In our current economy, every little bit of income can help; and for many families that means more responsibility for college payments is landing squarely on the shoulders of students themselves–and too many are rush towards the path of least resistance - student loans.

Just because your student is in college doesn’t mean he or she can’t generate some earnings to make a contribution towards the college bills. A part time job is a great start and here are a handful of ideas for your student to generate income to help fund the college years.

• Cater to Someone. Catering companies are a great option for students, as they mostly kick into high gear on weekends (not school nights!). MSN’s Liz Pulliam Weston recommends talking to local catering companies as well as local party and wedding planners about opportunities for this type of work.
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• Go to Auction. Online auction sites like eBay can be a great way to make a little extra income by selling some no-longer-needed things on hand. An item that has been sitting in the back of a closet unused for a long time can be put up for sale and snapped up by someone that feels they have to have it! You can sell anything from used DVDs or video games to vintage clothes or gadgets to increase your monthly income.
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• Help Your Peers. Many students find they can turn their talents into some part-time income. If your student is a math whiz, he or she could offer services as a tutor to peers. If your child recreated the definition of grammar itself, he or she could charge to help edit essays for classes or grad school applications.
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• Adult Education Classes. Community centers and community colleges often pay around $100 to an expert on a subject matter to offer a one-session class. If your child is well versed in any one subject matter he or she could contact local community centers and colleges to propose a class idea. Maybe your child is great at designing websites, has a real talent in arts or crafts or could teach techno-phobes how to blog. (This activity, by the way, looks great on a resume, too!)
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• E-Work. The internet offers a plethora of work opportunities, if you know what you’re doing. Students with web experience could charge a nominal fee to build or maintain a website. Elance.com has opportunities ranging from administrative assistance to writing to foreign language translations. The best part is the flexible time frame–you can work online any time of day (or night).
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• Stock Up. Stock photography is becoming more accessible as the internet expands, and students with a good eye and a digital camera can easily get into the field. Websites like StockExpert and iStockPhoto allow you to submit your best work and receive small royalties when people purchase it for use.
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• Babysit/Nanny. It may be an old standby, but babysitting is still a great way to help boost income. Many students are also turning to part-time nannying positions, which can often be found on the school career center website’s job postings. (These jobs may also offer your child the opportunity to study “on the clock” after they put the kiddos to bed.) Tip: Babysitters who are well-experienced or CPR certified can often charge a little more.

All the best,
Deborah Fox

Deborah Fox is the founder of Fox College Funding®, a nationwide company that helps families find creative ways to reduce their college costs.

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