The best side hustles for women focus on earning money while finding a fit it into your already busy life. The more money you earn, the more opportunities you’ll be able to take advantage of, like investing, buying real estate, and saving for retirement.

The American Association of University Women estimates that women statistically earn 84 cents to every dollar a white non-Hispanic male makes. Women who also identify as people of color make even less, sometimes even less, like Latinas, who earn an estimated 57 cents to the dollar. Therefore, having various lucrative income streams as a woman is essential. 

I’m proud to announce that I have been side-hustling since I was in grade school. My parents would buy me these cool pencils that everyone else wanted, and I happily sold each pencil for $1 each. 

Related: Best Side Hustles Overall In 2024

Driving Rideshare

How It Works: Driving rideshare is a popular way for women to earn extra money, allowing them to accept rides as their schedule permits. For women specifically, there are features like Lyft’s Women+ Connect that enables women and nonbinary drivers to match more often with women and nonbinary riders. 

This optional setting, found in the Lyft Driver app, provides a more comfortable experience by helping women connect with others who may have similar preferences when it comes to ride-sharing. This feature doesn’t guarantee matches, but it empowers women by giving them greater control over their driving experience, offering a way to earn while balancing other responsibilities.

Benefits: Driving with Lyft offers extra earning potential along with a flexible schedule. Women who drive as a side hustle can make a solid side income, whether they’re saving for something specific, like a family vacation or paying off bills, or just looking to earn in their downtime. With Women+ Connect, drivers can feel more at ease, knowing they’re more likely to be matched with women and nonbinary riders when they turn this option on.

Getting Started: To begin, sign-up to drive, complete the necessary application steps, and start driving after being approved. Once active, drivers can enable Women+ Connect in their preferences. This feature can be turned on or off at any time, giving drivers control based on their needs and comfort.

Time Commitment: Moderate Time Commitment.

Since drivers can set their hours and choose when to turn Women+ Connect on or off, it’s possible to work around a full-time job or other obligations.

Online Tutoring Or Teaching

How It Works: Connor Ondriska, CEO of SpanishVip, has noticed that women excel at teaching subjects in person and facilitating workshops online. Communication and the ability to explain concepts are skills that many women naturally possess, making online tutoring and teaching a potentially lucrative gig.

“With the increasing popularity of online learning platforms and the demand for personalized learning experiences, women can leverage their knowledge and passion to provide valuable educational support to students or learners worldwide,” shares Ondriska.

I facilitate online workshops for university students who wish to know more about money management. It allows me to harness the power of knowledge with excitement that only I can bring.

Benefits: How much time you commit and what you teach or tutor is going to make a difference in the benefits. You can earn anywhere from $20/hr to $1,000 per month, depending on the subject, time commitment, and more. With services that allow online tutoring, you can even work in your off-hours for a very flexible schedule.

Getting Started: The lowest hanging fruit when it comes to finding tutoring clients is to sign up on tutoring websites and create a profile. Several of these websites require that you take a subject test proving your proficiency in the subject. Once you have done that, the website will allow you to start taking on clients.

The following is a list of tutoring websites you can check out:

• VIPKID
  
• Chegg Tutors
• Tutor.com

Time Commitment: Low Time Commitment

Related: How To Get Paid To Tach As An Online Tutor

Get Paid To Be Marie Kondo

How it Works: Become a professional organizer if you are passionate about helping people declutter. This can involve helping individuals or businesses organize their homes, offices, or, as Ondriska mentions, “Specific areas such as closets, kitchens, or storage spaces.”

Women can assist others in simplifying their lives while earning income by providing practical solutions. You can also help other women create functional spaces and places they want to come home to.

Benefits: How much you'll earn varies, but you can expect to earn $100 or more per visit to help someone clear and organize.

Getting Started: The easiest way to get started helping others organize is to showcase your work and ideas locally. Think Facebook Marketplace or Nextdoor.

 Time Commitment: Low Time Commitment

Play Grand Theft Auto Live

How It Works: If you’re like me, you enjoy the occasional video game like the next person. But did you know you could make gaming a side hustle with some serious focus and niching? You can earn money through gaming by winning competitions or building a thriving community with live streaming through Twitch.

