21 College Student Discounts and Deals
- Entertainment
- Computers, Software and Education Stuff
- Travel and Transportation
- Shopping Deals on Clothes and More
- Banking, Budgets and Credit
- Freebies on Campus
It may seem odd that companies compete for the attention of college students — after all, students usually don’t have lots of disposable income. Still, student discounts are widespread.
Marketers realize that winning over students as they gain independence can pay off significantly for them down the road. Plus, college students tend to be digitally fluent and active on social media, which makes them valuable to brands.
Smart companies know how to capture your interest: by offering student discounts. So grab your student I.D. and make sure you can access your .edu email, then explore the many promotions reserved for students.
21 College Student Discounts and Deals
Whether you’re looking for cheaper entertainment — including sports and museums — or savings on computers, software and travel, there are plenty of offers that can stretch a student budget.
Entertainment
Students need downtime. Why not get them early with appealing bargains?
1. Movie Tickets
Theater chains that provide student pricing include AMC Theatres, Cinemark and Regal (rates depend on the theater) and Marcus Theatres ($7.50 on certain Thursdays). Indie cinemas often run student discounts too — call ahead or check their sites.
2. The Arts
Students often receive reduced admission to many museums, including major institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, which lets students pay what they can. Smaller museums around the country also cut prices — for instance, the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, Florida, discounts up to $9 off adult tickets when you show a student I.D.
Other venues such as the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston provide multi-year passes that allow free entry for students at nearby colleges and universities.
And arts savings extend beyond museums. The Philadelphia Ballet frequently sells $25 student rush tickets available online or an hour before curtain, while the Nashville Symphony commonly gives students 10% off or more.
Always ask about student pricing before you immerse yourself in arts and culture.
3. Professional Sports
Some pro teams run student specials or set aside discount nights. Check team websites for promotions before attending a game.
The National Hockey League often runs Student Rush programs. Teams release a limited batch of tickets on game day for around $20, saving students $30+.
Major League Baseball clubs also offer discounted seats for nearby college students on select nights. For example, you can subscribe to the Tampa Bay Rays student offers. Check your local team’s site for details.
4. Streaming
There are numerous student discounts for streaming services. Hulu has a student plan for $1.99/month. It may be the ad-supported tier, but breaks are expected — bathroom or popcorn runs included.
Spotify runs a student bundle, and YouTube Premium is available to students for $7/month instead of the usual $13.
Computers, Software and Education Stuff
Students require laptops, peripherals and a host of tools to get their coursework done. Brands know these college years are an ideal time to build lifelong customers by offering student deals.
5. Hardware
At retailers like Apple, Microsoft, Dell, Best Buy, HP and Lenovo, students can find discounts on computers and devices, so there’s no need to pay full retail. Lenovo advertises 15% off list price. Apple and Dell frequently offer $100+ in student savings. HP claims students can get up to 40% off select items. Microsoft also runs periodic education promotions.
6. Software
If you need software, check campus bookstores or your university’s IT services for deals. Beyond that, consider:
- Save 60% on Adobe Pro and Photoshop.
- Microsoft Office 365 is free for students with a valid school email.
- Amazon features various student offers on software.
7. News
Keeping up with credible news outlets helps students participate in class and supplies material for essays. Students can save on both digital and print subscriptions to publications like The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and The Economist. Local papers, such as The Los Angeles Times, also provide discounted or free digital access to students.
8. Textbooks
Even as e-books gain ground, many instructors still require printed textbooks. Barnes & Noble runs a textbook rental program, and services like Direct Textbook and AbeBooks list strong bargains.
Travel and Transportation
Whether for spring break or a trip home, students can reduce travel costs with smart strategies.
9. Lodging and Airfare
Resources like TripSavvy and Jen on a Jet Plane publish daily advice on saving money on flights, rentals and hotels. Keep an eye out for tips to secure the best airfare deals. Also monitor StudentUniverse, which highlights tours and destinations with student-friendly pricing.
10. Car Rentals
Present your student I.D. at major rental firms like Budget, Avis and Hertz to save up to about 20%. Note that age restrictions often apply when renting.
11. Buses, Trains and Planes
Amtrak and Greyhound provide student rates, though Greyhound’s discount typically requires a Student Advantage card purchase. Some transit systems, such as the MTA in Chicago, offer reduced fares to students. In Europe, Eurail passes can be up to 25% off for travelers 25 and under.
12. Cars and Insurance
Nearly all major auto insurers offer student discounts. Many providers give roughly 10%–15% off to students who maintain strong grades. Both high school students and full-time college students under 25 often qualify. Here’s a practical way to find competitive rates.
While purchasing a used vehicle is usually the most economical choice, students can also access new-car savings through programs like General Motors’ college discount.
Shopping Deals on Clothes and More
Stretching your budget on everyday purchases is essential while in college. Here are ways to keep more cash in your pocket.
13. Amazon
Look at Amazon’s student offerings for free two-day shipping and exclusive discounts. Membership perks include Twitch Prime, Prime Video, free GrubHub delivery, savings on Amazon Music, Showtime, Sundance, clothing, groceries and more. Some promotions are trial-based, so note the trial period to avoid unexpected charges.
14. Clothes and Retail
UNiDAYS is a free student-discount platform accessible worldwide. It connects students to many retailers that extend savings via UNiDAYS. Numerous brands run their own student promotions: Banana Republic and J. Crew typically offer about 15% off, while Asos often gives around 10% off.
Banking, Budgets and Credit
Managing money properly is a key part of becoming independent. These services help students do it affordably.
15. Banking
If you need a checking or savings account, many banks provide student-friendly options, including Bank of America, U.S. Bank and Chase. Watch out for maintenance and overdraft fees — they can cost you over time.
16. Credit Cards
Issuers like Discover, Capital One and Bank of America offer student credit cards with enticing intro bonuses. Remember that introductory perks don’t last forever — the ongoing APR matters most.
17. Budgeting
You Need a Budget (YNAB) provides free access to college students for a year, so there’s no excuse not to start budgeting.
Freebies on Campus
You don’t always have to leave campus to score good deals. Here are a few freebies commonly available around dorms and campus buildings.
18. Food
Are you on a meal plan? Make sure you maximize it. If dining halls allow, grab fruit or cereal to take back to your room. You’ll also find complimentary food at orientation events, public lectures and student organization activities.
19. Events
Beyond pep rallies and intramurals, campuses host free educational events, guest lectures and panels that are open to students.
20. Health and Fitness
Don’t waste access to the campus rec center — use it while you’re enrolled. Take advantage of university health services, which often supply free bandages, condoms, menstrual products and tissues.
21. Promotional Stuff
Odd tip: academic departments frequently hand out promotional pens — you can build quite a collection. They may also distribute notebooks to majors. Keep an eye out for free T-shirts and other school spirit items at events.
Remember: your student status is temporary. It never hurts to ask whether a business offers student pricing, so keep your I.D. handy.
