20 Best Business Ideas for Students in 2025

Online Business Ideas for Students

1. Freelance Writing

Help businesses create content like blog posts, website copy, or marketing materials. Charge $50–$300 per article, depending on the length and complexity. Start on platforms like Fiverr or pitch directly to small businesses in your network.

1. Skills Required: Writing and research skills to produce engaging, polished content.
2. Startup Costs: Minimal, just a computer and internet access.
3. Time Commitment: Flexible, great for balancing with academic deadlines.

2. Social Media Management

Manage social media accounts for small businesses, creating content and engaging with audiences. Charge $300–$1,000/month per client. Start by building a portfolio with your own accounts or offering free trials.

1. Skills Required: Creativity and platform expertise to boost online presence.
2. Startup Costs: Minimal, using free tools like Canva for designs.
3. Time Commitment: 5–10 hours/week per client, ideal for part-time work.

3. Online Tutoring

Teach subjects you excel in to other students or younger learners. Earn $20–$50/hour. Use platforms like Wyzant or promote your services on campus.

1. Skills Required: Subject expertise and clear communication to simplify complex topics.
2. Startup Costs: Minimal, requiring only teaching tools and stable internet.
3. Time Commitment: Flexible, perfect for evenings or weekends.

4. Affiliate Marketing

Promote products via blogs, YouTube, or social media, earning commissions on sales. Typical commissions range from 5–30%. Start by joining affiliate programs like Amazon Associates.

1. Skills Required: Marketing and content creation skills to drive sales.
2. Startup Costs: Minimal, as free platforms and tools can get you started.
3. Time Commitment: Flexible, with potential for passive income growth.

5. Dropshipping

Run an e-commerce store without managing inventory. Sell trending items and earn profit margins of 20–50%. Use Shopify for setup and promote using Facebook or Instagram ads.

1. Skills Required: Marketing and customer service to attract and retain buyers.
2. Startup Costs: $300–$1,000 for website and ad spend.
3. Time Commitment: 10–15 hours/week, scalable as your business grows.

Campus-Based Business Ideas

6. Resume Writing Services

Help classmates create professional resumes and cover letters. Charge $50–$200 per resume. Start by offering free services to friends to build testimonials.

1. Skills Required: Writing and formatting expertise to highlight clients’ strengths.
2. Startup Costs: Minimal, requiring templates and word processing software.
3. Time Commitment: 1–2 hours per resume, manageable with a student schedule.

7. Laundry or Cleaning Services

Offer laundry pickup and drop-off or dorm cleaning services to busy students. Charge $10–$30/hour or per load. Advertise on campus or in dorms.

1. Skills Required: Reliability and attention to detail to deliver quality service.
2. Startup Costs: Minimal, needing cleaning supplies or laundry machines.
3. Time Commitment: Flexible, perfect for evenings or weekends.

8. Event Photography

Photograph campus events, parties, or graduations. Charge $100–$500 per session. Build a portfolio by offering discounted sessions for friends.

1. Skills Required: Photography and editing skills to capture memorable moments.
2. Startup Costs: $500–$1,500 for a camera and editing software.
3. Time Commitment: Flexible, with assignments often on weekends.

9. Snack Delivery Service

Deliver snacks, drinks, or small groceries to dorms. Charge $5–$15 per delivery. Promote through word-of-mouth or campus social media groups.

1. Skills Required: Time management and customer service to ensure quick and reliable deliveries.
2. Startup Costs: Minimal, needing only transportation like a bike.
3. Time Commitment: Part-time, based on demand.

10. Custom T-Shirts

Design and sell custom T-shirts for campus events or organizations. Charge $15–$50 per shirt. Partner with a local print shop for production.

1. Skills Required: Creativity and design skills to create unique, attractive prints.
2. Startup Costs: $300–$1,000 for initial inventory and designs.
3. Time Commitment: Flexible, scalable as needed.

Creative Business Ideas for Students

11. Handmade Jewelry

Make and sell custom jewelry online or at campus fairs. Charge $10–$50 per piece. Use Instagram or Etsy to showcase your creations.

1. Skills Required: Crafting and creativity to design high-quality products.
2. Startup Costs: $100–$500 for tools and materials.
3. Time Commitment: Flexible, perfect for working in your free time.

12. Personalized Gifts

Create custom mugs, notebooks, or keychains for events or holidays. Prices range from $10–$100 per item. Promote through social media or campus groups.

1. Skills Required: Design and crafting skills to produce unique gifts.
2. Startup Costs: $200–$1,000 for materials and printing tools.
3. Time Commitment: Part-time, great for working around classes.

13. YouTube Channel

Start a channel focused on student life, study tips, or hobbies. Monetize through ads, sponsorships, or merchandise. Earnings depend on views and engagement.

1. Skills Required: Video editing and on-camera skills to create engaging content.
2. Startup Costs: $100–$500 for a basic camera and editing software.
3. Time Commitment: 5–15 hours/week, depending on video production.

14. Podcast Hosting

Host a podcast on topics like student life or pop culture. Earn through sponsorships and affiliate marketing. Promote through campus groups or social media.

1. Skills Required: Communication and editing skills to produce engaging episodes.
2. Startup Costs: $50–$300 for a microphone and editing tools.
3. Time Commitment: 5–10 hours/week, manageable with schoolwork.

15. Graphic Design Services

Create posters, flyers, or logos for campus organizations or businesses. Charge $50–$300 per project. Use Canva or Adobe Illustrator for professional designs.

1. Skills Required: Graphic design skills to deliver appealing visuals.
2. Startup Costs: $50–$300 for software subscriptions.
3. Time Commitment: Flexible, perfect for project-based work.

Tech-Based Business Ideas for Students

16. Website Development

Design websites for startups or local businesses. Charge $500–$5,000 per project. Use WordPress or Wix to create professional-looking sites.

1. Skills Required: Web design and coding skills to create functional, attractive websites.
2. Startup Costs: Minimal, requiring hosting services and tools.
3. Time Commitment: Project-based, allowing flexibility.

17. App Development

Create mobile apps to solve common problems or for local businesses. Charge $1,000–$10,000 per app. Build small projects to showcase your skills.

1. Skills Required: Programming and UX design knowledge to create user-friendly apps.
2. Startup Costs: $500–$2,000 for software and licenses.
3. Time Commitment: 10–20 hours/week, depending on complexity.

18. Coding Lessons

Teach programming languages like Python or Java to peers or younger students. Charge $20–$50/hour. Advertise through local schools or online.

1. Skills Required: Coding expertise and teaching skills to simplify concepts.
2. Startup Costs: Minimal, requiring a laptop and software.
3. Time Commitment: Flexible, ideal for part-time hours.

19. Tech Support

Offer device setup or troubleshooting for students and teachers. Charge $20–$100 per session. Advertise in campus forums or local communities.

1. Skills Required: Technical knowledge and problem-solving to assist effectively.
2. Startup Costs: Minimal, just basic tools and a computer.
3. Time Commitment: On-demand, depending on requests.

20. Digital Products

Design and sell e-books, study guides, or templates online. Prices range from $10–$100 per product. Use platforms like Gumroad or Etsy to sell.

1. Skills Required: Content creation and design skills to make appealing products.
2. Startup Costs: Minimal, just software and internet.
3. Time Commitment: Flexible, great for passive income.