You can also build up a YouTube following and run a Discord. You can also have members pay for custom content through Pateron.

Benefits: A survey of Twitch streams highlighted that even small streamers (with 5 to 10 average viewers) can earn anywhere from $50 to $200 per month. If you can get that average viewership up to 100 on average or more, you could be making $1,000 per month. And women have a knack for gaining a larger following quickly.

Getting Started: You want to start streaming, find a game you love, and setup Twitch and get started. You're going to need a combination of both gaming ability, and social media skills to interact with your audience.

Time Commitment: Medium Time Commitment

Use Your Handyman Skills

How It Works: It’s estimated that only 5.7% of all handymen are women. This is an untapped market if you have the skills. Why? Women hesitate to let men they don’t know into their homes (and for good reason!), which means they might put off maintenance issues, which will most likely cost more in the long run. 

Benefits: Depending on what you want to offer, you can expect to earn $20 - $100 per item/project or more. 

Getting Started: Some women on TaskRabbit focus on providing handyman services to female clientele to help clients feel comfortable while getting the maintenance they need to be taken care of. You can always upgrade your skillset by attending free workshops offered at Home Deport, taking an evening class at a local community college, or even watching YouTube videos.

Time Commitment: Low Time Commitment

Predict The Future

How It Works: If you have strong intuition and a compassionate wisdom about you, consider becoming a tarot card reader. A tarot is a set of cards used to divine insights about the person who is receiving the reading. Tarot readers learn how to read individual cards, which include their meaning and which can then be used to give insight to a client's life or answer questions. Once a practitioner has dealt a round of cards, they explain each card's meaning to help guide them with a current situation or question. 

Benefits: Depending on the services and style, you can expect to earn $80 - $150 per reading. 

Getting Started: You don’t have to be a psychic to do this, and can make money on your own time through platforms like Etsy.

Time Commitment: Medium Time Commitment

Join OnlyFans

How It Works: Stay with me here. If you're not familiar, OnlyFans is a subscription-based content site where people (most women) can sell content they create. Yes, this content usually is pornographic in nature, but it doesn't have to be.

70% of content creators on this platform are women. Women also outrank men in the earnings department by reporting up to 78% more revenue. 85% of the top earners are women.

Benefits: The earnings potential with OnlyFans is limitless, and the time commitment is completely flexible. Both of these things are very appealing to creators. However, to be a top earner, it takes a lot of time and effort. Beyond creating content, you need to market yourself, engage with your fans, and more.

Getting Started: To get started, simply sign up on OnlyFans. You need to verify your identity (which can be private to your fans), and then figure out what type of content you want to create and sell.

Time Commitment: Medium Time Commitment

Sell Your Hair 

How It Works: If you have hair that grows fast or have been dying to cut it anyway, why don’t you try selling it? Wig makers will buy hair directly from sellers if your hair is in good condition, which means no chemically treated or processed hair. They’ll also pay more if your hair is longer than 8 inches and if it is thick.

Benefits: I saw hair going anywhere from $350 upwards to $1,000!

Getting Started: You can sell to a wig maker or other organizations who help with hair loss sufferers through a reputable website such as Hair Sellon. 

Time Commitment: Low Time Commitment 

Put Your Plant Babies On The Market

How It Works: As a self-identified plant lady, I’m obsessed with collecting plants. If you have a green thumb, you can buy small plants inexpensively and then sell them for more when they get larger. If you are good at propagation, you can also buy the plant once and then sell the cuttings once they are established. 

Benefits: Depending on the type of plant and the condition, you can get anywhere from $25 to sometimes $100 in online marketplaces and trade groups. My friend is great at doing this with her snake plants and monstera albo, which can sell for a lot.

Getting Started: You have to first grow some plants. Succulents and other easy to care plants are popular. You can sell on online marketplaces like Facebook, or through various plant communities online.

Time Commitment: Medium Time Commitment

Be A Friend

How It Works: If you have a knack for talking to random people, rent your services out to those looking for them. It might sound odd, but some people just want companionship, or company to an event, or just someone to talk to. This thing is purely platonic.

Benefits: If you’re great at making friends, this could be a fun and lucrative way to profit from it. Many friends start at $10 per hour and go up from there. 

