The redesigned 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is now available around the clock, following a weeklong soft launch, during which the form was open for as little as 30 minutes a day. Although the new form is simpler and shorter, students and families are still contending with technical glitches, changed processes and confusing questions.
“There have been some bumps in the road in terms of accessibility and functionality,” says Steve Colón, CEO of Bottom Line, a college access organization that works with first-generation students from low-income backgrounds in New York City, Boston, Chicago and Ohio. “On the positive side, we’ve heard that for some students it’s taking about 20 minutes to complete the FAFSA, which is wildly different from what it was before.” In recent years, completing the FAFSA could take an hour or longer.
Experts urge students to submit the new FAFSA as soon as possible, since some types of financial aid have priority deadlines or draw from a limited pool. About 1 million students have submitted the new FAFSA as of Jan. 8, according to U.S. Education Department data. That’s roughly 6% of the 17 million who typically submit the form each year.
Perplexed about something on the new FAFSA? Here are its five most-confusing aspects, and strategies to deal with them — so you can submit your form ASAP.
1. Persistent technical glitches
Technical glitches on the FAFSA can be frustrating. For example, some users report getting repeatedly logged out before they can finish their form. If you encounter issues like this, it’s OK to take a break and come back to the form a bit later.
“There is not a huge rush on filling it out today versus tomorrow,” says Karen McCarthy, vice president of public policy and federal relations at the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. “So it is possible to come back in a few days, and hopefully, some of these glitches will be worked out by that point in time.”
Other glitches remain baked into the form. For example, some school names are getting cut off on the FAFSA. This can be confusing if a school you’d like to send your FAFSA to has multiple campuses. If this happens, students can do an internet search for a school’s Federal School Code, and use that number to pull it up in the FAFSA.
The situation is evolving day by day. The latest list of known FAFSA glitches and workarounds is available on StudentAid.gov.
2. You can’t correct submitted answers until late January
If you submitted your portion of the FAFSA but realized you made an error, you may have to wait a few weeks until you can fix it.
Students will receive an email with their FAFSA Submission Summary — which details submitted answers, Pell Grant eligibility and their Student Aid Index — once the Department of Education processes their completed form, which is slated to start in late January. Then, you can make any necessary corrections to your submitted answers.
Even if you make a correction later on, it won’t change the submission time stamp on your FAFSA, McCarthy says. This could be important for students applying for financial aid that is first come, first served or that has an early application deadline.
“If a correction is made on January 30, that application date is not updated to January 30. It still records when the FAFSA was initially filed,” McCarthy says.
3. Undocumented parents can’t access the form yet
There’s a new process for undocumented parents to request an FSA ID this year — but it’s not working yet, and there’s no timeline for when it will be. Until this issue is fixed, students whose parents don’t have Social Security numbers (SSNs) cannot submit the FAFSA.
Taking some time to get organized now can help you complete the FAFSA more easily once it’s available. If you’re a parent without an SSN, continue to reach out to support structures, like college access organizations or school counselors, Colón says.
“The moment that the tool becomes available, it’s critical to get in there and get started,” says Colón. “While it is a greatly simplified form, it’s not going to be for students whose parents don’t have an SSN, so it’s going to be really important that they get all their financial paperwork ready as soon as possible to give themselves the time they will need to complete the form.”
4. Invitation process for contributors
This year, students and parents fill out and submit their relevant portion of the FAFSA separately. Either the student starts and completes their portion of the FAFSA and “invites” the parent, or a parent can start and complete their section, then they invite the student.
That’s different from past years, when a dependent student and their parents had to sit down together and fill out a single form.
“It’s a role-based process, where it was not before,” says Jodi Vanden Berge, director of college planning and outreach at EducationQuest, a Nebraska-based college access nonprofit.
5. Confusing questions
Though the new FAFSA is generally more straightforward than in years past, borrowers have reported that several questions are confusing or unclear. Here are two to watch out for:
Free lunch question
This has proved confusing, since some school districts introduced free and reduced lunch programs for all students, regardless of their family’s financial situation, during the pandemic.
Under the federal benefits question — At any time during 2022 or 2023, did the student or anyone in their family receive benefits from any of the following federal programs? — “free or reduced-price school lunch” is an option.
If a student received free or reduced lunch, regardless of the circumstances, they should indicate that on the FAFSA, says Vanden Berge.
Dependency question
Some students have reported confusion about this new question used to establish dependency: Are the student’s parents unwilling to provide their information, but the student doesn’t have an unusual circumstance that prevents them from contacting or obtaining their parents’ information?
If a student selects “yes” — that they don’t want to provide parent information — then, the parent can’t fill out their section of the FAFSA, Vanden Berge says. This would disqualify a student from most federal financial aid, apart from direct unsubsidized loans, meaning they can’t access grants, work-study or subsidized loans, which don’t accrue interest while they’re in school.
If you do make a mistake, remember that you can request a correction once your form is processed.
Want to learn how to get paid to do nothing? Picture this: making money without putting in much effort, even when you’re just relaxing, sleeping, or waiting in line. The idea of getting paid for doing nothing has always been popular and it’s probably your dream life. It may seem too good to be true,…
Want to learn how to get paid to do nothing?
Picture this: making money without putting in much effort, even when you’re just relaxing, sleeping, or waiting in line. The idea of getting paid for doing nothing has always been popular and it’s probably your dream life.
It may seem too good to be true, but there are real ways to use your free time or things you already have to make money with minimal ongoing work.
There are actually quite a few things on this list that I regularly do so that I can make money doing nothing.
Now, some of the ways below may take initial effort or even some maintenance over the years. But, you may be able to earn money while sleeping or while at the beach with minimal effort needed from you.
Best Ways To Get Paid To Do Nothing
Do you want to earn money while you relax? You can get paid without a 9-to-5 job. Let’s look at some ways to make money while doing nothing.
Here are some ways out of the list below that you may be interested in:
Sell printables online – These can be made once and sold an unlimited amount of times. Learn more at How I Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy.
Pose as an art model – It’s simple; just sit still! Art schools pay models around $25 per hour.
Real estate – You can invest in real estate funds. Your money might work for you, and you don’t have to manage properties.
Take online surveys – You can answer these whenever you have free time and the questions are extremely easy. Best online survey sites include Branded Surveys, Swagbucks, and Survey Junkie.
Rent your stuff – You’ve got stuff other people might want for a day or two. Think about renting out things like your storage room, baby gear, RV, and more.
Learn more about the different ways to get paid to do nothing below.
1. Sign up for a rewards credit card
Earning money without working hard can sound really nice. One way to do this is to get a rewards credit card. When you use this kind of card, you can get points or cash back for buying things you would buy anyway.
When you sign up for a new card, you might receive a big signup bonus. Some cards give you bonus points, like 50,000 or even more, as a welcome gift! However, you usually need to spend a certain amount of money first (such as $4,000 in the first 3 months).
Here is a table with the different types of rewards you might get:
Reward Type
What You Get
Points
Use for travel and gift cards.
Cash Back
Money back on your purchases.
Mile Rewards
Miles to fly on planes for free airfare.
I have a few rewards credit cards and I earn points every time I use my credit card, such as by paying a bill or going grocery shopping. I actually just signed up for a new rewards credit card this week that has a great signup bonus value of over $800.
Two rewards credit cards that I personally like are:
Important note: Using credit card rewards is a good idea as long as you use your credit card responsibly. It’s not smart to go into debt just for rewards because having debt with interest is not free or helpful. To truly make money from credit card rewards, be sure to pay your full credit card balance every month.
2. Get paid to stand in line
If you don’t mind waiting, you can earn money by standing in line for other people. Some companies and individuals pay for this service, especially when they’re busy or want to attend popular events without waiting.
Here’s how it works: You take someone else’s spot in line, like waiting for tickets or securing a spot at a busy restaurant. You do the waiting for them so they don’t have to.
You can earn approximately $25 to $35 per hour by just standing in line. The exact amount depends on your location and how much people need line sitters.
To get started, search for websites that link line sitters with clients, such as Taskrabbit, Same Ole Line Dudes, and InLine4You. Join the sites, create a listing for your services, and wait for someone to hire you.
3. Dividend-paying stocks
One of the best ways to make money without a job is to invest in dividend-paying stocks.
When you invest in dividend-paying stocks, you’re buying a piece of a company that gives you money regularly. Think of it like getting a small thank you for holding on to the company’s stock. These payments usually come from the company’s profits and they’re called dividends.
Here’s how it works. You buy stocks that pay dividends, and then, every so often (usually every three months), the company sends you money. It’s a way to earn without doing much after your initial investment.
Now, a table to show you what to look for:
Term
Meaning
Dividend Yield
How much you earn compared to the stock price
Payout Ratio
The part of profits used for dividends
Ex-Dividend Date
The day when you must own the stock to get paid
Keep in mind, not all dividend stocks are the same. Some may lose value and payments could stop if the company isn’t doing well. So, it’s important to choose wisely, and you might want to seek guidance from someone who knows a lot about stocks.
For me, I love earning dividends. It’s like being rewarded for saving for retirement, and it is so easy.
Recommended reading: What Are Dividends & How Do They Work? A Beginner’s Guide
4. High-yield savings accounts
When you put your money in a savings account, you want it to grow. High-yield savings accounts are like your regular savings account but with an extra boost for making your money grow faster.
The interest rate or annual percentage yield (APY) is what the bank pays you. The higher the APY, the more money you make. Good news! Some of these accounts offer APYs much higher than the usual, like more than 5%! That’s a lot better than the average savings account.
I personally use Marcus by Goldman Sachs and they have a very high interest rate. You can get up to 5.50%, at the time of this writing, through my referral link bonus. So, at this rate, if you have $10,000 saved, you could earn $550 with a high-yield savings account in a year. Whereas with normal banks, your earnings would only be $46.
You must be thinking, “What’s the catch?” Well, most of these accounts are from online banks. No biggie, just that you won’t have a bank branch to visit. They also tend to not offer other features, such as bill pay and checks – it’s simply a place to park your money and earn a lot more in interest.
5. Sell printables
If you want to earn money while doing nearly nothing on the internet, you can try selling printables online. Printables are files that you make once, like planners, invitations, flash cards, and worksheets, and then sell over and over again.
Yes, you will have to make the printables and open a store, but after a while, you can start making money from the same printables over and over again.
This is because printables are digital products that sell with just simple downloadable files.
I recommend reading How I Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy to learn more.
6. Share your opinions
You can earn money in your free time by joining paid market research studies. Keep in mind, it won’t replace a full-time job (they usually pay only $1 to $3 for each survey you complete), but you might make some extra cash.
When I was paying off my student loans, I did online surveys almost every day. I did them before work, during my lunch break, or after work. What I like about answering online surveys is that I can answer them whenever I want, such as while watching TV or eating lunch.
Some of the survey companies I recommend include:
Please head to Best Paid Online Surveys to read more.
7. Rent out your extra storage space
If you’ve got extra room at your place, you can make money by renting it out.
Think about renting out parts of your home, like an empty closet, your driveway or parking space, or your garage. Websites like Neighbor allow you to list these spaces for someone to store their belongings (such as a car, sofa, boxes, and more).
