23 Best Passive Income Ideas For Students

Are you searching for passive income ideas for students that won’t interfere with your packed college schedule?

I’ve been there – trying to balance studies with a need for extra cash.

Some of my favorite passive income ideas are perfect for any busy college student to start earning passive income without eating into your valuable time.

Whether it’s through creating content or investing in stocks, there’s a whole world of opportunities to get money passively.

In this blog post, I’ll explore 23 passive income ideas for students that can help students achieve financial stability and maintain a balanced lifestyle.

Quick Picks: Passive Income Ideas For Students

Best Business Huste – Blogging
Easiest Side Hustle For Students – Proofreading
Best Investment App – Fundrise

Passive Side Hustles

What is the beauty of passive income?

The potential is huge, whether a few extra bucks from a savings account or a steady cash flow from rental properties.

For college students, this could mean a ticket to financial freedom!

As someone who has been in your shoes as a struggling college student, I’ve tried several passive income ideas.

Here are side hustles you can start around your classes to earn money passively:

1. Blogging

Let me tell you about my absolute favorite way to make some extra money as a student – starting a blog.

It’s not just a hobby; it’s one of the best passive income ideas for students.

Why? Because it lets you turn your passion into profit right from your own website.

When you start blogging, you create a space to share your thoughts and expertise on something you love.

It’s all about crafting and updating content that resonates with people who share your interests.

Once your blog gains traction, you can earn passive income through ad revenue, affiliate marketing, or even selling your products or services.

And guess what? This doesn’t require much – with very little time and money upfront, you can get rolling.

And hey, if you’re thinking, “This sounds cool, but where do I start?” don’t worry.

My FREE Start Your Blog Bootcamp is here to help you manifest your blogging dreams. It’s like having a blogging guru by your side!

2. Survey Apps

A super easy way to earn a bit on the side is through survey apps.

Now, I’ve got to be real with you – these apps won’t replace an active income, but they’re great passive income ideas for students.

Why? Because you can fill out surveys while chilling, commuting, or even during a study break.

Survey Junkie and Swagbucks are user-friendly and perfect for squeezing in surveys between lectures or coffee breaks.

If you’re waiting for your lecture to start or in line for food, you may as well monetize that downtime with a few surveys.

Earn points for all the surveys you answer, then cash out with PayPal money or gift cards!

Check out my Survey Junkie Review to see why it’s my top pick out of all the survey sites.

3. Sell An Online Course

Do you have tutoring experience but want to turn that into passive income? That’s where selling online courses comes in!

Creating online courses can be an awesome way to earn income if you’re a whiz in a particular subject.

It’s not just a side gig; it’s an online business opportunity perfect for college students to put what they learn to work.

Picture this: you share your knowledge, help others learn, and get paid for it – all in the comfort of your dorm room or favorite coffee shop.

It’s also hands-off and passive because you don’t teach each student individually and have hours of tutoring sessions- your course tells them everything!

And once you’ve set everything up and your course hits the sweet spot with learners, it becomes completely passive.

I know what you’re thinking: “That sounds great, but how do I start?” Well, that’s where Six Figure Content Creator comes in.

This course is designed to help you navigate the online business world, especially tailored for college students.

4. YouTube Channel

Starting a YouTube channel is a fantastic way for college students to tap into passive income ideas for students.

It’s a side hustle that could turn your passions and interests into a potential part-time job or a steady passive income stream.

Imagine sharing your unique perspective through video tutorials, educational content, product reviews, or entertaining challenge videos.

You can connect with viewers with all these ideas and more and earn money from viewership!

Growing a successful YouTube channel takes time, effort, and a dash of creativity to get an audience3.

But as your channel gains followers, the opportunities to earn through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing can be quite rewarding.

And if you’re wondering how to kickstart this exciting adventure, the Mastering YouTube course is here to to guide you, turning your vision into reality.

5. Ecommerce Shop

Diving into the world of e-commerce can be a game-changer for students looking for rewarding passive income streams.