How To Get Started: People post ads looking for others on websites such as Rentafriend.com for various events. Some people are looking for someone to pretend to be their boyfriend or girlfriend for a family event, while others need a buddy for a social outing. Others just need someone to talk to.

Time Commitment: Medium Time Commitment

Related: 54 Side Hustle Ideas To Make Money Fast

Side Hustling Tips

You can maximize your side hustle potential profits by taking care of a few critical items before you get started: 

Identify Your Skills And Interests

Not all side hustles are for everyone. If you’re an introvert, you might prefer to do something in your own home that doesn’t involve direct contact with many people. You probably wouldn't be great at tarot if you think it's all malarky. And no matter what, someone can always tell if you hate something or are uncomfortable, so don’t fake it till you make it.

Research Your Local Market

As mentioned, some side hustles can be oversaturated in your area, which means many people are trying to do the same thing. On the other hand, there may not be a need for the services you’d like to promote. Putting time aside to research before setting yourself up to hustle can save time and frustration.

Market research can be done by browsing local online listings and communities like Nextdoor. If you see a service going for way below market value, that indicates a lot of competition and may not be very lucrative.

Set A Realistic Schedule

Writing may now be my full-time gig, but it was just a side hustle for quite a few years. I would write whenever I could and got pretty crazy about trying to fit it into my schedule around my full-time job. It was hard to produce consistent work and avoid burnout.

One of my top tips for anyone starting a side hustle is to look into creating a routine. Pick designated days and times that work for you, and allow yourself time for breaks and chores. Setting up a schedule for yourself can eliminate decision fatigue distractions and help you stay consistent with your output to start to stack that cash. 

Have you tried one of these side hustles? Were you successful? We want to hear about it!

Frequently Asked Questions About Side Hustles For Women

What is the best side hustle for women?

The best side hustle for women balances earning potential with scheduling, and alignment with passions and interests.

How can women make extra cash?

There are a lot of ways a woman can make extra cash, including driving, delivering, organizing, tutoring, and more.

Which side hustles make the most money?

The side hustles that make the most money are the more entrepreneurial ventures, including sales, starting your own business, and even streaming.

Can a mom with children start a side hustle?

Yes! A mom with children can definitely start a side hustle, but time will be a constraint. However, we've seen women with children take their children along with them while they side hustle - which allows both earning potential and teaching your children the value of money and work.

Related Articles:

Here's a crazy stat: the oldest millennials are closer to receiving AARP than they are from when they graduated college.

AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to help live their lives in the best way possible with access to tools, advocates, and financial resources that help with items ranging from tax preparation to access to community assistance funds for members.

But ignoring that fact, did you know that AARP is now open to anyone ages 18 and up? They offer a variety of resources and benefits to help its members save money. Here are a few ways that AARP can help you lower your spending.

Household Discounts

AARP can save you money when it comes to your everyday expenses. Wireless providers such as ATT and Consumer Cellular offer discounts for regular cell phone plans. Along with your cell phone, you can also save on money sending packages and other services provided by UPS. Other discounts include ones on groceries, gas, and items for your furry companions such as pet insurance.

Speaking of insurance, AARP offers exclusive benefits to members. While you have to qualify for Medicare for some exclusive rates such as ones from United Healthcare and Delta Dental Insurance Company, you can be any age to take advantage of discounts for eyewear at stores like Target and gym memberships. You can also secure discounts on prescription medicine at retailers such as CVS, Walmart, and Walgreens.

Save Money On Travel

Millennials take advantage of their vacation days. It’s estimated that millennials take the largest number of international and domestic vacations when compared to their peers from the Baby Boomer and GenX demographic. Millennials also shared their travel budgets which stated they planned to spend anywhere between $3,650 to $4,560 on travel for the upcoming year. With vacation costs rising, you can save money by using your AARP membership.

Budget, AVIS, and Expedia are all AARP partners that offer discounts on upcoming car rentals. Best Western, Hilton, Embassy Suites Wyndham offer discounts for hotel rooms off of the best available rate for the length of your stay. You can also save big on theme parks like Disneyland, Disney World and Universal Studios. Members can also score exclusive deals for cruises and flight travel packages.