Neighbor is like the Airbnb of storage space. Instead of having guests over, you’re renting out your storage space to store other people’s belongings.
8. Sell stock photos
Selling stock photos is a good way to earn money through passive income without actively working for it.
You upload photos you’ve taken with your camera or phone to a platform like Depositphotos. When someone buys one of your photos, you get a commission.
Websites, companies, and blogs use stock photos for all different kinds of reasons. Businesses use them to improve their content, websites, or overall appearance, as they may not have the time to take photos of everything they need.
I personally use stock photos in my blog posts all the time, and I know many, many others who do as well. The photos throughout this article are all stock photos, so you can see how useful they are to website owners.
Stock photography includes pictures of things like:
Travel, landscapes, and outdoor scenes
Business settings like laptops, offices, and people working
Family moments, including parents and children
Household items, such as living areas and kitchens
Animals, including pets and wildlife
Vehicles like cars and boats
Sports, from professional events to casual games
Recommended reading: 18 Ways You Can Get Paid To Take Pictures
9. House sitting
For some people, house sitting is the ultimate dream job. You may be able to watch houses around the world in dream destinations after all!
House sitting involves taking care of someone’s house while they’re away. It’s a way to earn money without much effort. Your responsibilities include staying in the house, making sure everything is safe, collecting mail, and sometimes looking after pets or watering their plants. Many times, people just want it to look like someone is living in their home so that no one will try to break in.
You can find house sitting jobs on websites like TrustedHousesitters and Care. You may also find these types of jobs through dog walking gigs, such as on Rover.
10. Invest in REITs
Investing in a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) is like buying a small piece of many buildings without the hassle of managing them.
REITs are companies that own many real estate properties, and they earn money by renting out space in those properties. Imagine shopping malls, apartments, and offices as examples.
Here’s how it works:
Choose a REIT – Look for REITs with good histories, like those experts trust.
Invest Your Money – You can start with a small amount of money.
Earn Money – REITs make cash from their buildings. They share this cash with you through dividends.
11. Pose for art classes
If you can stay still for a while, you might like posing for art classes. When you pose, art students look at you and draw or paint your picture. It’s a way you can make money by just sitting or standing.
Most times, art models get about $20 to $30 each hour. You’ll usually be there for around three hours or more.
What will you do? You will hold a pose. A pose can be something like sitting in a chair, standing, or making an interesting shape with your body. These poses can last from five to twenty minutes. Don’t worry, you get breaks so you can stretch and rest.
Who can do this? You don’t have to look a certain way. Artists need all kinds of people to learn how to draw humans well. You just need to be okay with being looked at while you are posing.
Where to find these jobs? Check with local art schools, colleges, or community centers. They usually need new models. You can also look online for art model jobs in your area.
12. Listen to music
If you enjoy music, you can actually make some money by listening to songs. You can use apps and websites that pay you just for listening. Companies want your opinion on new music, and they’ll pay you for your time!
Slicethepie is a popular site that pays you to listen to music. Other popular sites include Playlist Push, Current Rewards, and Hit Predictor.
Here’s how it typically works:
Step
Action
Find an app
Look for apps that offer payment for music listening.
Sign up
Create an account on these platforms.
Listen and rate
Start listening to music and provide your honest feedback.
Earn
Collect your earnings, usually through points that can be converted into cash or gift cards.
13. Get paid to work out
Yes, you can get paid for being active, even while doing your regular workout!
Apps like HealthyWage make staying fit exciting by allowing you to bet on your fitness goals. You set a weight loss target, bet on yourself, and join others with similar goals. If you achieve your goal first, you win money from the prize pool. It’s a friendly competition with a chance to earn a financial reward.
14. Become a notary
If you want to earn money with little effort, you might think about becoming a notary. As a notary, your job is to be a witness when people sign important papers and to check that the people signing are really who they say they are.
So, yes, you are still working a job, but you are simply watching people sign papers.
What notaries do:
Meet people who need papers signed.
Check their IDs to make sure they are who they say they are.
Watch them sign the document.
Use your notary stamp and write in your record book.
You can make anywhere from $9 to $21 per hour, but it depends on things like where you live and if you have to go to people or they come to you.
15. Mattress tester
Testing mattresses is a unique side hustle where you can make money by just testing out mattresses.
As a mattress tester, you’ll test beds and write reviews about your sleep quality, comfort, and any other observations. Your feedback is valuable as it helps companies improve their products to better meet customer needs.
Some mattress companies pay individuals like you to test their products. This helps them figure out how comfortable their mattresses are and how they can make them even better.
You can find these gigs by researching local sleep clinics or mattress companies that offer paid studies or testing.
I have actually been paid to test mattresses in the past, and it is easy! I was only paid with free mattresses, but at one point in a single year, I think I received 5 or 6 mattresses. I ended up giving away a couple to friends and family because the work was so easy.
16. Join a sleep study
Similar to testing out mattresses, you may be able to get paid to join a sleep study.
Sleep studies are research projects that help doctors understand sleep patterns and disorders. If you’re interested in earning money while contributing to science, participating in one of these studies is an option. Typically, sleep studies seek specific types of participants, such as a particular age group or weight range. Your initial step is to determine if you meet their requirements.
After being accepted into a study, you’ll visit the center for tests. During the study, you might wear special equipment while you sleep. This equipment helps researchers monitor and track your sleep patterns.
The payment you receive depends on how long the study is, which might be for one night or even several weeks.
Many universities, like the Harvard Division of Sleep Medicine, pay for sleep studies.
17. Put an advertisement on your car
If you want to earn extra money without doing much, think about turning your car into a moving billboard. Companies will pay you to put their ads on your car.
To start, join a car wrap advertising company like Carvertise or Wrapify. They’ll place a special sticker, called a car wrap, on your entire car or specific parts of it. These companies seek drivers to display ads on their cars, and the more you drive and the places you go can increase your earnings.
Your car’s make and model, condition, and paint quality are important. They decide how well the ads will stick and look.
The type of ad wrap you choose changes how much you get paid too. The options are:
Full wrap
Partial wrap
Just the windows
Here’s what you might be able to earn:
Car Wrap Type
Possible Earnings
Full Wrap
$200 to $1000 per month
Partial Wrap
$150 to $250 per month
Window Ads
$100 to $250 per month
Keep in mind that the earnings can vary. It depends on factors like how frequently you drive and where your car is visible.
Recommended reading: 6 Best Ways To Get Paid to Advertise On Your Car
18. Rent out a spare room in your home
If you have an extra room in your house and want to earn passive income streams, you can make money by renting it out. This is a smart way to earn cash without much work.
I have had several roommates over the years. We would rent out our spare room to long-term renters and people that we personally knew (such as friends and my sister).
To find a roommate and earn rental income, you can advertise your space in various places. You can announce on your personal Facebook page, place an ad on websites like Craigslist, create a rental listing on Airbnb, and more.
Whether you have a house or an apartment, this may be an option available to you.
19. Use cash back sites
When you shop online, you can earn money back on what you spend by using cash back sites.
Think of it like getting a discount, but instead of saving money right away, you get some cash back later.
I use cash back sites and apps pretty much every single time I shop – it’s easy, free money for me.
Popular cashback sites include:
Rakuten – Gives you a percentage of your money back.
Swagbucks – Earns points that you can exchange for cash or gift cards.
Fetch Rewards – I use this site for every single grocery receipt I have.
Ibotta – Another easy grocery scanning app to use.
For example: To get cash back, all you need to do is create a Rakuten account, visit their website, and click on the store where you want to shop (such as Target, Best Buy, Old Navy, etc.). They will then redirect you to that store, and you can shop online as you normally would to get cash back.
These types of sites typically pay via free gift cards or PayPal cash.
20. Rent out your RV
Renting out your RV can be a way to earn extra money on something that might be sitting around collecting dust (and rust!).
By renting it out, you could potentially make $100 to $300 a day or even more.
RVing has become very popular these days, and people frequently rent RVs to explore on vacations or even to try out a specific RV model before making a purchase.
One RV rental platform that I recommend is RVshare. RVshare is basically an Airbnb just for RVs. It’s a site where you can list your RV for rent and RVshare will handle all payments and bookings for you.
Similar to this, you can also rent out your car on Turo!
Recommended reading: How To Make Extra Money By Renting Out Your RV
21. Receive a pension
Getting paid to do nothing may sound like a dream, but if you have a pension, it’s a real thing that can happen when you retire.
A pension is money that you get regularly after working for a certain number of years.
When you work at a job that offers a pension plan, your employer puts money into this plan for you. When it’s time to retire, this money comes back to you, usually every month.
The amount you get usually depends on three things:
Age – Generally, the older you are when you retire, the more you get.
Salary – How much you earned at your job can affect your pension.
How long you worked there – The longer you worked, the higher your pension.
Sometimes, you might have the option to receive all your pension money at once, known as a “lump sum.” It’s a substantial, one-time payment instead of monthly checks. Make a wise decision by considering what works best for you. If you’re unsure, seeking advice from someone knowledgeable about finances could help you decide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Paid to Do Nothing
Below are answers to common questions about how to get paid to do nothing.
How can I get money for doing nothing?
You might be surprised, but there are ways to earn money with little to no effort. For instance, using a cash back credit card for your everyday spending allows you to get a percentage back. You can also do any of the things above, such as selling digital downloads online, finding a job that will pay you a pension once you retire, investing in dividend-paying stocks, and more.
What are jobs where you do nothing and get paid a lot?
So, it can be hard to work an actual job that pays you a lot of money to do nothing. After all, if that existed, then everyone would be doing it, haha! Some jobs do pay you, though, for simple tasks, such as being a notary.
Can I really make income by just being idle?
Yes, you can make passive income through methods like earning interest from a high-yield savings account or renting out your spare space.
Where can I find jobs that don’t expect much work from me?
Look for gig economy jobs where you can earn money based on the tasks you choose to accept, such as delivering food or charging electric scooters. There are so many other side jobs that aren’t even mentioned on the list above, such as creating an online course, becoming a taste tester, micro-investing (such as with the Acorns app), becoming a background actor, watching ads, affiliate marketing, delivering groceries, writing a book review online (such as for Kirkus Media), playing games, talking with an online companion or strangers, and more.
How to get paid to do nothing online?
Some ways to get paid to do nothing online include selling digital files and stock photos. These will both require initial work from you, but eventually, these will sell with little work needed by you.
How To Get Paid to Do Nothing – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to get paid to do nothing and found one or more gigs that fit what you’re looking for!
As you can see, there are many ways to get paid to do nothing (or almost nothing).
You can grow your savings effortlessly with high-yield savings accounts or make money by renting out extra storage space. Investments in stocks that pay dividends or REITs can give you money regularly without needing your daily attention.
Want to learn how to make $200 fast? Having some extra income can be useful for unexpected needs or saving up money. Maybe you need money for rent, something broken on your car, or a medical bill. Maybe you have something that you’re saving for, and you just want to make some extra cash. If…
Want to learn how to make $200 fast?
Having some extra income can be useful for unexpected needs or saving up money. Maybe you need money for rent, something broken on your car, or a medical bill. Maybe you have something that you’re saving for, and you just want to make some extra cash.
