Posted 4:01 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Five side hustles for college students to earn extra cash (2026)
By: Charis Wechet and Sarah Barwick
College is expensive — there’s really no way around it. Between tuition, groceries, gas, and still wanting to have a social life, it can feel like your money disappears fast. From our own experiences as college students, having a side hustle has made a huge difference. It gives us the freedom to go out to eat with friends or do something fun during the week without constantly stressing about money. Over time, we’ve realized there are so many different ways to make extra cash, and most of them are super flexible around a busy schedule. Here are some of the best side hustles for college students right now.
1. Food delivery apps
Apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub are one of the most popular side hustles for college students. While we don’t personally use these apps, we have several friends who do and really enjoy the flexibility. You can go out whenever you have time — whether that’s a random afternoon or a busy Friday night. Wages vary depending on demand, time of day, and location. Nights and weekends tend to be the most profitable. One thing our friends always emphasize is staying safe — especially when working at night. It’s a good idea to share your location with someone or let a friend know when you’re out delivering.
2. Pet sitting and dog walking
If you’re an animal lover, this is such a fun way to make money. Apps like Rover and Wag! connect you with pet owners who need help, making it easy to find opportunities that fit your schedule. While we haven’t personally used these apps, we have friends and family who use them all the time and love the experience. Most of their work includes dog sitting while families are out of town or quick drop-in visits during the day. You’re able to set your own prices, and many people end up with repeat clients, which makes this a more consistent and reliable way to earn extra money over time.
3. Uber/Lyft
Driving for Uber or Lyft is another solid option if you have access to a car and enjoy a flexible schedule. It works similarly to food delivery apps in that you can choose when you want to work, but instead of delivering food, you are transporting people to their destinations. Many drivers prefer this option, especially during busy weekends or local events when demand is higher and earnings can increase. However, just like with other driving-based side hustles, it’s important to prioritize safety by staying aware of your surroundings and sharing your location with someone you trust when necessary.
4. Selling clothes
Selling clothes is one of the easiest and most underrated ways for college students to make extra money. Apps like Depop and stores such as Plato's Closet and Style Encore make it simple to turn clothes you no longer wear into cash. We’ve found that going through your closet and selling unused items can add up quickly, especially when keeping up with current trends. For those who want to take it a step further, thrifting and reselling popular items can become an even more profitable side hustle. This option is also appealing because it aligns with the growing focus on sustainable fashion, allowing you to make money while being environmentally conscious.
5. Campus rideshare/carpooling
Campus ridesharing is another easy and practical way to earn extra money, especially if you are already planning to travel. This is something we have both done when going to and from La Crosse. Many students use Facebook groups, such as the UW-La Crosse rideshare page, to either find rides or offer them. When we know we are already driving home, we will post in the group and typically find people interested in joining fairly quickly. We usually charge around $15 one way or $25 round trip per person, which helps cover gas costs while also leaving a little extra money. Overall, it’s one of the simplest ways to make money since it builds on travel plans you already have.
There are so many side hustles out there, and the best option depends on what fits your lifestyle and schedule. For us, having side hustles has made college life a lot less stressful by providing extra financial flexibility and independence. It allows us to enjoy everyday activities without constantly worrying about money. If you’re considering starting a side hustle, we definitely recommend trying one out — you may be surprised at how easy it is to start earning extra cash.
Examples in the article are provided for informational purposes and are not endorsements.
Learn more about UWL It Make$ Cents!, a financial literacy program at UWL that addresses the financial concerns of students that are unique to college life.