Related: Best Credit Cards To Maximize Travel Rewards

Discounts on Financial Products

AARP partners with financial companies to bring you discounts on common financial tools. For example, Marcus: By Goldman Sachs offers a rate bonus on its high-yield savings account and Barclays has exclusive offers on its credit cards. You can also open a Health Savings Account (HSA) through Optum Financial with reduced fees. 

There are also financial tools to help with your taxes, plan for retirement and services if you find yourself the victim of fraud. 

AARP also offers services to help ensure you and your family are looked after should something happen to you. Trust & Will offer discounts off of estate planning and New York Life offers long term care insurance as well as multiple life insurance policies to fit you and your budget. Long term planning is something that you can (and should do) at any age.

This membership definitely has you covered when it comes to insurance. For even more insurance needs, The Hartford and Allstate offer special rates for AARP members on auto insurance, renters insurance, and roadside assistance. There’s also insurance mobile homes, motorcycles, recreation vehicles, boats and watercrafts plus collectible vehicles. Basically, if you need insurance, AARP likely has a discount for it.

Save On Entertainment

Fun can be had at any age and that’s what makes AARP great with discounts you can use when you’re out and about. If you feel like skipping out on cooking dinner tonight, you can grab deals at places such as Carrabas Italian Grill, Papa John’s, Cinnabon, Jamba, Outback Steakhouse, and more. 

You can also grab discounts on theme park tickets or streaming services like Paramount Plus at a lower rate than a non-member.

AARP Theater also offers multiple movie and theater showings on demand. You can also see concerts, musicals and dance performances all from the comfort of your own home. It’s a great way for those of us who also prefer to stay home or have limited mobility.

Free Financial Education

Besides discounts, AARP also provides a wealth of knowledge and free resources at no additional cost to their members. Financial topics include information about budgeting, retirement planning, debt, taxes, and social security. They also offer free tax assistance and additional support to help advocate for those who need additional help such as home care service or long term insurance.

Get AARP Rewards

Last but not least, AARP offers rewards to members when they complete certain tasks, such as completing surveys and games. You can also earn rewards for activities such as syncing your fitness tracker and logging doctor visits. Rewards can later be turned in for gift cards to retailers such as Amazon and Kroger. Every little bit adds up when it comes to saving and these gift cards can be used for groceries, gifts and other household items one may need.

How To Sign Up

To sign up, visit the AARP website to register. An AARP membership for 2024 is priced at $16 for the entire year. You can get a discount if you pay for a membership if you pay in advance for years to come. At this low rate, you pretty much only need to use your membership once to cover the annual fee.

Choosing a fashion design school is a big decision. Getting a good education and making connections in the industry is a great way to ensure a long and successful career in the fashion industry. 

Whether you want your designs to make the runway, or work in marketing the latest trends, here are some top fashion design schools to help you make your decision a little easier. 

Parsons School of Design

Part of The New School, this university was founded in 1919 by a group of creatives frustrated with traditional colleges that weren’t offering programs to study people’s newer interests such as film, history, art, and social sciences. Rated #4 in the world for the best Art and design school, the Parsons School of Design offers over 1,350 internship opportunities, allowing students to pursue various interests related to design in a vibrant community. 

Programs Offered

• Fashion Design (BFA, AAS)
• Design History and Practice (BFA)
• Fashion Design & Society (MFA)
• Fashion Management (MPS)
• Fashion Marketing and Communications (AAS)
• Textiles (MFA)

Tuition

Full-time tuition of $ 27,794 a semester. The full-time credit range is 12-18, and the per credit tuition is $1,837.

Notable Alumni

Tom Ford, Joel Schumacher, Alexander Wang, Issac Mizrahi, Mark Badgley and James Mischka (Badgley Mischka)

Fashion Institute Of Technology

One of the many programs housed by the State University of New York, the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) boasts a robust history that’s warranted. Founded in 1944, local tailors and other clothing merchants realized a lack of qualified and talented workers in the fashion and apparel business because careers in law and medicine were being pushed to young students.

FIT is known for groundbreaking ideas, including The Social Justice Center, a first-of-its-kind initiative in higher education. The Social Justice Center addresses systemic issues faced by BIPOC students and professionals in the creative economy. FIT was also recognized on Fast Company’s 2023 World Change Ideas list for their PETE Prize for Entrepreneurs.