If you want to make $200 fast, there are many ways to do it: You could sell things you don’t need, create and sell handmade items, use your car or home to make money, and more.
There are lots of ways to make $200 fast!
My top picks to make $200 fast
Selling items from around your home, such as clothing, an old cell phone, furniture, and more. You can learn how to flip your stuff in this free webinar.
Make $65+ per hour in a focus group sharing your opinions with User Interviews.
Rent out your RV with RVShare.
Freelance proofread and learn how to become a proofreader in this free webinar.
Start a blog (this is what I do!) and learn how in my free How To Start a Blog course.
Best Ways To Make $200 Fast
Below are the best ways to make $200 quickly.
Selling items from around your home
The quickest way to make $200 fast is to find stuff you already own and sell it.
When you’re in a pinch for cash, your home can be a treasure trove of items you can sell. Start by gathering gently used items or those you no longer need, such as electronics (phones, laptops), furniture (couches, coffee tables), clothing and accessories (especially branded ones), gift cards, and collectibles and antiques.
You can sell on Craigslist (ideal for bulkier items like furniture, tires, cars, etc., where local pickup is more practical), Facebook Marketplace (great for reaching a large local audience quickly), eBay (perfect for unique or more valuable items where shipping isn’t an issue), thrift stores (get cash on the spot at places like Plato’s Closet), having yard or garage sales (typically get less per item but can get rid of a lot of things at once), and more.
I have sold a ton of used items over the years such as clothing, jewelry, car tires, furniture, and more. It is easy and someone probably wants what you’re selling.
Recommended reading: 16 Best Selling Apps For Selling Stuff Online And Locally
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This free workshop will teach you how to get into the flipping business. It will teach you how to resell furniture, electronics, appliances, and anything else you can find.
Rent out your storage space
If you’ve got extra space in your home, be it an attic, basement, or spare room, renting it out for storage is an excellent way to earn extra cash.
A site to use to rent out your space is Neighbor. This website helps you earn money by renting out space you’re not using.
You can make up to $15,000 a year by renting out your garage, driveway, basement, or even a closet with Neighbor. You get to choose the prices and decide which reservations you want to say yes to and host.
Take paid online surveys
Earning $200 a day just by answering surveys isn’t normally possible (unless you are doing focus groups or paid research studies), but you can reach your goal by combining survey earnings with other ideas.
When I was repaying my student loans, I answered lots of surveys each week. I did this before work, during lunch, or after work. It was convenient because I could do it whenever I had free time.
Survey companies pay you for answering surveys, watching videos, and testing products. Sometimes, you might even receive free products to evaluate. The best part is that joining survey companies is free!
Some of the paid online survey companies I recommend are:
Here are 11 Paid Online Survey Sites if you want to learn more.
Answer questions in a focus group
A focus group is like a paid online survey, as I mentioned before, but you can make a lot more money from it.
I’ve done a focus group in the past that paid me around $400 for 75 minutes of my time. While that’s a bit more than usual, most focus groups pay anywhere from around $50 to over $100 per hour. Compensation differs significantly depending on the study’s length and topic, but higher-paying studies do exist.
Lots of consumer research companies pay people like us to share our opinions. The companies use our feedback to make their products and services better.
One focus group company that I recommend is User Interviews. User Interviews recruits participants to answer surveys and share their feedback.
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User Interviews pays very well for market research studies and these are some of the highest paying online surveys, with each paying $50 to $100 or more. The average pays over $60.
Play games on your phone
If you’re looking to make $200 quickly, your smartphone can be a surprisingly interesting way. By playing games on your phone, you can earn real money.
Game apps pay real money rewards because they make money from ads and in-app purchases. They share a part of their earnings with you to motivate you to keep playing their games.
The best game apps that pay real money include KashKick, Swagbucks, and InboxDollars.
When picking gaming apps to make money, check reviews and learn about how you get paid. Be careful with apps that ask you to pay to play or promise rewards that sound too good to be true. Also, keep track of the time you spend playing games to make sure it stays worth it.
Rent out your unused RV
If you have an RV that’s sitting idle, you may want to turn it into income by renting it out. Many people have RVs they don’t use very often. Instead of letting it just sit there, you might make extra money by renting it out. Yes, you could potentially make $200 a day by renting your RV to others.
Popular sites such as RVshare work similarly to Airbnb, connecting you with potential renters. They handle the bookings and insurance, making the process easier.
Another idea is to park your RV somewhere and list it on Airbnb. I’ve seen many RVs, campers, trailers, and more on Airbnb available for rent. Just make sure that you can rent it out in the location you want to leave it, as not all campgrounds or neighborhoods may allow it.
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RVshare is one of the best money-making sites because it helps travelers save money by cutting out the middleman and offering RV rentals directly from RV owners. If you have an RV that is sitting around, then you may be able to make $100 to $300+ a day.
Proofread
If you like finding mistakes in written content and want to know how to make $200 a day, proofreading could be a good fit for you. It can be a part-time job or a full-time work-from-home career too.
It’s a job where you can make $200 in a day, and many proofreaders earn around $40,000 a year or even more.
Proofreaders check for mistakes in articles, ads, books, student papers, emails, transcripts, and more.
To become a proofreader, all you need is a laptop or tablet, an internet connection, and the ability to spot mistakes and errors.
I recommend signing up for the free 76-minute workshop, where you can learn more about becoming a proofreader. You can sign up for the free How To Become a Proofreader workshop here.
Recommended reading: How To Become A Proofreader And Work From Anywhere
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This free 76-minute workshop answers all of the most common questions about how to become a proofreader, and even talks about the 5 signs that proofreading could be a perfect fit for you.
Virtual assist
A virtual assistant (VA) is someone who helps a person, company, or business owner with administrative and business tasks, making sure everything runs smoothly. They’re just like in-person assistants, but they work from home and online.
I used to work as a virtual assistant for small business owners. I didn’t have prior experience, but I learned the skills while on the job. It not only helped me earn a good income but also allowed me to work from home. I also have virtual assistants who work for me, so I know how helpful they are! This is a very in-demand job field to get into.
Virtual assistant tasks may include:
Managing a company’s Facebook account
Managing a calendar
Scheduling appointments and meetings
Creating slideshows and presentations
Managing an email inbox and handling customer support
And more.
Typically, when you begin working as a virtual assistant, you might earn around $15 to $20 per hour. However, in some cases, you could start with twice or even three times that amount. It depends on the type of work you do and the services you provide.
This can be a full-time job or a side hustle too!
You can learn more at How I Earn $10,000 Per Month From Home as a Virtual Assistant.
Selling handmade goods and crafts
If you want to earn an extra $200 fast, selling the things you make by hand, like crafts or handmade goods, is a great idea.
A popular place to sell handmade goods includes Etsy, which has a worldwide audience looking to purchase unique handcrafted items. You can also sell via social media or even rent a booth at a local craft fair.
You can sell all different kinds of handmade items such as jewelry, soap, furniture, art, photography, clothing, personalized gifts (such as engraved items), and more.
I have personally bought handmade goods all of these ways.
Freelance write
A person who freelance writes can make $200 in a single day.
Freelance writers work for clients, like websites, magazines, marketing teams, book publishers, and others. They write different things such as articles, blog posts for search engine optimization (SEO), marketing content, newsletters, press releases, and more.
You can find freelance writing jobs in many ways such as by searching on Fiverr or Upwork, looking to see if any of your favorite sites are hiring writers, networking with people in the industry you want to write in, and more.
I’ve been a freelance writer for a long time, and many of my friends also have this job. It’s a great way to make $200 a day or more all from home.
You can learn more about how to find freelance writing jobs below:
Transcribe
If you’re looking to make $200 quickly, transcription could be a great option. With a fast typing speed and strong language skills, you can convert audio files to text for pay.
Transcription is when you change spoken words from audio or video into a written document. Many businesses need transcriptionists because they need to convert audio and video into text.
New transcriptionists usually make about $15 per hour when they begin, and the good thing is, you don’t need any previous experience to get started.
Recommended reading: 18 Best Online Transcription Jobs For Beginners To Make $2,000 Monthly
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In this free training, you will learn what transcription is, why it’s a highly in-demand skill, who hires transcriptionists, how to become a transcriptionist, and more.
Blog
Starting a blog doesn’t instantly make you $200 on the first day because it takes time to set it up. However, with time and effort, bloggers can make $200 a day in the future.
A blog is a website with articles, like what you’re reading now. You can create a blog on topics such as personal finance, recipes, travel, pet care, family life, and more. There are many different types of blogs out there.
You can make money from a blog by partnering with companies for sponsorships, showing ads, doing affiliate marketing (for example, selling a product listed on Amazon), and selling products like ebooks, candles, T-shirts, and more directly on your blog.
This is what I do to make money, and I earn well over $200 a day online. It did take me around 6 months to make my first $100 with my blog, so it does take time to get started. It took me about a year to reach around $5,000 a month and around 2 years to get to $10,000 a month.
You can learn how to start a blog with my free How To Start a Blog Course (sign up by clicking here).
Another idea similar to this is to start a YouTube channel, TikTok, Instagram, and more!
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Want to see how I built a $5,000,000 blog?
In this free course, I show you how to create a blog, from the technical side to earning your first income and attracting readers.
Dog walker
Becoming a dog walker is a fun way to make some quick cash if you love pets, especially dogs. You can easily get started by signing up with well-known dog walking apps dedicated to connecting dog walkers with pet owners.
Here are some steps to help you begin:
Register on Dog Walking Apps – Platforms like Rover are great for finding dog walking jobs. You could earn around $15 to $18 per hour depending on your experience and the local demand for dog walkers.
Create a Profile – Highlight your experience with dogs and any references you might have.
Set Your Availability – Decide on the days and hours you’re available to walk dogs and set your schedule.
My sister as well as my husband’s mother are both dog walkers on Rover, and they both enjoy this side hustle.
Sell printables on Etsy
Selling printables on Etsy can be a quick way to earn some extra cash.
Printables are digital files that customers can download and print themselves. These can include things like planners, art prints, stickers, learning tools, worksheets, invites, and organizational tools.
You most definitely have used printables in your life, and so have most people. I buy printables all the time because they make my life so much easier – and it’s so nice to just print things out and have them more easily accessible for when I need them.
One great thing about selling printables is that you don’t have to print and send anything yourself. The customer pays for the design, and they print it out on their own.
Here’s how you can get started:
Step 1: Find Your Niche
Determine what kind of printables you’re passionate about. Many people specialize in a certain type of printable, such as home, wedding, organizing, education, etc.
Research what’s popular and in demand. See what kind of printables people are actually buying right now.
Step 2: Create Your Printables
Use design tools like Canva or Adobe Illustrator.
Make sure your design is original and appealing.
Step 3: Set Up Your Etsy Shop
Create a memorable and easy shop name.
Set up shop policies and fill in all the details.
Step 4: List Your Products
Take attractive product photos or create digital mockups.
Write clear and compelling product descriptions so that potential customers can find your printables.
Price your printables competitively.
