But there's one profession some are starting to get into that can only lead to a failing grade in life: computer fraud.
According to a new study by Internet security firm McAfee, a disturbingly large number of students around the world are being lured into the shady world of online fraud by organized crime.
The company claims criminals know there are vast fortunes to be made by stealing information off PCs, but most don't have the know-how to make it happen. So they actively recruit those who do - college students taking high level computer courses.
"Although organized criminals may have less of the expertise and access needed to commit cybercrimes, they have the funds to buy the necessary people to do it for them," the report warns.
The problem is especially acute in Eastern Europe where wages are low and unemployment is high.
It says the criminal organizations troll universities, clubs and online forums to find their young experts, and then offer to sponsor their way through school.
In exchange, the recruits agree to write malicious code that can steal secrets off computers, access credit cards numbers or passwords, steal people's identities, create and send spam and even launder money.
The report maintains the practice is so lucrative, it actually rakes in more money than the drug trade.
"Many of these cybercriminals see the Internet as a job opportunity," FBI Internet security expert Dave Thomas explains. "With low employment, they can use their technical skills to feed their family."
It even claims the crooks set up their 'graduates' in businesses, allowing them to access even more records and spy on other companies. "Corporate espionage is big business," the report concludes.
The practice isn't as widespread in North America, but where's there's temptation there's often a willing participant.
What can you do? If you're a student and you're offered a chance at a ton of money with strings attached, say no and report it to authorities.
And if you're a computer user, consider this: the report indicates these criminals use programs to harvest pictures and personal details from websites across the world. So be careful what name you use and what images of yourself you leave online.
Someone else could be using it, too.
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