You are not alone. An astounding 73% of college graduates will never utilize their degree, spending years and a substantial amount of money on what feels like a game of chance. But what if there is a more intelligent route—one that doesn’t merely mitigate the risks, but instead offers you freedom and sets you up for impact?

That route is starting a business while still in school. With technology layoffs in 2025, AI shifting jobs, and problem-solving opportunities in abundance, entrepreneurship isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a revolution. This article explains why starting a business as a student is your best decision while providing practical advice to encourage you to take that first step. Ready to reshape your future? Let’s jump right in.

Redefining Risk in a Dynamic World

The world is rapidly changing – there are rampant tech layoffs, pharmacists are being replaced by AI, and job security seems like a farfetched goal. So, what is riskier, getting another degree or starting your own business? Here’s an interesting fact that might blow your mind – AI is not only disrupting jobs, but also making business entrepreneurship easier than it has ever been.

With tools like PayPal, Venmo, and even smartphones, turning an idea into a business is now quite simple. As a student, you are not yet locked in a 9-5 job, so why not take advantage of that freedom? If you start small – thinking of problems you are looking to solve – that might just be less risky than betting on a job market that is more and more unstable.

You’re Already a Business—Here’s Why 

Have you ever considered yourself a business? While seeking employment, you market yourself as a solution provider with unique skills, and while doing so, you are solely promoting a foundational concept of business. Business, at its most fundamental level, is about providing solutions to problems that are profitable. Don’t believe the “hustle bro” stereotypes—entrepreneurship isn’t about flashy cars or million-dollar pitches.

It’s all about value. Imagine a student who has mastered the skill of acing tests. Selling that knowledge to classmates to help them perform better for a nominal charge is a business that the student has started. There is no need to possess higher education to start a business—only the ability to recognize a gap that needs to be filled. What solutions can you provide today? 

Start with What You Know 

Don’t know what direction to take? Assess your own life. What are some sources of frustration for you? What aspects do you wish were more convenient? For example, stress management, smarter studying, or dealing with the myriad of college applications and offers. Addressing your problems is the perfect launching pad of any venture. Why? Because if you find challenges trying, there are no doubt countless students just like you that need a solution, so consider them your target market. Begin small: create a tutorial, a short instructional video, or offer guidebooks and tutoring to showcase your knowledge.

The most exciting aspect is that you are already learning and transforming that into a business would simply require a change in perspective.

Education Businesses Scale Like Nothing Else 

Here’s where the real fun begins: All students can benefit from education businesses. Unlike other businesses that require huge startup investments, sharing what you know can benefit you greatly. You can help one person or a million with the same effort. For example, making a YouTube instructional video on “how to ace organic chemistry” has a zero cost but has the potential to reach thousands.

YouTube, the 2nd largest search engine in the world, is hungry for educational content in 2025. All you need to start is your smartphone and a well-lit window. What can you teach that someone is searching for? 

Three Things You Need (Spoiler: It’s Simple) 

It is safe to say that starting a business is daunting, but really all it boils down to is three things: a problem to solve, a way to accept payment, and a paying customer. LLCs, logos, and even websites are not needed right now—they come later. Better time management? That’s the problem you’ve already solved. Payment? Sending money through Venmo and PayPal is hassle-free, but make sure to track your earnings separately (that’s not a hassle). Customers? Classmates, online communities, and friends are all readily available. Just keep your attention on these three components and your startup is good to go. What is one problem you can try to solve this week? 

Your Student Superpower: Built-In Networks

Your community is filled with individuals who have the same aspirations and predicaments as you do. Have you tackled an issue yet? It’s likely that your peers could also use the answer you found. You might as well start with them. You can offer a workshop or a short guide on studying for a fee. Do you have bigger plans? You can create videos for YouTube or upload on other social media platforms—there’s a world beyond your campus. The important thing is being able to let others know what you are learning—the content creation is endless—from every test you ace to every hack you master. What are some campus resources you could tap into to launch your first project?

YouTube: The World’s Stage

In 2025, YouTube is known for more than just cat videos, everyone calls it a classroom. The site witnesses millions of searches for “how to” videos daily, plus, it has an algorithm that promotes educational content. Don’t have access to fancy Hollywood equipment? An old iPhone that you own could record 4K quality videos, which are more than good enough. You can teach fellow students a variety of things including—their college campus navigation skills, social skills and many more. Quality of production isn’t the main point here; you make magic when you clarify a problem. When you document your process, you transform from simply a business builder—into an entrepreneur crafting skill and an audience. Is there something you picked up along the way that could benefit others on YouTube?

Let’s Take a Look at Mia’s Study Hack Empire

Meet Mia, a biologist in her second year who’s fending off her biology exams along with a part-time job. After trying and failing with different study techniques, she devoted hours to developing an effective note-taking system that reduced her study time by fifty percent. Out of nowhere, she decided to sell it to her classmates for five dollars a session. News circulated, and before she knew it, she was teaching ten students a week.

Encouraged by the positive feedback, Mia decided to create a YouTube video where she detailed her system. To her surprise, by the following month, five thousand people had subscribed to her channel. With this sudden increase, Mia was able to earn money from advertisements and digital study guides. Instead of dropping out of school like most people would assume, Mia employed her budding business to pay for tuition, allowing her to gain skills and confidence unlike any traditional education. Now, she’s working on turning her content into an online course, while maintaining her position at the top of her class.

Key Takeaways

• Rethink Risk: Starting a business is less risky than banking on an unstable job market, especially with AI tools at your fingertips.
• You’re a Business: Your skills are already a business—use them to solve problems for others.
• Start Small: Solve your own problems first, then share those solutions with peers.
• Education Scales: Teaching what you know can reach one or millions with minimal cost.
• Keep It Simple: Focus on a problem, payment, and customers—skip the fancy stuff for now.
• Leverage Your Network: Your campus is a ready-made customer base for your ideas.
• YouTube Is Power: Share your knowledge on YouTube to reach a global audience for free.

Conclusion: Your Future, Your Rules

Starting a business as a student isn’t one-size-fits-all. Maybe YouTube’s not your thing—try tutoring, freelancing, or selling digital guides. The beauty is in the flexibility: you can experiment, pivot, or pause without losing much. The insights here—solving problems, leveraging your network, keeping it simple—aren’t just about business; they’re about building a life where you call the shots. There’s no downside to trying, and the upside? Skills, freedom, and maybe a future you never imagined. So, what’s one small step you could take today to start solving a problem? The world’s waiting for your solution.