Everyone knows that college is expensive, and nobody wants more student loans than necessary. That is why it is believed that a higher percentage of college students work than ever before.

The chief difficulty with working while attending college, even an online college, is finding a job with hours that do not conflict with scheduled classes or academic assignments. Fortunately, there are jobs that are nearly ideal for college students. Consider these.

1. Security guards are needed around the clock, and there are almost always openings.

2. Jobs on campus eliminate the need to commute and are easy to schedule between classes. Ask the financial aid office at your college for a list of work-study job openings.

3. If you are comfortable on the telephone, consider a customer service job. Duties generally include order taking, and resolving customer problems.

4. Lots of students work in restaurants. In fact, I worked as both a waiter and a cook. But, what most students don’t realize is that there are similar jobs working for caterers, and catered events often take place on weekends, when they can easily find time to work.

5. Consider going into business for yourself. Some students have successful websites. Some sell on eBay. Some do interior painting. I even know of a group of students who made considerable money picking up the laundry of fellow students, transporting it to a laundry, and bringing it back. Find a way to fill a need and you’ll have a business.

You can learn some valuable lessons working while in college, including time management, which will make you more attractive to future employers. Just be certain that you limit your hours to leave yourself time to meet your academic obligations. Good luck.