Step 5: Promote Your Shop
Utilize Etsy’s built-in SEO by using relevant keywords in your listings.
Share your printables on social media platforms.
Consider Etsy Ads for additional promotion.
You can learn more at How I Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy.
Do you want to make money selling printables online? This free training will give you great ideas on what you can sell, how to get started, the costs, and how to make sales.
Deliver groceries and food
Grocery delivery is a service that is becoming more and more popular. I’ve used it several times myself when I didn’t have time to shop or didn’t have a car available. This service is likely to keep growing.
If you’re looking to make quick cash, you can try delivering groceries and food. You have the flexibility to create your own schedule, and payment can be received pretty quickly – sometimes even within an hour.
Delivering groceries is a popular extra job, and all you need is a valid driver’s license and a car.
You get paid for each delivery and keep all your tips. Platforms like Instacart and Shipt can help you earn around $15 to $20 per hour.
Here are a couple of options for you to start earning with food delivery:
Instacart: As an Instacart shopper, you can choose to shop for groceries or both shop and deliver to customers. Being able to cash out your earnings instantly is a big plus.
Shipt: Enjoy shopping at stores like Target and CVS? With Shipt, you can earn by shopping for others. It’s a great way to combine earning with a task you already enjoy.
Sign up to become an Instacart shopper here.
Related to this: You can also deliver restaurant meals in your spare time through companies like DoorDash and Uber Eats.
Drive for Uber or Lyft
Earning $200 quickly may seem hard, but you may be able to reach this goal by driving for ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft.
Here’s what you need to know:
Sign Up – Both Uber and Lyft require you to have a valid driver’s license, meet age requirements, pass a background check, and have an eligible car.
Flexibility – You have the freedom to choose your working hours. Whether it’s an hour, over the weekend, or throughout the week.
Earnings – Income can vary, but it’s possible to earn between $20 to $25 per hour on average. At this rate, driving for 10 hours can help you reach your $200 target.
Maximize Promotions – Keep an eye out for special promotions or peak time surge pricing (such as by driving during weekend nights or during a baseball game) as these can really boost your earnings.
Expenses like gas and vehicle maintenance will come out of your earnings, so it’s important to work efficiently and choose high-demand times and areas to increase your income.
Tutor
Tutors who know subjects well, like math, language, science, graphic design, and more, help students get better at those subjects.
Becoming an online tutor depends on the subject you want to teach. You need experience in that area, but there are options for beginners too. Tutors for advanced subjects, like calculus or college entrance exams, usually earn more than those teaching simpler topics.
Rates vary from $15 to over $100 per hour, depending on the subject and where you offer your tutoring services.
Read more at 11 Best Places To Find Online Tutoring Jobs (Make $100+ an hour).
Sign up for quick Craigslist jobs
You can make $200 quickly using your local Craigslist, which has short-term jobs and side hustles listed under “gigs.”
Some gigs I’ve seen include painting a room, running errands, passing out flyers, handyman work, loading a moving truck, shoveling snow, pet sitting, transporting a boat, and more.
You can also find quick gig side hustles through a company called Taskrabbit as well!
Note: When using Craigslist for odd jobs, be cautious of scams. If something appears too good to be true, it probably is. For instance, no one is likely to pay you $2,000 for a mystery shop or a 30-minute survey. It’s important to stay alert and choose opportunities that are realistic and trustworthy. Simply skip it if you have doubts!
Get a roommate
If you’re looking to make $200 quickly, getting a roommate can be one way to do so, and if you have an extra room at home, you can make extra money by renting it out on platforms like Airbnb or finding a long-term roommate.
Renting out a room long-term could earn you around $200 or much more, depending on the room and its location. It’s a good way to utilize your extra space for additional income.
I have personally had several roommates in the past, and it was a good source of income. Plus, we had the extra space anyway that was unused. We charged around $400 a month per room, but nowadays you can definitely get a lot more (especially depending on where you live).
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to finding a roommate and getting paid:
Advertise Your Space – You will need to find ways to get the word out about the spare room you want to rent out. You can do this on Craigslist, your personal Facebook page, placing a post in a local Facebook group, and more.
Vet Potential Roommates – You don’t want just anyone living with you as they will be sharing your space! Here are some ways to vet potential roommates:
Interviews: Have a conversation to make sure everyone is compatible.
References: Ask for and check personal and rental references.
Discuss Financials – This is all about money, so money definitely needs to be talked about and agreed on. You’ll want to think about things like:
Rent: Determine the monthly charge for rent.
Utilities: Decide how you’ll split costs like electricity, internet, and water. Will the monthly rent include all of the bills or will you split the utilities?
Set House Rules – Rules like quiet hours, guest policies, and cleaning responsibilities help avoid conflicts.
Create a Formal Agreement – Writing an agreement will lay everything out so that there is no confusion later.
Lease Addendum: If you have a lease, add your roommate officially.
Roommate Agreement: Outline terms of rent, bills, and house rules.
To learn more about renting out your spare room, I recommend reading A Complete Guide To Renting A Room For Extra Money.
If you want to take it a step further, you could even get into real estate investing. You can learn more about this option at How This 34 Year Old Owns 7 Rental Homes.
Rent out baby items, such as a crib
If you’re looking to make $200 fast, you can rent out your gently used baby items to traveling families. By listing a crib, stroller, or car seat on rental platforms, you can help ease the travel burdens for parents while earning extra cash.
Here are some ideas of what you can rent out:
Cribs
Strollers
Car seats
High chairs
Toys
A website called BabyQuip lets you rent out baby equipment. On average, people using BabyQuip can make about $1,000 a month, and some earn over $10,000 monthly.
Redeem credit card rewards
If you have a credit card, then there’s a good chance that you are earning points by simply spending like you normally do.
Or, you could even sign up for a new card that has a good signup bonus to earn more points.
With rewards credit cards, you can turn your points into cash back. Here’s how it works: whenever you use your credit card to buy something, you earn points as a reward for spending money.
I have rewards credit cards and I earn points every single time I shop or pay a bill, and I don’t have to do anything special. Just pay my bills and expenses like I normally do! In fact, I just signed up for a new rewards credit card with a great signup bonus today with a signup bonus value of over $800.
Two credit cards that I personally like include:
Important note: Making the most of credit card rewards is smart only if you use your credit card responsibly. It’s not a good idea to accumulate debt just to get rewards because debt with interest is neither free nor beneficial. To really earn money from credit card rewards, you will want to make sure to pay your credit card balance in full every month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about how to make $200 quick.
How can I make a quick $200?
If you want to learn how to make $200 fast in a day, then I highly recommend finding items from around your home to sell, like clothing, jewelry, and video games. This is the easiest way to get started as you probably already own things you can sell.
How can I make an extra $200 a week?
If you want to make an extra $200 a week, I recommend freelance work, which might include writing, graphic design, or proofreading. Also, renting out things you already have, like a spare room, can be a great way to make passive income.
What items can be sold to quickly earn $200?
Look around your home for electronics, clothing, or collectibles that are in good condition but you no longer need or want. You may be able to find lots of things to sell (and have a yard sale) and/or find one or two big things to sell.
How to make $200 fast online from home?
I’ve done a lot of things on the list above to make $200 fast online from home, such as freelance writing, blogging, selling items online, taking part in a focus group, and more.
How To Make $200 Fast – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on how to make $200 fast in a day.
As you learned above, you can earn $200 fast by doing a lot of different things, such as by freelancing, starting a business, renting out something you already own, playing games, and more.
The key is to choose what fits your life, how much time you have, and your money needs right now.
What do you think is the best way to make $200 fast?
The dean’s list is a list of undergraduate students recognized for outstanding academic achievement in a given semester, quarter, or year. Each college and university has different dean’s list requirements, but students who finish the term with a high grade point average (GPA) and are in the top percentile of their class for academic performance can earn a spot on the dean’s list.
Not only is having the dean’s list award on your transcript a remarkable personal achievement, but it could also make a big impact on grad school admissions and future employers.
Dean’s List Meaning
The dean’s list is a scholarly award for undergraduate students who achieved high scholastic standing during the academic year. The award is released after each semester, quarter, or academic year and is typically based on a student’s GPA. However, specific dean’s list requirements will vary by institution and can change each term.
Dean’s List Requirements
Dean’s list requirements vary by college and can change each term, but there are typical conditions that a student must meet. To meet basic dean’s list requirements, students must:
• Meet the minimum GPA requirements set by the school.
• Be in the top percentile of their class for academic achievement.
• Be taking a minimum number of credit hours. Most schools require students to be enrolled full-time, but some schools may include part-time students in the dean’s list.
• Have zero incompletes, no shows, or late grades.
What GPA Is Needed to Make the Dean’s List?
While schools may base eligibility for the dean’s list on the student’s GPA, the award is comparative rather than absolute. The award is only given to the top percentile of students rather than everyone who earns a certain GPA. This means that the required GPA can change each semester based on the academic performance of the student body.
Students can strive for a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale and be taking a minimum of 12 credit hours, but this may be different depending on your school and your degree program. Check with your school to determine the minimum GPA requirement to make the dean’s list.
Recommended: How Much Does GPA Matter When Applying to College?
What Is the Benefit of Being on the Dean’s List?
Earning a spot on the dean’s list is one of the highest levels of recognition for academic achievement. Students who earn the award can enjoy a variety of benefits that can continue throughout their educational career and beyond.
Personal Achievement
Making it onto the dean’s list requires academic commitment and dedication. Being on the dean’s list means you’ve ranked in the top percentile amongst your peers, which will be noted on your school record and should be seen as a great personal achievement.
Prestige
Having your name on the dean’s list, especially for multiple terms, is one way to help you stand out from the crowd. The dean’s list award is a testament to your academic success and has traditionally been looked upon favorably by the school’s administration as well as by other students.
Recognition
Some schools recognize students who made it onto the dean’s list by posting students’ names on the school website and sometimes local publications. Outstanding academic performance can also help you build relationships with your professors, who may be able to write letters of recommendation and references later on.
Special Events
Because your GPA is ranked among the top of your class, you might receive invitations to special events. These are typically networking events with top company executives. Networking can allow you to form connections with other people in your field of study and open the door to possible employment opportunities.
Attract Prospective Employers
Some colleges may include your dean’s list award on your school transcript, and you can also attract potential employers by mentioning this award on your resume. However, employment website Indeed doesn’t recommend adding this achievement to your resume if you were only on the dean’s list for one or two semesters or inconsistently.
Even if you don’t include the dean’s list on your resume, prospective employers may still consider your GPA when making hiring decisions. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ Job Outlook 2022 Spring Update report, 43.5% of employers screen by GPA when making interviewing and hiring decisions.
Scholarships
While being on the dean’s list doesn’t guarantee any financial aid, a high GPA could make you eligible for merit scholarships. Merit-based scholarships typically use your GPA, test scores, leadership capabilities, and other factors to determine your eligibility.
Are There Any Student Loan Benefits When Getting on the Dean’s List?
There usually aren’t any financial perks for getting on the dean’s list with federal student loans or most private lenders. Some private lenders may offer a reward for a certain GPA, but most lenders typically only consider your GPA if it’s too low.