Setting up an e-commerce business is a great passive income idea for those with an entrepreneurial spirit.

It’s all about finding your niche, designing a website that catches the eye, and marketing your products to the right audience.

And platforms like Shopify make it super easy to get started.

Whether crafting your own products or sourcing them, launching your own online shop on platforms like Shopify can be an exciting journey.

It has website templates, easy-to-follow instructions, and how-to for running your store.

6. Affiliate Marketer

Stepping into the role of an affiliate marketer can be one of the best passive income ideas for students. You don’t have to worry about creating or stocking products.

It’s all about spreading the word about products and services you believe in on your blog or YouTube channel and getting paid. How cool is that?

You partner with brands, use their marketing materials, and earn a commission for every sale or lead you generate.

Similar to my blog and YouTube channel- links are how you can generate passive income on products and brands you like.

Now, it does take some work at the beginning. You must build a following and learn the best ways to promote products.

And if you’re keen to learn more about this world, the Making Sense of Affiliate Marketing course is a fantastic resource to learn the ins and outs of becoming a successful affiliate marketer.

7. Sell Stock Photos

If you’ve got a knack for photography, why not sell stock photos online? It’s a great passive income idea for students who can capture those picture-perfect moments.

Just imagine your photos being used worldwide and you earning money each time someone clicks ‘download.’

Platforms like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock are the go-to places for photographers to sell their images.

You upload your photos, and voilà – you’ve opened the door to potential earnings. Every download translates into cash in your pocket.

Sure, you might need to first invest in a good camera and some editing software. But think about the long game.

As your photos gain popularity and rack up downloads, those initial costs can quickly turn into significant returns.

8. Car Ads

Did you know your car can be more than just a way to get around? For students with wheels, getting paid car ads offer a unique way to rake in extra cash.

If you’re a student with a car and you’re cool with the idea of it doubling as an ad space, this could be a clever and hassle-free way to boost your income.

Think about it: you’re driving to class or heading out on a weekend adventure, and your car’s earning money for you at the same time!

Companies like Carvertise and Wrapify are in the business of turning your ride into a moving billboard.

They’ll pay you just to have advertisements showcased on your car. It’s pretty straightforward – you drive as usual, and your car does all the work, showing off ads.

9. Sell Your Notes

Are you the one in class who always takes detailed notes? If so, here’s a cool idea: why not turn those notes into extra cash?

That’s right, selling your class notes can be a neat way for students to earn passive income. And with platforms like Stuvia, it’s easier than ever.

All you have to do is upload your notes and let other students buy them online. It’s like helping your peers while making some money – a win-win!

Plus, it doesn’t require much extra effort once your notes are ready to go; you just gotta pay attention in class and get detailed info.

But hold on a second – before you dive in, it’s super important to check with your university’s academic policies.

Some schools have rules for or against giving notes away for free or selling them, so better safe than sorry.

10. Rent Textbooks

Do you have a stash of textbooks gathering dust? Here’s a thought – rent them out to fellow students and make some money!

That’s right, your old textbooks can be a goldmine for passive income, rather than just selling them outright for less than you bought them for.

I paid to borrow books from the college bookstore- so I know you can make money doing this with other students!

It’s a simple idea: you rent out your textbooks, earn some cash, and help students save money on their book expenses.

You can keep it fast and local with students in your college through social media and word of mouth.

11. Housesit

Housesitting is a neat passive income idea for students looking to make extra money.

Imagine this: you get to stay in different places, maybe look after a cute pet or two, and the best part? You’re earning while living rent-free!

It’s not just about watching over a house; it may involve light maintenance or pet care. It’s a small price to pay for living in a new place without the usual costs.

Platforms like TrustedHousesitters are your gateways to housesitting gigs.

Think about the perks – you get to explore new neighborhoods, maybe cuddle with furry friends, and save up some cash.

12. Petsitting

Are you a student who’s also an animal lover? Well, petsitting could be your ideal way to earn some cash on the side.

