25 of the Best Discounts for College Students
For many students, money is tight. Even if they can pay for much of their education with federal grants and scholarships, eliminating the need for student loans, scoring some of the best discounts for college students can make it easier to stretch a tight budget.
Many college students are unaware of the many discounts available to them, which means they could be missing out on significant savings.
Luckily, there are plenty of discounts for college students, including at some of the nation’s leading retailers. Here’s a look at what your student may be able to use.
If you and your student want to learn about how to find scholarships and ensure that their ideal school is affordable, sign up for our free college scholarship webinar! Take a trip over to https://thescholarshipsystem.com/webinar to reserve your spot today.
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Best Discounts for College Students
If you are looking for the best discounts for college students, finding price reductions for products and services that will support your students’ educational goals is the way to go. By finding options like college student deals, laptop discounts, software deals, and lower-cost basics, your student can reduce their expenses across the board, making school more affordable.
Some of the best discounts for college students are available for a limited time, so it’s essential to act quickly before these offers expire.
However, that doesn’t mean your student shouldn’t explore other categories as well. For example, if they can score discounts on entertainment, then they can relieve stress without busting their budget.
With that in mind, here are some of the best discounts for college students.
Apple College Discount
The Apple college student discount is part of the company’s Apple Education Pricing program. Students, their parents, faculty, and staff can all use the program to save significantly on leading electronics.
Apple’s MacBook college discount is one of the most popular options, including a range of products, including the classic MacBook, MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro. Students with an Apple Card can also benefit from special financing options and earn cash back on Apple products and other purchases, making it a valuable tool for maximizing savings.
The Apple store college student discount also applies to iPads, which is helpful if your student prefers a tablet to a traditional laptop.
To access Apple Education Pricing and exclusive student offers, students may need to create or verify their Apple account to confirm eligibility for these discounts.
Best Buy College Discount
Another great option to help your student save on electronics is the Best Buy College Student Discount Program. While the exact offerings of the program vary, college-student computer discounts are typically included among the deals. Plus, your student may be able to save on televisions, keyboards, mice, Bluetooth speakers, and even headphones.
Microsoft College Discount
Both students and parents can save up to 10 percent on select PCs, including some of the Microsoft Surface line, through the Microsoft college student discount program. Plus, college students can also use Office 365 Education for free with a valid student school email address.
Office 365 Education also includes access to Microsoft Teams, a powerful tool for academic collaboration and communication.
HP College Discount
Through the HP UNiDAYS program, your student may be eligible for the HP student college discount. As with the Best Buy program, what is offered can vary. However, an HP laptop college student discount is almost always available while the program is active, though the eligible models may change over time.
Dell College Discount
There are college discount laptops to be found at Dell as well. Along with some of the best prices available at the Dell website, college students also get a 30-day price match guarantee, up to 6 percent back in rewards, access to exclusive offers, and free expedited shipping.
Adobe College Student Discount
The Adobe Creative Cloud student discount includes access to over 20 apps, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, allowing college students to save 60 percent on the service.
To get the Adobe student discount, your student needs a school email address and the ability to provide documentation to verify their student status, like a school ID card, transcript, report card, or tuition statement.
Corel College Discount
If your student needs Corel software, they may qualify for significant education discounts with verified student status. Corel’s academic pricing can significantly reduce the cost of popular programs such as CorelDRAW.
Verizon College Student Discount
Verizon doesn’t technically offer a student discount. However, if your student is part of a work-study program at their school and their college is a participating employer, they may be able to leverage that into a discount.
It’s a bit of a workaround, and it won’t work for all students or through all schools. However, if your student uses Verizon, it is certainly worth a try.
Amazon Prime Student Discount
College students can access Amazon Prime for less thanks to the Amazon Prime Student discount program. This doesn’t just give your student access to free shipping. There are many other money-saving benefits included with Amazon Prime Student memberships, including access to Prime Video and Prime Music.
Entertainment Discounts
Internet Discounts for College Students
If your student isn’t living in a dorm, subscribing to an internet service is a necessity for university students. Fortunately, there are some great online discounts for college students.
Xfinity, Dish, and Frontier all have student rates. Other internet providers may as well, so your student may want to call providers that are local to their area and see what is available before they settle on a company.
Spotify Premium Student Bundle (with Hulu)
For students who want both music and TV streaming, the Spotify Premium Student plan is one of the best deals available. Eligible U.S. college students can get Spotify Premium — including ad-free music, offline listening, and podcasts — at a steep student discount (about $5.99/month after a free trial). That price also includes access to Hulu’s ad-supported streaming plan at no extra cost. Although older bundles once included Showtime as well, the current student offer focuses on Spotify + Hulu. Verification of student status is done through SheerID, and students must re-verify each year to maintain eligibility
This is one of the best discounts for college students looking to save money on streaming services.
Museum, Zoo, and Aquarium Student Discounts
Museums, zoos, and aquariums are as fun as they are educational. As a result, many offer discounts to college students.
In some cases, your student may save a few bucks on a one-day admission. In others, they can get annual passes for much less than everyone else pays. Each location sets its own discount, and not all museums, zoos, and aquariums have a discount program. But, if your student enjoys a location near their school, they should ask if they qualify for a price reduction when they get to the gate.
