No BS Guide on Paying Your College Fees in 2025! (Full Process)

Summary

This video shares a practical guide on how to pay your own college fees by leveraging freelance skills and AI-driven services. The speaker highlights the importance of building a strong portfolio and gaining early experience in content writing, virtual assistance, video editing, and AI applications. With strategies for scaling your freelance career, focusing on high-demand niches, and strategically using platforms like LinkedIn, X, Fiverr, and Upwork, the speaker inspires students to embrace their skills, persist through challenges, and make significant strides toward financial independence while pursuing their education.

Takeaways

• 😀 Paying your own college fees is possible with the right skills and strategies. It may take time, but consistency will lead to success.
• 😀 The average cost of a 4-year engineering degree at IIT Bombay is around 12 lakhs, with about 1.5 lakh per semester, which translates to a need for earning 25,000 per month.
• 😀 Your first semester will focus on building a foundation, and initial earnings might be less than expected. But over time, you'll catch up and can cover the full fee by graduation.
• 😀 Start freelancing with skills like content writing or virtual assistance. These are in high demand, have a low learning curve, and are great for building your portfolio and client reviews.
• 😀 Video editing is one of the top freelance skills for 2024, with businesses and content creators needing polished videos. If you master this skill, it could become your primary income source.
• 😀 AI-driven businesses are a fast-growing field. Learning to create AI chatbots or agents for businesses is a highly marketable skill in 2025 and beyond.
• 😀 Build a portfolio and reputation on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork. The goal is to develop credibility and eventually scale your freelancing income.
• 😀 To scale your freelancing efforts, use platforms like LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) to connect with professionals, pitch your services, and increase your pricing as you gain experience.
• 😀 Video editing offers more stability than content creation because it's less risky. By working with multiple creators, you can continue earning even as trends change.
• 😀 Mastering skills like video editing, graphic design, and AI development can help you create valuable portfolios, charge premium prices, and secure consistent work throughout college.

Q & A

How much does an average engineering degree at IIT Bombay cost per year?

The average fee for a 4-year engineering degree at IIT Bombay is approximately 12 lakh, which translates to about 1.5 lakh per semester.

What is the primary goal in the first semester of trying to pay your college fees?

The primary goal in the first semester is to build a foundation, whether by developing a skill or finding small freelance gigs. The key is to start generating some income while working towards long-term growth.

What is the initial challenge when starting to earn freelance money?

The initial challenge is that it may take time to generate enough money to cover your fees, with the first semester potentially yielding less than 50,000, and the second semester bringing in around 1 to 1.5 lakh.

Which three freelance skills are recommended for earning money in college?

The three recommended skills for freelancing are content writing or virtual assistance, video editing, and building AI-driven businesses or AI-related services.

Why are content writing and virtual assistance considered quick ways to earn cash?

Content writing and virtual assistance are in high demand, with a low learning curve, making it possible to start earning quickly. Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork provide immediate access to clients.

Why is video editing a lucrative skill to learn in 2025?

Video editing is in high demand as businesses plan to produce more videos. It’s one of the top freelance creative skills, with businesses needing editors for marketing videos, YouTube content, ads, and more.

How can AI be leveraged for making money in 2025?

AI can be leveraged by learning to build conversational agents, chatbots, and integrating AI into business solutions. Freelancers with AI expertise are in high demand, especially for creating AI-driven tools and services.

How can you use LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter) to grow as a freelancer?

By targeting wealthy professionals on LinkedIn and X, you can offer your services as a ghostwriter or virtual assistant. Start with small, free projects to build credibility, and gradually increase your rates as you gain experience.

What role does design play in video editing, and why is it important?

Design is crucial in video editing because it helps set a video’s branding and visual appeal. Editors with strong design skills can charge higher rates, as good branding differentiates a $1,000 edit from a $10,000 one.

Why is it more advantageous to be a video editor than a content creator?

Being a video editor offers more stability than content creation. Editors work behind the scenes, supporting creators, and can switch to new creators when one’s popularity fades, which offers ongoing work.