Paying for college can be tough, but did you know that some part-time jobs can help cover your tuition? Many companies and programs offer tuition assistance, scholarships, or flexible jobs that allow students to earn extra income while studying. Whether it’s working on campus, in retail, or online, these jobs can make college more affordable. Here are 16 part-time jobs that help pay for college.
1. Work-Study Programs
The federal work-study program allows students to earn money through part-time jobs. If you file the FAFSA and qualify, you can work on or off campus while earning at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. In 2019, families using work-study funds earned an average of $1,808 toward college expenses.
2. Paid Internships
A paid internship can help cover college costs while also providing valuable work experience. A 2019 survey found that two-thirds of paid interns received a job offer after graduation, compared to 44% of unpaid interns.
3. Jobs with Online Learning Benefits
Some companies partner with universities to offer tuition assistance for online degrees. For example:
- Starbucks partners with Arizona State University, offering employees a free undergraduate degree.
- Pizza Hut and White Castle have similar programs.
4. Fast-Food Jobs with Tuition Reimbursement
Many fast-food companies offer tuition benefits, including:
- Chipotle reimburses up to $5,250 per year.
- The company also fully covers tuition for 75 business and technology degrees.
5. Hourly Jobs with Tuition Assistance
Some retail and warehouse companies offer tuition help to hourly workers:
- Amazon’s Career Choice Program pays up to $12,000 over four years for associate degrees.
- White Castle provides tuition assistance but requires employees to enroll in a specific school.
6. Campus Jobs with Tuition Stipends
Colleges offer research or teaching assistantships that help cover tuition. These positions are common for graduate students and provide funding in exchange for research or classroom work.
7. On-Demand Economy Jobs
Gig economy jobs offer flexibility and decent pay:
- Driving for Uber or Lyft
- Delivering with Postmates or DoorDash
- Running errands through TaskRabbit
These jobs typically pay $10–$20 per hour, more than many traditional part-time jobs.
8. Jobs with Employer Scholarships
Some companies offer scholarships to employees:
- Taco Bell’s Live Más Scholarship awards up to $25,000 to employees aged 16–24 who have worked for at least three months.
9. Jobs with Textbook Grants
Some employers help workers pay for books. Amazon’s Career Choice Program reimburses up to 95% of textbook costs for eligible employees.
10. Freelance Work
Students can use their skills to earn money online:
- Graphic design, writing, or video editing on Fiverr or Upwork
- Social media management for small businesses
This is a flexible way to earn income while building experience.
11. Child Care Jobs
Babysitting or working as a part-time nanny can be well-paid. Some families even offer free housing in exchange for childcare. The average college nanny earns $15 per hour, according to ZipRecruiter.
12. YouTube and Social Media
Students can make money by creating content on YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram. If a channel grows, ad revenue and brand deals can provide a steady income.
13. Banking Jobs with Tuition Assistance
Banks often offer tuition help:
- Bank of America provides up to $5,250 annually in tuition reimbursement after six months of employment.
14. Bartending & Service Industry Jobs
While most restaurants and bars don’t offer tuition programs, tips can be high in busy locations. Working in restaurants is also flexible, making it a great part-time job.
15. Tutoring
Tutoring younger students can pay well. Some tutoring platforms, like Preply and Kaplan, let students teach from home. Tutors can earn $20+ per hour, especially for SAT/ACT prep.
16. Package Delivery Jobs with Education Benefits
Companies like FedEx and UPS offer tuition assistance:
- FedEx reimburses up to $1,500 per year after 60 days of employment.
- UPS Earn & Learn provides up to $25,000 in tuition aid.
Finding the right part-time job can help lower the cost of college and even lead to a future career. Whether through tuition reimbursement, scholarships, or flexible gig work, students have many options to earn money while studying. If you’re looking for a way to pay for school and gain work experience, consider one of these 16 part-time jobs that offer financial benefits.
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