Programs And Courses Offered 

• Fashion Design AAS and BFA
• International Fashion Design AAS and BFA (one year is spent in Florence or Milan for international credit)

Tuition

NYC Resident AAS $2,645, BFA $3,585 per semester
Non-Resident AAS $7,935 BFA $10,846 per semester

Notable Alumni

Calvin Klien, Michael Kors, Zaldy Goco

Royal College of Art (London, England)

For those more advanced in their fashion journey, The Government School of Design was founded in 1837 for those seeking more art and design experience across all disciplines. Establishing university status after being granted a Royal Charter in 1967, the school changed its name to the Royal College of Art (RCA) in 1967. It remains one of the most influential schools for post-graduate students, offering connections to the most significant fashion houses, such as Louis Vuitton and Burberry.

Programs And Courses Offered

Postgraduate programs and individual classes to gain more experience in their respective fields include: 

• Fashion
• Jewelery and Metal
• Textiles
• Master of Research
• Art and Design

Tuition

Tuition is subsidized by the many scholarships available to domestic and international students. Graduate programs start at £15,150 for residents and £35,950* Overseas and EU.

Notable Alumni

Zandra Rhodes (textile prints), Ridley Scott, and Sir James Dyson.

Istituto Marangoni (Milan, Italy)

Known for being the world's fashion capital, Milan is home to many fashion houses, such as Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabanna, Versace, Prada, and Missoni. It’s also home to one of the top designer fashion schools in the world, Istituto Marangoni. The first private school in Europe for fashion designers, Istituto Marangoni, is known for the experience students graduate with based upon 80% of their schooling being hands-on learning. Along with fashion, students can also obtain a degree in fragrances and cosmetics. 

Programs And Courses Offered

• Fashion Design, BA
• Fashion Design & Accessories BA
• Fashion Styling & Creative Direction, BA
• Fashion Product, BA

Tuition

Discussed during private consultation with the school

Notable Alumni

Franco Moschino, Domencio Dolce, Alessandra Sartori

The Importance Of Attending A Fashion Design School

Just like education in any other industry, attending a top fashion design school can mean more connections and opportunities within the industry. Potentially making it easier to get a job after you've graduated.

“Highly rated schools tend to attract phenomenal talent and people. This includes instructors, staff, classmates, and peers,” states Ms. Chika, a Scholarship and Gen Z Finance consultant who drops knowledge at Ms. Chika. “With phenomenal talent comes some of the best networking opportunities, including access to notable alumni who can provide guidance, insight, and unique opportunities.”

One of the schools that made our list is known for getting their students into the top fashion houses, such as Louis Vuitton and Burberry. More prestigious schools also traditionally offer more funding opportunities for education and services to stay on track to graduation. 

Things To Consider When Choosing A Fashion Design School

Fashion Design school is a big commitment and it's not cheap, so you'll want to make this decision thoughtfully. 

Before committing to any school, knowing what you’re getting into is essential. Chika reminds us that you always want to research your ROI on any program. Critical questions to ask and research are:

What’s The Time Commitment?

School is not only a considerable investment for your financial future, it’s also a massive investment regarding your time. Many professors recommend two to three hours of studying time per week for every one hour of class time.

For example, if you had a three-hour class, you should put 6-9 hours aside for studying. This easily equates to school being a full-time job in terms of hourly commitment. Make sure you’re ready to make this your reality for the next three to four years before you fully commit.

What Is The Graduation Rate?

If a school is marketing that they are top-rated, make sure they have numbers to back it up.

How Long Does It Take Most People To Complete The Program?

Most programs mentioned are marketing as being 2-4 years, depending on your study, but that doesn’t mean a lot of attendees will graduate within that time frame.

What Do Their Salaries Look Like 2 Years After Graduation?

The average fashion designer statistically earns $63,852 per year. Check to see if graduates are on track to do what their peers do. The school may offer fewer internships or connections if the average is lower than initially promised.

What Is The Average Amount Of Debt After Graduation?

While there are affordable fashion schools, the prestigious ones may have a higher price tag. Estimating how much financial assistance you’ll need and what you’ll qualify for is essential.