Your GPA could affect your eligibility for other types of financial aid, like scholarships and grants, though. You’re required to make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to meet the basic eligibility criteria for certain types of financial aid. A higher GPA also makes it easier for you to receive more financial aid. 💡 Quick Tip: You can fund your education with a low-rate, no-fee private student loan that covers all school-certified costs.
What Other Academic Awards Can You Earn in College?
The dean’s list isn’t the only academic award that you can earn in college. There are several other awards that are given to students in recognition of outstanding achievement and as a means to further encourage academic excellence. Here are a few academic awards for college students.
The Honors List
The honors list is similar to the dean’s list; however, it may have different GPA requirements — usually lower. For example, students may be eligible for a spot on the dean’s list if their GPA is 3.5 or higher, while students on the honors list have a GPA between 3.25 and 3.5.
The President’s List
Undergraduate students earn the president’s list award if they get straight A’s in college and earn a 4.0 GPA. Part-time and full-time students may be eligible for this award.
The Chancellor’s List
At schools that offer this award, the chancellor’s list is typically ranked slightly higher than the dean’s list. Both full-time and part-time undergraduate students may usually qualify for the chancellor’s list.
Ways to Pay for College
If you’re aiming to see your name on the dean’s list, financial stress can hinder your ability to succeed academically. According to Inside Higher Ed, 48% of students who experienced financial challenges while in school admitted they had difficulties focusing on their academics.
Luckily, there are options out there for prospective and current students who are struggling with how to pay for college. Here are a few options:
• Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to see if you qualify for financial aid. Make sure to read our FAFSA Guide and fill this out as soon as possible because many colleges award money on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Search for scholarships, which are a form of merit aid to help pay for tuition and other education expenses. There are thousands of available scholarships to students with some even offering a full-ride to a four-year institution.
• Apply for grants. Grants are another form of financial aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. Students can apply for federal, state, or school grants.
• Find a work-study position. The federal work-study program offers funds for part-time employment to help college students in financial need.
• Look at student loans. If you are still struggling to afford school-related expenses after exhausting all other forms of financial aid, there are a variety of federal and private student loan options to help.
Recommended: FAFSA 101: How to Complete the FAFSA
The Takeaway
Students who make the dean’s list are recognized for outstanding academic achievement. Benefits include personal achievement, prestige, public recognition, the opportunity to attend special events, being granted scholarships, and standing out on job applications.
And, students who are less stressed financially tend to do better in school. Options for paying for college include scholarships, grants, federal student loans, and private student loans.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.
FAQ
What GPA is required to get on the dean’s list?
The minimum GPA for the dean’s list varies by school and it can change every term. However, most schools require at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
What does it mean when you get on the dean’s list?
What it means to be on the dean’s list is that you’ve ranked in the top percentile of your class. The dean’s list is one of the highest levels of recognition for scholarly achievement.
What is the benefit of being on the dean’s list?
Earning a spot on the dean’s list comes with several benefits. Not only is it a prestigious award and a significant personal achievement, but you could be invited to special events, network with others in your field of study, and attract prospective employers.
Photo credit: iStock/Prostock-Studio
SoFi Private Student Loans Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.
SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
When it comes to selecting a college, one big consideration is whether to attend a private vs. public college. A key difference between private and public colleges lies in how they are funded and operated. Public colleges get much of their funding from local and state governments, while private ones are largely sustained with tuition, fees, and donations.
Going the public route is the most common scenario. In the fall of 2023, approximately 13.5 million students attended public institutions while 5.1 million were enrolled in private institutions, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Students who are debating between private and public colleges may want to consider factors like cost, quality of education, campus life, and how they plan to pay for college. Read on for more information on each of these categories.
Public vs Private Colleges: Factors to Consider
Choosing a college is a personal decision, so it’s important to factor in individual goals and needs as you compare private vs. public colleges. In addition to the factors below, things like what you hope to study and how close you’d like to be to home will influence how you choose a college.
Now, let’s dig into more about potential advantages and drawbacks of public vs private colleges.
The Cost of Public vs Private Colleges
Many students wonder if they should choose a college based on price. One reason that attending public colleges is the more popular route is that they are often less expensive than private institutions. Public institutions are often especially affordable for in-state students, who typically get a break on tuition.
According to research by the College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees at a public college with in-state tuition during the 2023-2024 school year was $11,260, and $29,150 for out-of-state students. At private colleges, the average tuition and fees was $41,540.
That said, private colleges and universities may also offer scholarships, fellowships, and other kinds of need- or merit-based financial aid. And, even some top-tier universities have virtually done away with tuition for students whose families have certain levels of family income. So, high-achieving students might actually get a better or comparable deal at a private institution depending on their family’s financial situation.
Recommended: The Average Cost of College Tuition in 2023
Differences in Educational Quality
According to U.S. News, the highest ranking public schools in the country include UCLA, UC Berkeley, the University of Virginia, the University of Michigan Ann Arbor, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. At these schools and many others, students can get a top-notch education at a fair price if they qualify for in-state tuition.
However, many public schools have enormous student populations, which can mean large class sizes, difficulty getting into your most desired classes, and less personal attention from faculty and administrators. For example, the University of Central Florida has just over 59,000 undergraduates, resulting in a student-to-faculty ratio of 29 to 1.
By comparison, Pomona College in Southern California has a population of just under 1,800 students (fall 2022) and a student-to-faculty ratio of just eight students to one faculty member, according to U.S. News. Beyond class size, some private institutions are often able to deliver a world-class education. In fact, every one of the top 10 highest-ranking schools in the country are all private schools.
Specific Majors or Programs of Study Available
Private colleges, particularly smaller liberal arts colleges, may have fewer majors or programs available to students than larger public universities. As you are evaluating schools, consider the field(s) of study you are most interested in and understand the options available at the schools you are considering.
On a related note, students interested in pursuing research opportunities may have a better chance of conducting research at a larger university. However, private universities are likely conducting research, too. It’s best to consider the programs you are specifically interested in and ask an admissions counselor what research opportunities are available to undergraduates in that field or major.
Recommended: A Guide to Choosing the Right College Major
Campus Life
For some students, the large size of many public institutions is a factor in the pro column. This environment means there are a great variety of potential groups to join, activities to participate in, or classmates to become friends with.
A large school means many different classes and majors to choose from. If this appeals to you, it can expand your network and make your college experience much more interesting. Private schools are also likely to have clubs and activities available for students, too, though it may be on a smaller scale.
Both public and private schools can be a great choice for students interested in athletics. Public schools are most likely to have a wide variety of active sports teams, and most of the top-ranking colleges for student athletes are public.
However, many private universities have successful teams, as well. If it’s important to you, or you’re a student athlete yourself, you could check out the strength of specific sports programs at the colleges you’re considering.
Repay your way. Find the monthly payment & rate that fits your budget.
Financing Your Education
Some students and their families cover tuition costs (or a portion of costs) with savings, but there are a variety of other sources of finances to help students pay for college. As mentioned, public universities generally have a less expensive sticker price than private schools, but private schools may offer more financial aid to students. So, don’t rule out a private school on cost alone.
To apply for federal student aid, the first step is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Colleges will use this information to help determine how much aid, and what types, a student qualifies for. Federal aid includes things like Pell Grants for low-income students, work-study, and federal student loans. Both private and public schools may offer scholarships to students, as well.
Federal Student Loans
Federal loan options include Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Direct PLUS Loans.
For the 2023-2024 school year, the interest rate on Direct Subsidized or Unsubsidized loans for undergraduates is 5.50%, the rate on Direct Unsubsidized loans for graduate and professional students is 7.05%, and the rate on Direct PLUS loans for graduate students, professional students, and parents is 8.05%. The interest rates on federal student loans are fixed and are set annually by Congress.
Private Student Loans
For students who still need additional funding, a variety of lenders offer private student loans. Private student loans typically take the borrower’s credit history, and that of any cosigner, into consideration. And while federal student loan interest rates are always fixed, private student loan interest rates can be fixed or variable.
Keep in mind, though, that private student loans do not offer the same benefits as federal student loans, such as income-driven repayment plans and student loan forgiveness. If possible, it’s wise to exhaust all federal aid options before seeking private student loans.
The Takeaway
Both public and private colleges and universities can offer an excellent education to students. Differences to consider when deciding between a private or public school include the cost, the programs of study available to students, the quality of education, campus life, and sources of funding for school. Depending on individual preferences and circumstances, students may find a public school better suits their needs or vice versa.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.
SoFi Private Student Loans Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.
SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
If you’re feeling as if your student loans are hard to manage, you’re not alone. Currently, more than 43 million Americans are grappling with student loan debt, and the amounts they carry aren’t small. The average amount of federal student debt per borrower is $37,338, and for those with private student loan debt, the number is $54,921.
That kind of steep debt can be a challenge to pay back. In October of 2023, as the pandemic-driven freeze on loan repayment expired, a whopping 40% of borrowers missed payments.
If your loans feel like a real challenge to repay and you’re stressed about your financial situation, take heart. Not only are you far from the only person out there with this issue, but there are also a variety of ways you can get help with student loan debt. Here, you’ll learn more about those resources and steps you can take. Remember, you can and will get through this challenging moment. Now, read on for some guidance.
Where to Start
If you’re finding it hard to manage your student debt, your best first step may be to contact your loan servicer. Both the federal government and many private lenders assign a student loan servicer to each borrower. You can think of these servicers as go-betweens who monitor accounts, keep track of payments, and help borrowers maintain their accounts in good standing and switch plans, if need be. You can find your federal student loan servicer by logging into your student aid account; if you have private student loans, ask your lender how to make billing inquiries.
Student loan servicers can help you understand your options if you are finding your current loan hard to pay off. But do educate yourself before calling your servicer, because they are loan professionals vs. advocates for borrowers. It’s possible that they may offer options that are not necessarily in your best interest.
However, there is likely considerable value in hearing what alternatives are available so you can begin getting help with your student loan debt. You’ll learn more about options below. 💡 Quick Tip: Ready to refinance your student loan? You could save thousands.
What to Do If You’re in Default
When you default on your student loans, it means you are not repaying them according to your schedule. Almost 10% of borrowers can find themselves in default within the first three years of repayment.
When you first miss a student loan payment, your loan is considered to be delinquent, or late. The exact definition of being in default will depend on the kind of loan you have. Here are some guidelines:
• If you have federal student loans, you are considered to be in default when your payments are 270 days (or about nine months) late. With Perkins loans, you can be in default as soon as you don’t make a payment on its due date.
• For private student loans, many lenders consider a loan to be in default at the 90 day or three-month mark. Policies do vary, so check your loan’s promissory note for details.
You can find out if you are in default by contacting your loan servicer. If you are indeed in default, the consequences can be serious. The full amount of the loan becomes due ASAP. The loan holder can take other funds from you, late fees and interest can accrue, and your credit score can be negatively impacted, among other impacts.
Yes, that sounds scary, but this is a situation to be worked through; don’t let it define you or make you feel panicky. You might research the Fresh Start program for federal loans in default, or look into a student loan settlement, which would allow you to pay back less than what you owe. Student loan rehabilitation is another path and can be a one-shot solution to get federal loans out of default, repay them at a reasonable rate, and help build your credit score.
