Parents: How Your Child Can Earn Money as a Writer in College

Being in college is a new experience for most young people, offering a mix of challenges and excitement. Many things change, and for most college students, this is something they’ll need to adjust to. Becoming an adult means your child will receive a lot more responsibility, one of which revolves around finances, of course.

There are multiple reasons why students want to make more money, but they’re often limited by what kind of jobs they can take. A common approach these days is writing, mainly because of the flexibility. With this in mind, here are a few ways in which your child can earn money as a writer while enrolled in college.

Life as a student often comes with financial struggles. Tuition, books, rent, and food expenses pile up fast, leaving many searching for ways to supplement their income. While traditional jobs like waiting tables or tutoring are common go-tos, there’s a hidden gem that’s both creative and potentially lucrative: writing. Yes, that simple act of putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) can be a ticket to extra cash and even long-term success.

The Many Avenues of Writing

Writing isn’t a monolith; it’s a gateway to multiple streams of income. Some students find their voice through blogging, carving out niches on topics ranging from college survival tips to gaming strategies. Others monetize by ghostwriting articles or creating e-books, capitalizing on skills they’ve developed in school. Freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are teeming with opportunities for budding writers to earn anywhere from $5 to $500 per gig, depending on complexity and expertise.

Then there’s the allure of self-publishing. Thanks to platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), anyone can turn an idea into a book and sell it globally. In 2021 alone, self-published authors on Amazon collectively earned over $1.25 billion in royalties. A well-written how-to guide, a collection of short stories, or even a student’s unique perspective on campus life can find an audience willing to pay for their work. Let’s take a look at some of your child’s options.

Freelance Writer

Freelancing has become quite popular in the past several years, leading us to a point where many consider it their profession. Among the many professions you can commit to as a freelancer is writing. As long as your child is good with words and can craft great content, this is a good option.

There are multiple platforms to utilize for this approach, meaning there are plenty of options. The most important thing with this approach is to have a good portfolio, allowing them to showcase their work. They may need to consider some smaller gigs or write for free to have some of the content published under their name.

Start Blogging

If your child is good at something, they can utilize that knowledge and start a blog. While initially, that would seem like an online journal that people can read, with enough traffic, they’ll reach a point where they can profit from it. It’s not the fastest way to make money, but it can be a steady stream. The best part is that your child can write about anything they want — travel, cooking, photography, etc.

Creating and running a blog requires a bit of work, so they’ll need to be committed to it. They’ll need to figure out what niche they’ll cover and the type of content they’ll publish. Be organized, and make sure they’re posting regularly to keep the momentum going. They can also utilize social media platforms to expand and promote the blog, which can help them bring more traffic.

Proofreader and Editor

Some people aren’t massive fans of writing, but are still good with words, so the alternative to that is aiming for proofreading or editorial projects. While it is technically in the same niche, they’ll be doing the work from the other side. Other people would write the content, and they’ll go through it, ensuring it’s all good before it goes live.

There are many options here, from proofreading books to working as an editor for a newspaper or a website. Another popular option, especially for beginners, is to become a short story editor, mainly because your child won’t need a massive portfolio to get hired. Regardless of which option they choose, it can be a solid start to have some extra income as a student.

Content Creator for Social Media

Becoming a content creator on social media has become quite popular as the popularity of these platforms began to rise. Since we’re talking about writing, they can focus on writing the content or writing scripts for people who make video content. Both can work well, depending on how they want to approach this.

Social media can also be a good way to promote themselves and get more clients. Your child will need to target specific hashtags or access certain groups and if they do that right, they can get more clients, helping them boost their writing career.

Tutoring

Your child might be good at writing, but that doesn’t mean they should aim for writing-related projects. An alternative to this is going for tutoring or teaching assistance. The idea is that they help others with their writing, whether it’s just for one essay or more.

There are two options here that can help your child make money. They can work with fellow students on their college materials or with younger kids, helping them with writing-related assignments. The first option is to provide one-time help, so they’d make a single session and be done with it. The second option is to create groups and work with them on a consistent basis.

Self-Publishing

Advancements in the digital world have allowed many creatives to publish their work, which is another good option for making money as a student. The platforms are already available, so the only thing they’ll need is to start writing.

In many ways, this is similar to blogging, but the difference is in the money stream. Your child can write a book on a topic that they feel people would want to read and start selling it. If the book is good and they get good reviews, more and more people will want to buy it.

You’ll often hear that earning while in college is difficult. The reality is that it’s tricky but doable, especially if your child is good at writing.