When I briefly considered fashion school in Los Angeles, I would have had to take a Parent PLUS Loan with my dad. His only condition was that I finished the current certificate program I was in at that time before I could go. The certificate ended up being a forensic crime scene technician, which I used for my bachelor's in the long term. In criminal justice, of course!

Do You Have A Sound Support System?

Chika admits that school can be a stressful and challenging time for many. That’s why ensuring you have the proper support systems to help you succeed is essential. Along with caring for your mind and body, think of how you will support yourself financially, emotionally, socially, and physically. “Sometimes, people go in without a plan and struggle unnecessarily,” she shares. 

Summary

Attending fashion design school is a great way to connect, gain experience, and dive deep into fashion. Before you decide on a school, be sure to understand the time and financial commitment you'll be expected to make. 

Enrolling in school is a big task that requires organization so we’ve created a list of what documents are required to enroll in college to make it as easy as possible.

I remember feeling anxious the last time I enrolled in school. I was super excited but, at the same time, so nervous I had forgotten something!

Along with filling out my application and financial aid, there was still so much I needed to submit to both the financial aid office and the office as registration. So here's what you'll likely need, as well as where to find these documents if you need replacements. 

Don't forget to check out our college application checklist here.

Identification

Documentation needed for proof of identification may vary from school to school. However, most schools require these documents, especially when receiving financial aid.

Birth Certificate

Your birth certificate is one of the most requested documents required as proof of identification. You can scan your original birth certificate; if it happens to be misplaced, you can always order another one online.

If you need to request a certified copy, the first step is to find out where your state or county’s vital records department is located. This map provided by the CDC is a great starting point to check.

Social Security Card

Your social security number is used as a universal identity number when applying for a job, opening a bank account, getting a passport, filing your taxes, and filling out your financial aid application. This number can also be used to track you through various agencies and for background checks.

When enrolling, a social security card is an official document with your social security number printed for identification purposes. If you need a new copy of your you can find out how to request yours at SSA.gov.

If you're a DACA recepient student, you still need to get your SSN. Here's the process.

Driver’s License/ Identification Card

Not only does a driver’s license issued by the state you currently reside in show proof that you are allowed to drive but it’s also authenticated proof of your identification that contains a picture of you and your current address and a description of what you look like. Colleges use this to help prove you are who you say you are and that no one is committing identity theft on your behalf.

If you don’t have a driver’s license, another form of identification with your picture on it, such as a regular identification card or passport. State ID cards are issued through the state, so you'll need to find the rules for your particular state if you need to have an ID card issued. 

Related: How Does The College Admissions Process Work?

Academics

After submitting identification, you’ll most likely be asked to submit the following academic information:

Standardized Test Scores

The Suite of Assessments (SAT) and American College Testing (ACT) are two standardized tests widely used to determine college admission among colleges and universities. Both tests were created to allow schools to see how well students understand reading, writing, and math on a national level. The ACT also offers a science section that can benefit students going to school for science or medicine.

While some schools do not require a standardized test score, it’s best to be prepared. These scores determine your class placement and can also be used for recruiting purposes, additional financial aid, and overall acceptance to the school you are applying for. 

If you need a new copy of your SAT scores you can do so at CollegeBoard.com. There is a fee, but the site doesn't say how much. To get copies of your ACT scores you can set up an account at MyACT and request scores to be sent to colleges from there. There is an $18.50 fee each for tests taken after September 1st 2020. Scores from tests taken before that are $30 each.  

High School Transcript

Schools will ask you to provide your high school transcript. This document highlights your classes and your grade in that subject. Higher ed institutions may require you to take additional classes, such as fine arts or a second language, and courses required for graduation, such as math and English. These schools may also require you to have a certain grade point average (GPA) during your high school career for acceptance into their program.

You can request transcripts from your high school. 

Finances

Finances are another essential category when considering the documents needed to enroll.

FAFSA

If you haven’t yet, stop here and fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ® ). Your FAFSA is a vital document needed to complete your enrollment process in school. Your FAFSA determines how much financial aid you are eligible for from the U.S. Department of Education.

Once your application is processed, you’ll be sent a Student Aid Report, which includes all the information you’ve provided to receive financial aid. It will also include what’s known as your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) based on income and assets you or your guardians may have. Financial aid can consist of Pell Grants, subsidized loans, unsubsidized loans, and information on Parent PLUS loans if needed.