If you have private loans that are in default, it can be a wise move to speak to someone who specializes in student loans at the National Association for Consumer Advocates. You may then get assistance finding out if you can get a student loan settlement (that is, pay less than the full amount you owe) or find another road forward.
Next, though, learn about ways to avoid reaching the default stage if you are having trouble with your student loan debt.
Ways to Lower Your Federal Student Loan Payment
If you’re struggling to make your monthly federal student loan payments, it may be worth taking a look at your loan repayment plan. Federal student loans have several different loan repayment plans available, which may offer different monthly payment amounts based on your discretionary income and other factors.
Choosing a federal loan repayment plan that could give you a lower monthly payment, if available, could help you more easily make your monthly student loan payments. Consider these options.
Income-Driven Repayment
You may have been placed on the Standard Repayment Plan when you graduated, which is the standard for students repaying federal loans.
Under this plan, you have 10 years to pay off your student loans, and you make a fixed payment amount each month in order to ensure that your full loan is paid by the end of the 10 years. This plan may have higher monthly payments than other federal repayment plans.
In addition to the Standard Repayment plan, there are the following plans:
• One option is the Graduated Repayment Plan. Under this plan, loan payments are made over a 10-year period. But unlike the Standard Repayment plan, loan payments start at a lower amount and are gradually increased every two years.
• Another option when it comes to federal repayment plans is the Extended Repayment Plan. The Extended Repayment Plan has a longer repayment term option — up to 25 years. Monthly payments under this plan can be either fixed or graduated amounts. The extended repayment term means that you may have lower monthly payments.
Be aware, however, that choosing a longer repayment period could cost you more over the life of the loan due to interest that accrues every month that the loan is still outstanding. Think carefully about what might best suit your needs so you can pay off your student loan debt comfortably.
There are also four income-driven plans that calculate monthly payments based on a percentage of the borrower’s discretionary income. The percentage will vary based on the specific income-driven repayment plan you are enrolled in, but can be between 5% and 20%. Depending on the plan, repayment is extended over 20 or 25 years.
The plans available are:
• The new SAVE Plan (Saving on a Valuable Education; it goes into full effect on July 1, 2024), which replaces the REPAYE plan
• The PAYE Plan (Pay as You Earn)
• The ICR Plan (Income-contingent Repayment)
• The IBR Plan (Income-based Repayment)
With federal loans, you can change your repayment plan at any time. If you are interested in switching the plan you are enrolled in to better manage your debt, the Federal Student Aid website offers a repayment calculator that could help give you an idea of what your monthly payments may be like under each of the different payment plans.
This could help you make an informed decision about which plan may work best for your personal situation, based on what you qualify for. You could also use an online Student Loan Payoff Calculator to get an idea of when your loan payoff date may be based on your interest rate and monthly payments. Yes, crunching numbers can take a bit of time, but these tools can make it simple, show you your alternatives for managing your debt, and provide some much-needed peace of mind.
Deferment and Forbearance
If you’re really in dire straits and can’t afford to make your normal monthly payments on your student loans at all, you may be able to put your federal student loans into deferment or forbearance.
These programs offer options to temporarily reduce your monthly payment amount or pause your monthly payments entirely for a limited period of time. Not all borrowers are eligible for deferment or forbearance — in order to qualify you need to meet certain eligibility requirements.
A few points to note:
• If you’re interested in deferring your federal student loans to help with student loan debt, you’ll want to contact your student loan servicer. Your student loan servicer may require you to fill out paperwork or talk to an advisor before approving a deferral or forbearance of your student loans.
• Student loan servicers may offer assistance with student loan debt management at no cost. They also may be able to explain how student loan deferral or forbearance will work in your specific circumstances.
• It is also important to know that during deferment, depending on the type of loan borrowed, the borrower may still be responsible for paying interest that accrues.
• If a loan is in forbearance, the borrower will be responsible for paying accrued interest.
While deferring your student loans can be helpful when you’re undergoing a brief period of economic hardship, it may not be as helpful when it comes to managing loans long-term, since interest may continue to accrue and neither option changes your loan repayment terms. Keep reading to learn more options beyond deferment and forbearance.
Forgiveness Programs
One source of federal student loan debt help are loan forgiveness programs. These programs essentially forgive a remaining portion of federal student loan debt after you meet certain requirements. That means you don’t have to pay it; you may also hear this referred to as loan cancellation or discharge.
Here are specifics about student loan forgiveness:
• One of the most well-known loan forgiveness programs is the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. This program offers federal student loan forgiveness for some people working full-time in qualifying public interest fields for 10 or more years.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness, also known as “PSLF,” offers federal student loan forgiveness for certain public servants (teachers, government workers, and some health professionals) and non-profit employees who qualify after 120 on-time qualifying payments.
Unfortunately, PSLF isn’t available to everyone. To qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, you must work for a qualifying employer. Generally, government organizations and certain non-profits will be considered qualifying employers for the purpose of PSLF, but to be sure that your job counts for the PSLF program, you can submit a PSLF employment certification form to verify your employer’s eligibility for the program.
• If you have a disability, you may qualify for student loan forgiveness.
• If your school closed or misled you, your loan(s) may be discharged.
• If you have declared bankruptcy, your debt may be canceled.
💡 Quick Tip: If you have student loans with variable rates, you may want to consider refinancing to lock in a fixed rate before rates rise. But if you’re willing to take a risk to potentially save on interest — and will be able to pay off your student loans quickly — you might consider a variable rate.
Options for Private Student Loan Borrowers
What you’ve just read covers how to get help with federal student loans. But what if you have private student loans? (Private loans are also an option for refinancing federal loans, but if you do so, be aware that you forfeit federal protections, such as forbearance, and if you refinance for an extended term, you may pay more in interest over the life of the loan.)
If your private student loans are proving challenging to pay, here are some ways you might move forward:
• You could see whether refinancing your private loans with a different private loan can secure a more affordable payment.
• See if your employer offers an assistance program. Some will match repayments of student loans up to a certain amount.
• Retool your budget. The debt avalanche or debt snowball method might help you reframe your income and spending to help you get on top of your student loans.
• Seek credit counseling. Learn more about that below.
Credit Counseling
If you are feeling overwhelmed or are in a quandary about how to proceed with your student loan debt, consulting with a nonprofit credit counselor could be a good idea. You can gain the expertise and insights of someone who specializes in this terrain and hear ideas for how you might handle the situation. One well-regarded example of such an agency is the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, or NFCC.
Here’s how credit counseling can help when you’re in this stressful situation:
• A counselor can review your student loan debt and finances and develop a plan which you then manage on your own.
• Another option may be to have the counselor join you on a phone call with the issuer of your student loans to discuss options.
Having a trusted professional in your corner can be a key source of support when you face challenges with your student loan debt.
Avoid Student Loan Scams
Here’s a sad fact: Yes, there are scammers out there, looking to take advantage of people who have student loan debt. They typically offer deals to help you get out of debt but wind up cheating you. Getting involved with these people can make a difficult situation even worse, so be cautious.
The two main kinds of scams to know about are as follows:
• Student loan consolidation scams: In this ploy, a company promises to consolidate your federal loans. They charge you an upfront fee (never pay upfront fees, by the way) and then don’t do anything on your behalf. If you want to consolidate your federal student loans, you can do so for free at StudentLoans.gov.
• Student loan debt relief scams: Companies that advertise or contact you, saying they can reduce or eliminate your debt, may be part of a scam. Above, you’ve read about the available options for managing your debt. There are no magic solutions to making the amount you owe vanish, so don’t be fooled by these promises.
How to spot these scams:
• As noted, promises of making debt disappear to help with student loans are likely bogus.
• Those that give you an urgent deadline to apply in order to eliminate debt are probably also fraudulent.
• Requesting an upfront fee to apply for relief via the Department of Education is a signal that you are dealing with a scammer.
• A company that says they are affiliated with the Department of Education but isn’t listed at StudentLoans.gov is one to avoid.
• A business that says they need your FSA ID could well be a scammer.
Recommended: Student Loan Help Center
Student Loan Refinancing
As mentioned briefly above, another option for help with student loans may be refinancing them. For some borrowers, refinancing student loans could help lower monthly payments. However, if you refinance federal loans with private ones, keep in mind that you’ll forfeit federal protections and may, with an extended term, pay more interest over the life of the loan.
When you refinance your loans, a new private lender pays off your current federal and private student loans and offers you a new loan. The goal is to secure a better interest rate or better repayment terms, which can help you take control of your student loan debt. It’s one of several options you have available to get through what can be a challenging moment in your life.
Looking to lower your monthly student loan payment? Refinancing may be one way to do it — by extending your loan term, getting a lower interest rate than what you currently have, or both. (Please note that refinancing federal loans makes them ineligible for federal forgiveness and protections. Also, lengthening your loan term may mean paying more in interest over the life of the loan.) SoFi student loan refinancing offers flexible terms that fit your budget.
With SoFi, refinancing is fast, easy, and all online. We offer competitive fixed and variable rates.
SoFi Student Loan Refinance If you are a federal student loan borrower, you should consider all of your repayment opportunities including the opportunity to refinance your student loan debt at a lower APR or to extend your term to achieve a lower monthly payment. Please note that once you refinance federal student loans you will no longer be eligible for current or future flexible payment options available to federal loan borrowers, including but not limited to income-based repayment plans or extended repayment plans.
SoFi Loan Products SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.
Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.
Overall, student loan debt in the United States now stands at over $1.77 trillion. If you’re one of the more than 43 million borrowers who currently owe student loan debt, there may be a way to have all or a portion of it forgiven.
The government offers several student loan forgiveness programs, which can help borrowers eliminate or reduce this financial burden. Keep reading to learn more and find out if you might qualify.
How to Get Your Student Loans Forgiven
Fortunately, several programs can help students reduce or eliminate their student loan debt over time. Here is a look at the most popular options available.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program benefits those working for a nonprofit organization or a local, state, federal, or tribal governmental agency, such as teachers and health care professionals. Once you make 120 qualifying monthly payments while working for an eligible employer, you may be eligible for full forgiveness of your remaining balance.
Perkins Loan Cancellation and Discharge
While schools no longer offer new Perkins Loans, those who’ve already received this type of loan may qualify for loan forgiveness. To qualify, you must have worked or volunteered in a public service position, such as a firefighter, military member, or Peace Corps employee, for at least five years.
Depending on your situation, you may be able to get up to 100% of your loan forgiven. In some circumstances, a percentage of your loan may be forgiven for each year of full-time work in a qualifying position. You may also qualify for forgiveness of your Perkins Loan if you experience bankruptcy or disability.
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Programs for Teachers
Teachers who work for at least five complete and consecutive years in a qualifying low-income school may qualify for loan forgiveness through the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program. The program provides up to $17,500 in loan forgiveness for each person who participates.
Teachers may also qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness or Perkins Loan Cancellation. However, you can’t receive work credit for both programs at the same time.