Movie Ticket College Discounts
AMC Theatres, Cinemark, and Regal Cinemas all offer discounts to college students. The amount your student can save on entertainment student discounts varies by location. However, if they need to de-stress with a new movie, these options are some of the best discounts for college students who are movie buffs.
Headspace Student Discount
If your student is looking to reduce stress, improve mindfulness, or sleep better, Headspace offers a special student plan that makes its premium meditation and wellness content much more affordable. Through Headspace’s student program, eligible college students can save approximately 85% off the regular subscription price, bringing the annual cost to about $9.99 with verified student status. Verification is handled by SheerID, where students confirm they’re enrolled at a qualifying college or university before subscribing. Many students find that using Headspace’s free version before upgrading helps them decide if the premium plan is right for them. Don’t forget to visit the Headspace website regularly for the latest student deals and special discounts tailored to college students.
Clothing and Shoe College Discounts
There are a surprising number of retailers offering student discounts. Since every college student needs a decent wardrobe and may need to refresh it throughout the year as the seasons change, visiting these stores can help them save.
Many retailers also offer discounts on school supplies, making it easier for students to save on essential items for class.
Here are just some of the stores that commonly offer exclusive discounts for college students:
- Banana Republic
- Club Monaco
- Eddie Bauer
- Express
- Forever 21
- Goodwill
- J Crew
- Kenneth Cole
- Levi’s
- Nike
- Reebok
If your student usually shops elsewhere, then it never hurts to ask about discounts for college students at the register. Stores that have them available usually only need to see a valid student ID to give the discount, so it only takes a second, but it could help your student save a ton.
Student Advantage Savings Card
If your student wants to access a wide range of student offers and discounts for college students, signing up for the Student Advantage Card might be a smart move. The card makes it easy to save in a bunch of places, including at retailers, restaurants, hotels, transportation companies, and more.
It’s important to note that these discounts for college students do change over time. Companies can opt in and out of the program at their discretion, so your student should review the various participating locations and businesses online or use the mobile app before they complete a purchase.
Ultimately, by securing as many college student discounts as possible, your student can make sure they can go to school and stick to a budget. While it may be scary to ask for the best student discounts at the register, make sure your student understands that the worst thing that will happen is the cashier says one isn’t available. Considering the simple question can help them save 5, 10, 20 percent or more, it’s worth them putting themselves out there.
FAQ: Best Discounts for College Students
Q1: What are the best college student discounts available?
A1: Some of the best college student discounts include savings on electronics from Apple, Microsoft, Dell, and HP; software discounts like Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Office 365 Education; subscription services such as Amazon Prime Student and Apple Music; clothing brands offering exclusive student discounts; and discounts on transportation, food, and entertainment.
Q2: How can I find student discounts?
A2: You can find student discounts by using verified platforms such as Student Beans, UNiDAYS, or SheerID, which provide third-party verification services. Additionally, many retailers and service providers offer exclusive student discounts when you present a valid college ID or verify your status with your .edu email address.
Q3: Do graduate students qualify for these discounts?
A3: Yes, many discounts are available to both undergraduate and graduate students, as long as they can verify their student status through accepted methods like a valid student ID, school email, or third-party verification services.
Q4: Are there discounts on software and tech products for students?
A4: Absolutely. Students receive significant savings on software discounts such as Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Office 365 Education, as well as education pricing on tech products from Apple, Dell, HP, and Microsoft. Some offers include free access or percentage discounts on eligible products.
Q5: Can I get discounts on streaming services with my college ID?
A5: Yes, many streaming services like Spotify, Hulu, Apple Music, and YouTube Premium offer exclusive deals and student plans that provide big savings, often with months free or at a reduced monthly rate.
Q6: Are there special discounts on rental cars and transportation for students?
A6: Yes, rental car companies like Zipcar offer student discounts, and many transportation providers have special discount programs for verified college students. Availability and terms may vary based on location and eligibility.
Q7: Do all stores offer discounts in-store for college students?
A7: Not all stores advertise their discounts in-store, but many clothing brands, tech stores, and restaurants offer in-store or online student deals. It’s always a good idea to ask and present your college ID or verified student status at checkout.
Q8: What should I do if a discount says “terms apply”?
A8: “Terms apply” means there are specific conditions or eligibility requirements to qualify for the discount. Always read the details carefully to understand how to take advantage of the offer and ensure you meet all criteria.
Q9: Can I combine student discounts with other offers?
A9: This varies by retailer and service provider. Some allow stacking discounts or using student discounts alongside promotions, while others do not. Check the terms or ask customer service for clarification.
Q10: What is SheerID?
A10: SheerID is a secure verification service used by companies to verify student eligibility for discounts. When your student signs up for a deal—such as Spotify Premium Student, Headspace, or tech discounts—SheerID quickly verifies their enrollment using basic information or a simple document upload. Once verified, the discount activates automatically.
If you and your student want to learn about how to find scholarships and ensure that their ideal school is affordable, sign up for our free college scholarship webinar! Take a trip over to https://thescholarshipsystem.com/webinar to reserve your spot today.
