With rising college expenses, Tallahassee students are turning to an unusual solution to make ends meet selling plasma. It’s fast cash for some of the city’s busiest young adults, helping cover everything from rent to textbooks. While it might sound like a scene from a sci-fi movie, this is the real deal—and it’s becoming a lifeline for many.
For many students, managing finances means juggling part-time jobs, hefty tuition bills and the cost of simply living. But for others, it means rolling up a sleeve and earning cash in an unconventional way.
“It’s honestly one of the easiest ways to make extra money,” says Jayden Moore, a student at Tallahassee State College, “I go twice a week when I have time between classes. It covers my groceries and a few other small expenses.”
Moore admits plasma donation wasn’t his first idea for income, but after seeing an ad promising up to $70 per visit, he decided to give it a try. Now, it’s part of his routine.
“It’s not glamorous,” he laughs. “But neither is being broke.”
Plasma, the yellowish liquid in blood, is used to treat medical conditions like immune disorders and burns. Donating it involves having blood drawn, separating the plasma, and returning the red blood cells to the donor. The process takes about 90 minutes, which makes it ideal for students with tight schedules.
A local official from a plasma donation center, who asked to remain anonymous, explains why students are a key demographic.
“College students are healthy, they’re looking for flexible ways to earn money, and they often live near donation centers,” the representative says. “We see a significant number of donors from local universities, especially at the beginning of the semester or before breaks when students feel more financial strain.”