Programs for Health Care Professionals
In addition to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness and Perkins Loan Cancellation programs, there are several other options available to those working in the health care industry, such as:
National Health Service Corp Loan Repayment. In exchange for working at an NHSC-approved site, qualified health care professionals can receive up to $50,000 in student loan repayment for two years of full-time work.
Health Professional Loan Repayment Program. This loan repayment program is specifically designed for members of the U.S. Armed Forces. If you qualify, you can receive loan forgiveness of up to $40,000 per year.
Nurse Corps Loan Repayment Program. Nursing professionals, including licensed registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and nurse faculty, can receive forgiveness of up to 85% of their unpaid educational debt after working for at least two years in a critical shortage facility or qualifying nursing school.
Programs for Military Service
Those who have served or are currently serving in a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces may be eligible for various student loan forgiveness, repayment, and interest rate cap programs. For instance, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act sets a cap on interest rates for student loans while on active duty. Members of the military may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
The Military College Loan Repayment Program may repay a portion of eligible student loans. You must have at least three years of active-duty service or six years of National Guard service to qualify. Maximum repayment levels are set by each branch of the service. For instance, the Army and Navy pay up to $65,000, the National Guard pays up to $50,000, and the Coast Guard pays up to $30,000.
Disability Discharge
Borrowers who experience a military-related disability or are eligible for Social Security disability insurance may be able to receive student loan forgiveness for all or a portion of their debt.
Misled by School
The Borrower Defense to Repayment Program protects borrowers who were misled by the school they attended. The Department of Education makes this determination. If it finds a school or program within the school misled students, it may dismiss all or a portion of the associated student loan debt.
How to Challenge Student Loans on Your Credit Report
If you believe student loan information listed on your credit report is inaccurate, there are steps you can take to fix the error.
1. Review Your Credit Report
The first step is to regularly review your credit report. An easy way to do this is to sign up for Credit.com’s ExtraCredit subscription. Through this program, you can get 28 FICO® scores plus your credit reports from all three bureaus in one place. This step lets you identify errors on your credit report as quickly as possible so you can take immediate action if needed.
2. Send a Dispute Letter
If you detect any incorrect information about your student loans, make sure you take steps to have these details removed. Submit a credit dispute letter to the reporting agency listing the incorrect information. Be sure to provide as much information as possible.
Instead of handling this process yourself, you can also work with a credit repair agency. This type of agency can contact the credit bureaus on your behalf and work to have the incorrect information removed from your report.
3. Keep Making On-Time Payments
If the information on your credit report is correct, the best thing you can do to help your credit is continue making on-time payments. This step is important because your payment history is the factor that can impact your credit the most. Ensuring you make your student loan payments on time can actually help improve your credit.
Student Loan Forgiveness and Your Taxes
Depending on your specific situation, the IRS may consider any student loan forgiveness as income. If this is the case, you may need to pay state and federal taxes on it. You’ll receive a 1099-C form that details the amount you must report on your tax returns. It’s recommended to contact a tax attorney for more information about how to report any student loan forgiveness on your tax returns.
If you still owe money on your student loans, it’s important to see if you qualify for any of these student loan forgiveness programs. If not, take steps to create a workable budget to ensure you can continue making on-time monthly payments.
It’s also important to continuously track your credit score to determine how your student loans may be impacting your credit. You can start with Credit.com’s Free Credit Report Card.
Georgia is home to some of the best college towns in the country, each offering students a range of unique experiences and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
It’s easy to see why Georgia is an incredible destination for higher education and unforgettable experiences. So, whether you’re a prospective student, a proud parent or just a visitor passing through, be sure to check out some of the top college towns in the Peach State!
Tucked away about 70 miles to the northeast of Atlanta lies Athens, the proud location of the University of Georgia, among the earliest public higher education institutions in the U.S. This archetypal college town is famed for its legendary music scene, having been the birthplace of famous bands like R.E.M. and the B-52s.
The area around UGA’s campus brims with a culture, including art galleries and live music venues. Nature lovers will relish the proximity to the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and Sandy Creek Park, offering manicured trails, space for cycling and open areas to soak up the Georgia sun.
In essence, Athens strikes a harmonious balance between the coziness of a smaller community and the excitement of a lively college town, establishing itself as one of the top university cities in Georgia and the country.
Atlanta hosts a cluster of premier colleges and universities like Georgia State University, Emory University, Georgia Tech and Morehouse College. With its sizable footprint, Atlanta caters to all, offering top-class dining, entertainment and elite professional sports teams.
Located downtown, the Georgia State University campus buzzes with energy. It’s a place where students can delve into their interests in and outside the classroom with ease. Gems like the High Museum of Art and the World of Coca-Cola are just the beginning of what Atlanta has to offer to students and recent grads. The city’s lively nightlife, especially in areas like Midtown and Little Five Points, is punctuated by a healthy selection of bars, clubs and music venues for students to discover.
Set in the historic Druid Hills, Emory University’s scenic campus provides a tranquil study environment just a stone’s throw from Atlanta’s myriad attractions. The fashionable Virginia-Highland neighborhood, a short distance away, is a haven for unique boutique stores, restaurants and bars.
Atlanta is also a hub for career-building opportunities, with a wealth of internships and major corporate headquarters, making it an ideal spot for those hoping to kickstart their professional journey in the South.
Famed for its breathtaking architecture and quaint cobblestone pathways, Savannah is home to the renowned Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). This seaside town is full of history, manicured parks, ancestral homes and museums that draw visitors from all across the country.
SCAD students enjoy the extraordinary experience of learning in a city that doubles as a living historical exhibit, with the university creatively converting historic spaces into classrooms. The artistic essence of Savannah shines through its many galleries, independent shops and festivals, creating a perfect haven for those with creative inclinations and ambitions.
Foodies will be thrilled to delve into Savannah’s restaurant scene, ranging from classic Southern dishes to exotic global flavors. The city’s nightlife is a collection of entertainment choices, including spirited bars and clubs, alongside ghost tours and a killer live music scene.
Savannah’s old-school charm and distinctive culture undoubtedly place it among Georgia’s finest college cities for students who have a passion for history and the arts.
Situated in the heart of Georgia, Macon is the proud home of Mercer University and Wesleyan College. This delightful city holds a significant place in the history of music, especially in shaping Southern rock and R&B. Iconic musicians like Little Richard, Otis Redding and the Allman Brothers Band all started out in Macon.
The stunning and historic Mercer University campus is conveniently located close to Macon’s bustling downtown, offering students a gateway to the city’s culture and entertainment. The rejuvenated downtown district is a treasure trove of distinctive boutiques, eateries and cafes, not to mention the renowned Grand Opera House, a storied venue for regular concerts and theatrical productions.
Nature buffs can venture into the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park, a site of ancient Native American heritage, or bask in the picturesque landscapes of Amerson River Park. Music aficionados and sports fans are in for a treat with the Allman Brothers Band Museum and the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, both showcasing Macon’s rich musical legacy and Georgia’s athletic achievements.
With its fusion of historical depth, a strong arts culture and plenty of nature to enjoy, Macon stands out as an exemplary choice for students seeking a small but fulfilling Georgia college town experience.
Honorable mentions
In the sweet state of Georgia, beyond the most celebrated college towns, there lies a collection of hidden gems that deserve some recognition too. These honorable mentions highlight those lesser-known yet equally charming college towns.
Statesboro
Tucked away in southern Statesboro, Georgia Southern University shines. As a rapidly expanding college town, it has a warmness to it that is impossible to replicate. The rejuvenated heart of the town presents an assortment of restaurants, locally-owned stores and entertainment venues, making Statesboro an ideal spot for students in search of a more intimate and cohesive college town environment.
Kennesaw
Kennesaw is home to Kennesaw State University, a major public university in Georgia. This city is a vector for activities like hiking at the scenic Kennesaw Mountain and numerous shopping and dining options at the well-known Town Center at Cobb. With its emphasis on community and a welcoming environment for families, Kennesaw stands out as a desirable location for students who are drawn to the experience of a suburban college town.
Georgia’s calling
Georgia is full of top-tier college towns, each with different and unique experiences and prospects for students. The state stands out as a fantastic choice for higher education and memorable adventures. Whether you’re a potential student, a proud parent or simply a traveler exploring the South, don’t miss the chance to discover the exceptional college towns that pepper the Peach State!
Are you looking for the best jobs for pregnant women? Pregnancy is a special and exciting time for moms-to-be, and you may be looking for ways to make money during this time period. Finding the perfect job when you’re pregnant can be a scary feeling, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is to…
Are you looking for the best jobs for pregnant women?
Pregnancy is a special and exciting time for moms-to-be, and you may be looking for ways to make money during this time period.
Finding the perfect job when you’re pregnant can be a scary feeling, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is to focus on looking for opportunities that suit your skill set, level of experience, and physical limitations during pregnancy.
For me, when I was pregnant not too long ago, I really loved being able to work from home. It made life so much easier, and the flexible hours helped greatly for when I wasn’t feeling up to it.
A good starting point could be looking for work-from-home positions or freelance opportunities that allow for more flexible schedules and the possibility of working at your own pace from the comfort of your home.
Recommended reading:
Best Jobs for Pregnant Women
There are 16 ways for pregnant women to make money listed below. If you want to skip the list, here are some jobs that you may want to start learning more about first:
Below are the top jobs for pregnant women.
1. Blogger
Blogging is exactly what I do for a living, and it is how I made money while pregnant as well.
Being a blogger means writing blog posts for people on the internet, just like with this blog post that you are currently reading.
You can write about things you like, such as money, travel, lifestyle, or family. Plus, you get to choose how you make money from your blog – there are lots of ways, like display ads or affiliate marketing.
Blogging is how I earn most of my money, and it has totally transformed my life. I can travel whenever I want, make my own schedule, be my own boss, and spend the whole day with my daughter. Plus, having flexible work hours helped me a ton while pregnant as I was able to choose my working hours.
Learn more at How To Start A Blog FREE Course.
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Want to see how I built a $5,000,000 blog?
In this free course, I show you how to create a blog, from the technical side to earning your first income and attracting readers.
2. Freelance writer
Similar to blogging, freelance writing gives pregnant women the opportunity to showcase their writing skills while working remotely. This job allows you to work on various writing projects, such as articles and ebooks.
Freelance writers create articles, website content, social media posts, or even ebooks for different people or companies.
I have worked as a freelance writer for many years. It’s a great career because you can work from home and set your own schedule, like writing only when you’re feeling good during your pregnancy or while your baby is napping.
Recommended reading: 14 Places To Find Freelance Writing Jobs For Beginners
3. Tutor
An online tutor gives academic support to students via video chat or messaging platforms. It’s a good option for pregnant women as it is flexible and can be done from the comfort of your own home.
Helping students with their studies can be a good way to earn money while pregnant. There are lots of ways to tutor from home, and you can make your own schedule and decide how much or how little you want to work.
Recommended reading: 11 Best Places To Find Online Tutoring Jobs (Make $100+ an hour)
4. Sell printables on Etsy
If you have a knack for design, you can create and sell printables on Etsy. This is a great work-from-home option for pregnant women who are creative and enjoy designing digital products.
