes.
A few weekend gigs can make a real dent in tuition or fees. You don’t need a full-time job to stay on top of school costs. This kind of work adds up fast if you’re consistent.
To learn more: 15 Genius Tips to Make Quick Money This Week
Sell high-demand collectibles (sneakers, trading cards, etc.)
Some people make real money off rare items like sneakers, Pokémon cards, or sports memorabilia. If you know what’s valuable, you can buy low and sell high.
This works best if you already follow these hobbies. Some items sell for hundreds or more. You don’t need inventory—just timing and smart buying.
To learn more: Top 10 Appreciating Assets for Wealth Growth + Examples
Offer moving or hauling services with a truck
If you’ve got a truck, you’ve got a business. People always need help moving couches, beds, or old junk. You can charge by the job and even offer to haul away things for a fee.
It doesn’t take a lot of time, but it does bring in fast money. This kind of work can cover rent or school bills. It’s a strong way to stay ahead without student debt.
To learn more: 18 Best Remote Jobs for College Students: Online Jobs & More
Take on urgent freelance projects with rush fees
Some clients need work done fast and will pay extra for it. If you write, design, or code, you can take these jobs and add rush charges. It’s a smart way to boost income in a short time.
Even a few last-minute projects a month can help cover expenses. It beats borrowing money when deadlines hit. This is a fast way to make extra cash without long hours.
To learn more: How to Make 500 Dollars Fast: 40 Ways to Earn Quick Money
Offer weekend babysitting or nannying at premium rates
Families often need help on weekends and pay more for it. If you’re good with kids, this can turn into steady weekend work. You don’t need certifications for basic sitting, just a good record and references.
It’s flexible and usually pays well. Babysitting isn’t just for teens—it’s a solid way to handle college costs. You can also nanny throughout the summer for a solid gig.
To learn more: 90 Best Side Hustles for Teens to Make Money
Drive for multiple delivery apps during peak hours
Food delivery apps like Uber Eats or DoorDash pay more during busy times. If you stack apps and work the rush hours, you can earn decent money fast, especially in college towns.
You pick your hours and work as much or as little as you want. It’s good for students who need flexible work. Just having a car or bike and a phone can get you started.
To learn more: The Best Times to Doordash: Money Making Made Easy
Launch a local power-washing business
Homes, driveways, and fences all need cleaning. With a power washer and a few flyers, you can get paid to clean up grime. Most jobs don’t take long, and they pay well.
This can be weekend work that brings in a few hundred dollars fast. Some students even turn it into a small business.
To learn more: 12 Interesting Ideas to Make Money Fast
Offer last-minute tutoring services before big exams
Some students panic before exams and need help fast. If you’re good at a subject, you can tutor them for a fee. Charging extra for short-notice help is fair when you’re solving a problem fast.
This kind of tutoring pays more and doesn’t take long. A few sessions could cover part of your tuition or school fees. You don’t need a teaching degree—just knowledge and patience.
To learn more: Best Online and Side Hustles for College Students: Ideas for Fast Money
Sell custom-built PCs or gaming setups
If you know how to build computers, there’s money in making custom systems. People will pay more for setups that are ready to go. You can charge for parts and your time.
Each build can bring in a few hundred dollars or more. This works best if you already know your way around a computer and have a small amount of start-up money.
To learn more: Top High Income Skills Without a Degree to Learn
Organize and run estate sales for a commission
When someone downsizes or moves, they often need help selling things fast. You can step in and run the sale for a cut of the profits. It takes time, but you don’t need money up front.
People will pay you to price, sort, and manage the day. One good sale can help you bring in a few hundred or more. It’s a good side hustle if you’re trying to avoid more student loans.
To learn more: 20 Legit Ideas to Make $200 a Week
Host pop-up shops for food, crafts, or vintage goods
If you’re crafty or know how to cook, you can sell your goods at pop-ups or local markets. These events draw people who like to buy from small sellers. You don’t need a storefront—just a table and your stuff.
You can make decent money in just a few hours to go straight toward school costs. It’s also a way to grow a side business while still in school.
To learn more: 62 Fun Things to do with Friends: Activities for Friends To Do
Create and sell print-on-demand merchandise
You can design shirts, mugs, or stickers and sell them online without holding inventory. Print-on-demand sites make it easy to start with no money. Every sale brings in profit, and the site does most of the work.
You can keep doing this on the side while you’re in school. It’s a smart way to earn money to help with college bills. Just focus on making stuff people actually want.
To learn more: 50+ Ways How to Make Money Online for Beginners
Manage social media ad campaigns for small businesses
Many small businesses want ads online but don’t know how to run them. If you can set up Facebook or Instagram ads, they’ll pay you to handle it. This skill is in high demand and pays well per client.
One or two clients can bring in solid monthly income. This side hustle helps you build high income skills for when you enter the workforce. You can even do it between classes.
To learn more: 10 Insanely Easy Side Hustle Ideas
Host a “rent-a-friend” service for events
Some people hire friendly company for parties or outings. If you’re outgoing and respectful, you can make money just by showing up and being social. It may sound strange, but the pay can be high per hour (with no strings attached).
It’s also low effort—just be present and polite. It works well if you enjoy meeting new people and prefer a social environment.
To learn more: Best 30 Low-Stress Jobs That Pay Well Without a Degree
Offer paid consulting in areas where you have expertise
If you’re skilled in something—tech, music, sports—you can offer advice for a fee. People will pay to learn from someone with real experience. You don’t need a degree to share what you know.
A few paid calls or sessions a week add up. This is a great way to make money without taking out more loans. It’s also flexible and fits into a student’s schedule.
To learn more: Top 20 High Income Skills to Learn in your 20s
Offer tech setup services for older adults
Many older folks need help setting up phones, computers, or smart TVs. If you’re good with tech, they’ll pay you to come over and get things working. You don’t need to be a pro—just patient and clear.
These jobs often pay well and don’t take long. It’s a simple way to earn money for school. Plus, word spreads fast when you do a good job.
To learn more: How to Make 300 Dollars Fast: 35 Ways to Earn Extra Cash
Sell limited-edition or rare items you already own
You might have things sitting at home worth a lot, like old games, electronics, or rare merch. People pay high prices for the right items.
Selling a few can bring in fast money without needing a job. It’s better than letting things collect dust. Check what you own—you might be sitting on cash.
To learn more: Why You Need Appreciating Assets to be the Next Millionaire
Create and sell NFTs or digital art if you have the skills
If you’re an artist or designer, you can make digital art and sell it as NFTs. These can go for real money if they stand out. It takes time to learn the platforms, but it doesn’t cost much to start.
One good sale can cover a big school expense. This only works if you’ve got a strong style and can market yourself. But it’s a modern way to earn without a 9-to-5 job.
To learn more: How to Double Money in 24 Hours: 20 Easy Ways to Make Money
You can find ways to get paid to go to school, too
Paying for college doesn’t have to mean drowning in student loans or working nonstop. With a little creativity and hustle, you can find ways to make real money, sometimes fast —and stay ahead of your tuition bills.
These unusual ideas can help you cover costs without giving up your time or your sanity. The key is to find what fits your skills and your schedule.
If you want more tips like these, follow Money Bliss for smart, down-to-earth ways to pay for college. You can even find out how to get paid to go to school, too.
To learn more: How to Get Paid to Go to School: 18 Ways to Get Paid to Attend College
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