I was able to pet sit and do my homework some weeknights and weekends- easy money while doing my work!

Petsitting involves some responsibility as well– you’re caring for someone’s beloved pet, after all.

But if you’re the type who finds joy in wagging tails and purring companions, then this could be a super enjoyable way to make extra money during your college days.

With platforms like Rover, finding petsitting jobs is a breeze.

You could be walking a dog, feeding a cat, or watching over a bunny while their owners are away and earning easy cash this week.

13. Rent Your Car

Got a car that spends more time parked than on the road? Here’s an idea: why not rent it out and make some money?

Platforms like Turo have made it easy for car owners to turn their vehicles into a source of passive income.

It’s pretty straightforward – you list your car, someone rents it when you’re not using it, and you earn cash.

It’s a smart way to make your car work for you, especially if it’s just sitting around most of the time.

The best part? It doesn’t take much effort, and if your car is a popular model or in a high-demand area, you could be looking at some pretty sweet returns.

14. Rent Your Home/Apartment

If you have a home or apartment with some extra space, or maybe you’re often away, here’s a thought: why not rent it out on platforms like Airbnb?

It’s a good way to turn your extra space into an income stream. Your place could be the perfect spot for travelers or people looking for a short-term stay.

All you need to do is list your property on Airbnb, and you can start earning money whenever someone rents your space.

Sure, it does take a bit of effort. You’ve got to keep the place nice and tidy, communicate with your potential guests, and manage the bookings.

But the reward? If your place is in a sought-after area, you could be looking at some seriously good returns.

And hey, if you’re not keen on having people stay over, you could consider using a platform like Neighbor Storage.

Passive Income: Investing Apps

15. Fundrise

Looking to create passive income streams while juggling your student life? Fundrise might just be your answer!

This nifty real estate investing platform allows students like you to generate extra money.

How? Well, it’s all about the magic of real estate investments and the allure of rental income.

With Fundrise, you can dip your toes into the world of commercial properties without needing much capital.

With a minimum investment of $10, you can start your journey to financial freedom.

And the best part? You could start raking in those passive income dollars through dividends as these properties appreciate and collect rental payments.

Read my Fundrise Review to see how you can get investing in real estate today.

16. Acorns

When it comes to passive income sources, Acorns is a game-changer for students looking to add more money to their bank accounts.

It’s an accessible option for students who want to start generating passive income without needing a lot of initial funds.

This innovative investing app simplifies the process, allowing you to invest spare change in diversified portfolios and watch your money grow through capital gains and dividends.

So, if you’re a student eager to explore passive income opportunities, Acorns can be your reliable partner on the journey to financial growth.

Read more about investing with changed with my in-depth Acrons Review.

17. Robinhood

Robinhood is a commission-free trading app that’s a game-changer for students seeking to bolster their financial portfolios.

With this app, you can invest in a wide range of assets, including stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies, opening the door to potential passive income streams.

Over time, you’ll earn money through capital gains and dividends, growing your money a bit every day with the right investments.

Even more appealing is that Robinhood doesn’t demand a minimum investment, making it an accessible choice for students eager to dive into the world of stock market investing.

Its user-friendly interface simplifies the process so you can confidently start your investment journey.

18. Betterment

Betterment is a robo-advisor platform that simplifies students’ passive income path.

With Betterment, you can effortlessly create diversified investment portfolios and watch your money grow through automated investing strategies.

Here’s how it works: Betterment employs smart algorithms to align your investment goals and risk tolerance with low-cost exchange-traded funds (ETFs) portfolios.

It creates and manages your investments, making your portfolio well-diversified and tailored to your preferences.

19. Mainvest

Mainvest is a unique platform that offers students a chance to invest in small businesses and reap passive income rewards.

With Mainvest, you can dive into the world of local businesses and earn money through revenue-sharing agreements or equity stakes.

By investing in these businesses, you support your community and position yourself for potential returns as these businesses grow and thrive.

It’s an opportunity that involves some upfront investment, but the potential rewards can be significant, especially if the businesses perform well in the market.