Printables are digital products you can download and print at home, like checklists for grocery shopping, planners for your budget, invitations for weddings, printable wall art, and more.
I recommend signing up for Free Workshop: How To Earn Money Selling Printables. This free training will give you ideas on what to sell online, how to get started, and how to make printable sales.
Recommended reading: How I Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy
Do you want to make money selling printables online? This free training will give you great ideas on what you can sell, how to get started, the costs, and how to make sales.
5. Virtual assistant
Virtual assistants give administrative support to clients (like an administrative assistant!), including managing emails, organizing calendars, arranging travel (such as booking hotel stays and rental cars), and scheduling appointments.
With the flexibility to set your work hours, this online job is perfect for pregnant women.
I have been a virtual assistant in the past, and I currently have a virtual assistant. It is a much needed job that just continues to become more and more in demand.
Recommended reading: Best Ways To Find Virtual Assistant Jobs
6. Transcriptionist
In this job, you convert audio files into written text. As a transcriptionist, you can work from home with flexible hours, making it one of the good jobs for pregnant women to work from home because you can work as much or as little as you want.
Transcription jobs are flexible, and you can do them right from home.
As an online transcriptionist, your job is to listen to audio or video recordings and write down exactly what is being said. The aim is to do it without making mistakes in spelling, grammar, or punctuation.
I recommend watching Free Workshop: Is a Career in Transcription Right for You? to learn more.
Recommended reading: 18 Best Online Transcription Jobs For Beginners To Make $2,000 Monthly
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In this free training, you will learn what transcription is, why it’s a highly in-demand skill, who hires transcriptionists, how to become a transcriptionist, and more.
7. Answer online surveys
If you are looking for easy jobs while pregnant, then I recommend answering online surveys.
There is no set schedule, and you can do these while watching TV or in bed. No, you won’t get rich (nor will it be a full-time job), but it can give you a little extra spending money.
The survey companies I recommend for extra cash include:
Survey Junkie
Swagbucks
Branded Surveys
PrizeRebel
American Consumer Opinion
User Interviews – These are the highest-paying surveys with the average being around $60. I have personally done one of these, and I was paid $400 for an hour of my time.
Recommended reading: 18 Best Paid Survey Sites To Make $100+ Per Month
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Swagbucks is a site where you can earn points for surveys, shopping online, watching videos, using coupons, and more. You can use your points for gift cards and cash.
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Branded Surveys is one of the most popular survey sites that rewards you in cash and gift cards for sharing your opinion. You can get paid anywhere from $0.50 to $5.00 per survey.
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American Consumer Opinion allows you to express your opinions on products and services through surveys and product testing. You can earn $1 to $5 per survey taken.
8. Proofreader
If you’re good at noticing small details, you could offer your services as a proofreader or editor for various kinds of content. This means checking and fixing mistakes in writing.
People such as writers and business owners hire proofreaders and editors to make their work better.
I personally have a proofreader, and I know many, many others who have proofreaders as well. It is an in-demand job that you can do while pregnant at home.
If you want to become a proofreader, I recommend joining the free 76-minute workshop – Learn How to Become a Proofreader…and Start a Freelance Proofreading Business.
Recommended reading: 20 Best Online Proofreading Jobs For Beginners (Earn $40,000+ A Year)
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This free 76-minute workshop answers all of the most common questions about how to become a proofreader, and even talks about the 5 signs that proofreading could be a perfect fit for you.
9. Bookkeeper
If you’re good with numbers, you might try selling bookkeeping services online or for small businesses, either as a freelancer or part-time.
Bookkeepers are people who handle financial tasks for businesses and this includes keeping track of sales, managing expenses, and creating financial reports.
Plus, you do not need a bachelor’s degree to get started.
If you want to become a bookkeeper, I recommend watching the free training How To Become A Bookkeeper.
Recommended reading: How To Find Online Bookkeeping Jobs
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This free training will teach you what you need to know to become a virtual bookkeeper and make money from home.
10. Sell Canva templates
A Canva template is a ready-made design that you can sell for things like social media graphics, ebooks, and presentations.
Businesses, advertising professionals, social media influencers, and more buy Canva templates because it’s a helpful starting point if you’re not great at designing from scratch. These templates have blank spaces where you can add your own words and pictures. You can also change colors and fonts to fit your preferences.
They’re really useful for making things look good without spending a long time on it.
And, this is where you can come in.
You can design templates and sell them to others to use.
With Canva templates, you can sell a single design an unlimited amount of times. If you’re looking for something passive, this is a great way to learn how to make money while pregnant.
Recommended reading: How I Make $2,000+ Monthly Selling Canva Templates
11. Data entry clerk
Data entry clerks input, update, and double-check information in lists or tables, typing things like numbers and names to keep everything neat and organized.
On average, data entry jobs pay around $15 to $20 per hour.
All you need is an internet connection and a reliable computer to get started too.
This is a low-stress work-from-home job that is good for pregnant women.
12. Write book reviews
Book reviewers read books and get paid to share their opinions in book reviews. There are websites that pay you (and sometimes give you a free book) to talk about what you think of the books.
Some companies that pay for book reviews include Online Book Club, Kirkus Reviews, and BookBrowse.
So, if you find yourself reading a lot of books while pregnant, this can be a great place to start to make extra money.
Recommended reading: 16 Best Ways To Get Paid To Read Books
13. Graphic designer
If you have design skills, you can make money while pregnant by creating logos, website designs, brochures, business cards, marketing materials, and more for clients as an independent contractor.
This is a job that you can do as a freelancer, which means you can make your own schedule and work as much or as little as you would like.
Recommended reading: How To Make Money As A Digital Designer
14. Social media manager
Social media managers and online community managers take care of a business’s social media accounts and online communities (such as forums) with the goal of bringing in new customers and helping the business grow.
They may post pictures or videos to highlight products or the company, and they might join in on popular social media trends, like on TikTok, to get more people to see them.
Social media managers also answer common questions that customers ask, such as on Twitter, in an Instagram Story, or in a TikTok video.
15. Search engine evaluator
A search engine evaluator, also called a Google Rater, is someone who gives ratings to websites based on how good and helpful they are.
This online typing job is perfect for beginners because you don’t need any experience to begin, and you don’t have to be an expert because Google prefers regular people to rate their sites.
Learn more at How To Become a Search Engine Evaluator.
16. Flea market flipper
A flipper buys items from places such as garage sales, Facebook Marketplace, or thrift stores and resells them online for a profit.
For example, you may sell clothing, appliances, household goods, and more as a flipper.
You may be able to earn extra money by flipping items for resale or possibly earn a full-time income!
A helpful free training that I recommend is Turn Your Passion For Visiting Thrift Stores, Yard Sales & Flea Markets Into A Profitable Reselling Business In As Little As 14 Days.
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This free workshop will teach you how to get into the flipping business. It will teach you how to resell furniture, electronics, appliances, and anything else you can find.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about finding a job while pregnant.
Should I say I’m pregnant at a job interview? What are the rights of pregnant employees?
Legally, most employers cannot discriminate against you based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, as established in the Pregnancy Discrimination Act. However, you might wonder if you should disclose your pregnancy during an interview. Ultimately, it’s your decision. If you believe the job is a good fit for you and your pregnancy, you can choose to discuss it after receiving a job offer to determine the necessary accommodations.
It’s usually within your rights to only disclose your pregnancy when you feel comfortable doing so. You should prioritize your health and the needs of you and your child, and focus on finding a job that supports your situation.
What job should I get while pregnant?
When looking for a job while pregnant, you may want to look for jobs that are not physically demanding and have a flexible work schedule. Some job options for pregnant women include becoming a virtual assistant, freelance writer, or proofreader.
What are suitable jobs for women with high-risk pregnancies?
For women with high-risk pregnancies, it’s important to choose jobs that don’t have exposure to harmful chemicals or require heavy lifting. Remote jobs such as online tutoring, social media management, or bookkeeping are ideal in this situation, but you should always ask your doctor to see which jobs are best for your specific situation.
How can a pregnant woman earn money from home? What are the best remote jobs for pregnant moms?
I think working from home is the best possible job idea for pregnant women, and it’s exactly what I did while pregnant! Pregnant women can earn money from home by taking on remote work or freelancing positions. Some options include proofreading, virtual assistance, freelance writing, bookkeeping, and online tutoring.
Are there jobs available for women in their third trimester of pregnancy?
Yes, there are jobs for women in their third trimester of pregnancy. Remote jobs or freelancing in fields like writing, proofreading, or bookkeeping can be suitable during the third trimester, along with many others!
Can you start a job at 7 months pregnant?
The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 says that companies with 15 or more employees can’t make job decisions based on pregnancy or childbirth. As long as you can do the job, a company cannot refuse to hire you just because you’re pregnant. So, if you are 7 months pregnant and need a job, you can get one.
What jobs can you not do while pregnant?
Jobs that you may want to avoid while pregnant include those that involve exposure to toxic chemicals or heavy lifting. Also, some roles with high stress or long hours may not be suitable for some pregnant women. I highly recommend talking with your doctor about which jobs are safe for you during your pregnancy if you have questions.
Can I use FMLA while pregnant?
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) allows qualified employees to take up to 12 weeks off from work without pay for certain family and health reasons, like being pregnant.
Is it OK to not work while pregnant?
Yes, it is okay not to work while you are pregnant. If you can afford it, then saving money ahead of time can be very helpful.
Best Jobs for Pregnant Women – Summary
I hope you enjoyed this article on the best jobs for pregnant women.
Whether you are looking for permanent or temporary jobs while pregnant, you have many options.
If you are wondering what is the best job for a pregnant woman, then the list above is a great place to start. Everyone is different, and everyone’s pregnancies are different – so, you will want to think about what you are comfortable doing as well as what you can physically and mentally handle.
For me, I was so nauseous and sick for the first several months that it was too hard for me to do pretty much anything. Working online was all that I could handle, and even then, that was difficult.
So, do not feel bad if you are not able to handle much. Pregnancy is hard! You are growing a baby and that takes a lot out of a person.
I hope you are able to find the best job for you.
What do you think are the best jobs for pregnant women?
Recommended reading: How To Take Maternity Leave When Self-Employed
Nestled along the picturesque coastline of Connecticut, New Haven is rich with cultural heritage. Home to the prestigious Yale University, the city boasts a dynamic arts and music scene and a diverse culinary landscape. From historic architecture to downtown bustling shops and restaurants, New Haven offers a perfect blend of urban excitement and small-town charm. So whether you’re searching for apartments in New Haven, homes for sale, or want to learn more about what New Haven is known for, this Redfin article will be your guide.
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New Haven is famous for its unique style of pizza, known as “apizza.” This thin-crust, coal-fired pizza is characterized by its charred and crispy crust and is a beloved culinary tradition in the city. Locals and visitors flock to the numerous pizzerias in New Haven to savor this iconic dish.
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With a thriving cultural and arts scene, the array of theaters, galleries, and museums in New Haven stands out. Notable among these cultural institutions are the renowned Yale Center for British Art, the Yale University Art Gallery, and the esteemed Shubert Theater, together offering diverse artistic experiences that enhance the city for its residents.
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10. Historic Shubert Theater
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