As Living Costs Rise, College Students Turn To Onlyfans For Extra Cash

In a world where living costs are skyrocketing, college students are turning to creative solutions to make ends meet. One such solution is OnlyFans, a platform that has become increasingly popular among young adults looking to earn extra cash.

Launched in 2016 by British entrepreneur Tim Stokely, OnlyFans is a subscription-based service where creators can share content for a monthly fee ranging from $4.99 to $49.99. While the platform is open to a variety of content, it gained massive traction during the COVID-19 pandemic as a hub for adult content creators. According to Business Insider, as of 2024, the platform boasts over 377 million users, with approximately 4.6 million actively posting content.

A student from Binghamton University, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared their experience with Pipe Dream. They revealed that by posting photos, primarily high-quality aesthetic nudes, they earn between $250 and $300 monthly. "Most of my subscribers are older men, though there are some college-aged viewers," they noted, adding that their earnings have grown steadily over their two-year journey on the platform.

“Most of what I post is photos of myself nude, just high quality aesthetic nudes,” they wrote.

The allure of OnlyFans isn't confined to students alone. Over the years, various professionals, including teachers, have turned to the platform. A high school English teacher from Missouri reportedly raked in around $2 million in a year, claiming she started her account due to financial strain after her husband lost his job.

OnlyFans has also captured the attention of celebrities and public figures. Alex Le Tissier, connected to the Southampton Football Club through marriage, joined the platform in 2025 to alleviate debt. To cater to her audience, she even tailored her content by wearing Southampton gear upon request.

Despite its success, OnlyFans has faced its share of controversies. A notable instance was in August 2021, when the platform announced a ban on explicit nudity, only to reverse the decision shortly after. Keily Blair, the CEO, emphasized the company's cautious approach to sponsorships, especially those involving youth elements, in a 2024 interview with the Wall Street Journal.

With its undeniable impact on modern culture, OnlyFans continues to be a topic of intrigue and discussion, especially among those navigating financial challenges during their college years.