20. FarmTogether

FarmTogether is an exciting platform that allows students to invest in farmland, offering a pathway to passive income through crop sales and land appreciation.

With FarmTogether, you can become a part of agricultural projects and potentially earn money as crops are harvested and the land increases in value.

Investing in shares of these farmland projects diversifies your investment portfolio and gives you a piece of the agricultural pie.

While there’s a minimum investment requirement, the potential returns can be substantial, particularly if the farmland performs well in the market.

21. Masterworks

Masterworks is an intriguing avenue for students to explore, offering the chance to start investing in the world of fine art.

You could potentially earn passive income through the appreciation and sale of artwork.

Investing in shares of fine art pieces allows you to tap into the art market’s potential to yield returns.

Whether through the sale of the art itself or the increase in its value over time, you can earn money from your investment.

This passive income source does require a significant initial investment. However, the potential returns can be substantial, especially if the artwork appreciates.

22. Yieldstreet

Yieldstreet presents alternative investment opportunities, like real estate and litigation financing, enabling students to earn passive income through interest payments and capital gains.

Students can earn money from interest payments or capital appreciation by investing in these alternative asset classes.

While this passive income source requires a significant initial investment, the potential returns can be substantial, especially if the investments perform well in the market.

23. Prosper (peer lending)

Prosper is a peer-to-peer lending platform that allows students to dip their toes into the lending world and potentially earn passive income through interest payments from borrowers.

It’s a platform where you can invest in loans and watch your money grow as borrowers repay their loans with interest.

Investing in loans through Prosper can potentially earn money over time, particularly if the loans are repaid promptly and with minimal default rates.

While this passive income source does require some upfront investment, the potential returns for peer-to-peer lending can be quite significant.

FAQs

How much money can I make passively?

Your passive income largely depends on your chosen idea and the effort you invest in it.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how much money you can make passively, as it varies greatly from person to person and depends on several factors.

Your initial investment, the time and resources you commit, and the performance of your chosen passive income source will create different income for you.

What are the best passive income ideas for students?

There are many ways to make money as a student, but I suggest you look into passive income ideas to free up your time and energy.

The best passive income ideas for students cater to their interests, skills, and the time they can dedicate. Here are some popular passive income ideas for students to consider:

Blogging: Writing about topics you’re passionate about can generate income through advertising, affiliate marketing, and sponsored content.
Affiliate Marketing: Promote products or services through your online platforms and earn a commission for every sale through your referral links.
Selling Stock Photos: If you have photography skills, you can sell your photos on stock photography websites and earn royalties whenever your images are downloaded.

What are some ways to earn $1000 per week passively?

While earning $1000 per week passively may seem challenging, it’s achievable with the right approach and dedication.

Some ways to make this amount include:

Starting a successful YouTube channel
Creating a popular blog with affiliate links
Writing a bestselling book
Investing in high-performing stocks or real estate

Remember that achieving this level of passive income may require time, initial effort, and sometimes financial investment to get started.

What are the easiest ways to make passive income while in college?

Creating passive income streams while in college is a fantastic way to supplement your bank account without overwhelming your schedule.

Here are some of the easiest passive income ideas for students with minimal ongoing effort:

Starting a Print-on-Demand Store: Launch an online store that sells print-on-demand products like t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases.
Investing in Financial Assets: Consider investing in stocks or ETFs through investing apps, generating passive income through dividends and capital gains.
Vending Machine Business: If you have some money, consider setting up vending machines in high-traffic areas as a steady stream of passive income.

Final Thoughts

Passive income sources can be excellent opportunities for students to achieve a more balanced financial life while pursuing their education.

These side hustles, investing apps, and creative endeavors all offer a passive income opportunity to earn money without compromising your academic commitments or personal pursuits.

Students can generate passive income by exploring various passive income ideas that resonate with their interests and abilities.

With determination and careful consideration, you can discover the ideal passive income source that aligns with your goals, so try something on my list to get some money in the bank!