Copy Of Financial Aid Award Letter

After completing your FAFSA and receiving your Student Aid Report, your information will be forwarded to the school to which you are applying. Once this is received, your school’s financial aid officer will send you a financial aid award letter. This letter lets you know what types of financial aid you qualify for when attending their school.

In addition to the types of financial aid listed above, your school can provide additional assistance in the form of grants and scholarships that exist exclusively for your program and circumstances. 

If you need a copy of your Student Aid Report you can find the directions to request a copy at StudentAid.gov. 

Checking Account

When enrolling in school, you may be asked to provide checking account information. Many schools will give you the remainder of your financial aid after your classes have been paid for via direct deposit or check; it's easier on both the school and you to provide your checking account so that the funds can go directly to you without any wait time. Your checking account may also be put on file so that you can purchase items from the bookstore or pay for additional costs such as room and board.

You'll be asked for your routing number and account number. If you have paper checks, you can find both numbers at the bottom of a check. If not, call the bank and a customer service rep should be able to get those for you. 

Here's where you can find the best college student checking accounts. 

Medical

One area of documentation needed to enroll that most need to remember is required documents for health and safety reasons.

Immunization card

Your immunization records contain important health history regarding Public Safety in the form of vaccines. Vaccinations keep not only you healthy but can keep others healthy as well. Some diseases can be highly transmissible, so receiving timely and scheduled immunizations is crucial.

Some vaccinations that are required are measles months and rubella. Other vaccinations that can be necessary are ones related to Covid-19, meningococcal meningitis, human papillomavirus (HPV), influenza, tetanus-diphtheria, and pertussis.

If you have a gap on your immunization record, you can work with both your primary provider and school for accommodations.

Unfortunately, there isn't a central location where you can get copies of  your immunization records. If they were provided to your high school, you may be able to get a copy from them. Also, some states keep records at the state health department, so you can try that.

If that doesn't work, you can call the doctor's office where it was performed and see if they can get you a copy. If you can't find them, you may need to get the immunization again. 

HIPPA Release Form

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) is a federal law that requires organizations to protect patient health information. This Privacy Rule is used when others ask to disclose a patient's health information. While you can have your information disclosed for permitted reasons, it's usually only those you give access to, such as a doctor or other healthcare provider.

By filling out a HIPAA form, you allow your school to keep health information private and request it as needed. This can be essential if something happens to you at school that requires medical assistance. 

Emergency Contact Information

In case you require medical or any other type of assistance, it's essential to make sure that you have your critical contact information to provide in case of an emergency. Many people only list their parents, but after working and education for 20 years, I highly recommend listing an additional relative or family friend that you know is easy to get a hold of this way, they can relay the message to your parents if needed. Information for your contacts can include their numbers, employer, home address, and email.

Having all of these documents collected before it’s time to enroll can ensure that you have a smooth transition as a student to your new school and are registered for the classes you need.

A college acceptance offer is an official written notification by a school to inform you that you were accepted into the program to which you applied.

College acceptance offers are usually delivered by mail (or email) with additional information needed to attend school. You typically have until May 1st to commit to the school before the letter expires. 

However, it's important to read the fine details, such as your enrollment deadline.

There are a few other letters that you may receive, such as a deferred acceptance or denial letter. However, that doesn't have to be the end of road for that school. There are still things you can do be accepted. 

Understanding College Acceptance Offers

Let’s review the three most common types you may receive to determine how long your college acceptance letter is: 

Accepted

This type of letter is the one that you’ve been most likely hoping for. An acceptance letter typically arrives in a larger envelope with additional brochures regarding tuition costs and housing arrangements. An acceptance letter can also have information about your financial aid, what type you’ve qualified for, and when your first payment to hold your place will be due. 

If you are not ready to attend this school, communicate with the admissions office to see what options are available to you without losing your spot or financial aid. Asking for deferred enrollment is different from a deferred acceptance letter described below.

Deferred 

A deferred acceptance (or delayed admission) letter means that the college you applied to is considering admitting you as a student, but they need additional time or documentation. You can receive a delayed admission letter for various reasons, such as missing paperwork or an incomplete FAFSA. 