Why Students Make Great Writers

Students are in a prime position to capitalize on their writing abilities. Academic assignments already hone their skills in research, argumentation, and clear communication. This foundation can easily be adapted to more marketable forms of writing, such as creating compelling website content, drafting copy for marketing campaigns, or even writing technical manuals.

Moreover, students bring fresh perspectives to the table, often targeting Gen Z readers who crave authenticity. Brands and publishers increasingly seek relatable voices, giving students an edge in writing for social media campaigns, young adult fiction, or blogs aimed at their peers.

The Financial Potential of Writing

While not every writing endeavor pays a fortune, the financial benefits can be surprising. According to Glassdoor, freelance writers in the U.S. earn an average of $24 per hour. For a student juggling classes, dedicating 10 hours a week to writing could result in nearly $1,000 a month — enough to cover books, groceries and other essentials.

For those willing to invest time in creating longer works, the payoff can be even more significant. E-book novels often sell for $2.99 ​​to $9.99 on platforms like Amazon, with authors earning up to 70% in royalties. Of course, you’ll have to find inspiration, and the ability to read free novels online is often the answer. To read novels online, you need a platform with a large list of novels. For example, you can read alpha stories read online on Fiction Me and even publish your future book on the platform. There’s a large list of free novels online here, but there are also paid iOS novels. A well-marketed novel online that sells 1,000 copies at $4.99 could net an author around $3,500—a significant boost to any student budget.

Writing as a Long-Term Investment

The benefits of writing extend beyond immediate financial gain. It builds skills that are invaluable in almost any career. The ability to articulate ideas, persuade an audience, and present information clearly can open doors in fields like marketing, journalism, and public relations.

Consider also the portfolio effect. A collection of published articles, blog posts, or e-books serves as a digital resume, showcasing a student’s abilities to potential employers. In a world where LinkedIn profiles and personal websites are standard, having a tangible body of work sets candidates apart.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Of course, writing isn’t without its hurdles. For one, it takes time to establish a rhythm and find paying opportunities. Many students feel intimidated by the competitive nature of the field. Yet perseverance pays off. A 2018 survey by the Content Marketing Institute found that 91% of companies use content marketing, creating a high demand for skilled writers.

To get started, students can focus on smaller, attainable goals. Write guest posts for blogs in their niche. Join freelancing platforms and take on beginner-friendly gigs to build confidence and experience. Resources like online writing courses or mentorship programs can also accelerate growth.

Success Stories to Inspire

Take Christopher Paolini, who wrote Eragon at age 15 and self-published it while still a teenager. His debut book became a bestseller, leading to a lucrative series and a career in writing. Or consider the many college students who’ve turned personal blogs into full-fledged businesses. The key takeaway? Success is possible, even for those starting from scratch.

Writing isn’t just a skill—it’s a passport to financial independence and creative fulfillment. For students strapped for cash, it offers flexible work that fits into their schedules while sharpening abilities that pay dividends in the future. From freelancing to self-publishing, the opportunities are vast and varied. All it takes is a willingness to start.

In a world driven by content, your words could very well become your wealth. Why not let writing write your financial story?

Consider Writing Yourself!

Do you think you also have unique writing skills? You might consider writing yourself instead of handing these tips off to your student. Consider any one of the above options to give yourself an opportunity to earn money to pay for college. They can be extremely lucrative, and you can tackle them during off hours — that’s how I got started writing — after my day job was over! 

FAQs

How to make money as a writer in college? 

Making money as a writer in college involves leveraging your writing skills for various opportunities. You can start by contributing to campus publications, writing for blogs, or creating content for local businesses. Freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr also offer opportunities for writing jobs, such as copywriting, article writing, and proofreading. You could explore tutoring fellow students in writing or creating study guides. Some students even monetize personal blogs or social media accounts by writing niche content and generating ad revenue or affiliate marketing income.

How to freelance write as a college student? 

To freelance write as a college student, begin by building a portfolio of your work. Create samples in areas like blog posts, articles, or academic writing. Then, sign up for freelance websites like Upwork, Fiverr, or Freelancer, where you can bid on projects. Networking with local businesses or reaching out to startups can also help you land clients. Be sure to manage your time effectively to balance coursework and freelancing, and start with smaller projects to gain experience and positive reviews.

What writing pays the most? 

Writing that typically pays the most includes technical writing, copywriting for marketing campaigns, grant writing, and content writing for established businesses. Specialized fields like legal writing, medical writing, or ghostwriting for books can also offer higher pay rates.