The school of your choice may also send you a letter for no reason within your control, such as a surplus in college applications from other students. If you’re unclear about the status of your application after reading this letter, reach out to the admissions officer or a counselor for clarification.

Denied

A denied admission letter means that you were not accepted into the school you applied for. While it certainly stings, a denied admission letter has most likely nothing to do with you but everything to do with the school. Colleges want you to succeed, so they may not move forward with admissions at this time. But this doesn’t mean you won't ever be a good fit. It just means you’re not a good fit right now. 

I’ll admit to getting one of these letters my senior year of high school, and it hurt. But, after a few adjustments to both myself and my academics, I was offered admission and succeeded because the time was right.

If you were denied admissions to a school that you really want to attend, ask your admissions officer what you can work on for a better chance next time.

How Long Are Acceptance Letters Valid?

Acceptance letters are generally valid until May 1st.

“How long an acceptance is good for is based on the type of application a student submits,” says Scot Marken, Founder & CEO of Ed| Redefined. “For students who apply Regular Decision or Early Action, the deadline to commit is May 1st, regardless of the date they are accepted.” Some colleges automatically consider you committed upon an acceptance letter received during early admission.

Along with accepting your college offer, you might also be on the hook for a deposit to hold your spot. Allen Koh, founder and CEO of Cardinal Education, says that typically, your acceptance will be canceled if the student fails to submit the deposit by this deadline. “However, some colleges may grant an extension if there is a legitimate reason for missing the deadline, such as a family emergency or a natural disaster.” But as Koh shares, many deadlines are final because, traditionally, colleges have a waiting list ready to go. (Remember the deferrals?)

However, don’t wait too long to commit to your school. Taking time to commit and waiting till the last possible second can severely disadvantage you when competing with your peers. Your housing, class schedule, work-study placement, and financial aid can all be affected when you wait until the last minute. If accommodation is limited, you may not be able to attend at all, as some schools require first-year students to live on campus for their first year. 

What Happens After the Acceptance Offer Expires?

So, what happens if you’re waiting to see if you get other offers only to realize that it’s past May 1st, and you’re still empty-handed now with no fallback school? If you fail to commit by the deadline, you have alternative options.

Contact Your School’s Admissions Office

First, don’t write your school off entirely regarding missing your acceptance deadline. Come prepared with a plan to explain your situation and ask if you have any options you can pursue. They might be able to admit you still; if they can’t, they can advise you on your next steps or other options for the next enrollment cycle. You may also get on a waiting list, allowing you to register for classes after all.

Remember, your school is doing you a favor if they can still push you through enrollment, so patience and understanding are key.

Enroll In A Community College Or Certificate Program

If you cannot enroll at your previous school, consider enrolling in a community college. Community colleges offer numerous advantages when compared to universities. Community colleges provide cheaper tuition, more evening classes, and the opportunity to earn an associate degree that you can transfer to another school to use towards your bachelor's degree.

Getting my associate’s while finishing my bachelor's helped me navigate the workforce with higher earning potential since I already had some education behind me. With a higher earning potential, I could support myself financially while incurring minimum debt while waiting for my four-year degree.

Look Into Colleges With Rolling Admissions

If you intend to go straight to a university, consider finding a school that offers rolling admissions. Schools that offer rolling admissions accept applications as they are submitted. This means you’re not held to the May 1st date but have more flexibility with attending school.

Many schools with rolling admissions have shorter semesters of 6-8 weeks, so you’ll have more opportunities to start school without waiting. Don’t forget to add your new school to your FAFSA so that you can potentially transfer your financial aid award so that tuition is covered.

Take A Gap Year

If none of these options are available, consider taking a gap year. Gap years look different for everyone. Working full-time, participating in an immersion program, or signing up for the Peace Corps are just a few ways to spend the year before your tentative enrollment.

Pausing school can allow you to set yourself up for success before taking the next step in your academic journey. Not only can you work on becoming financially stable, but you can also ensure you have the correct support network for those moments when school feels hard.

Summary

If you receive an acceptance letter, you generally have until May 1st to commit to the school. If it expires you can contact your schools admissions office to see if they can still let you in. However, generally, if you miss the deadline you will have to wait until next year to attend.