With the growing tuition cost each year, college student discounts are one savvy way to spend less. In 2020, college students and their families planned to spend an average of about $1,059 per family on back-to-school shopping; according to the National Retail Federation, college students spending the most on electronics. To curb some of these costs,
Here are college student discounts to consider
15.Laptops
“They should start with the bookstore at the college and see what they offer and then see what they can find if it’s comparable,” says Kathy Ruby, director of college finance at College Coach, who says computer discounts through a university might be dependent on where they purchase their laptops.
Students can also receive education discounts on computers through many technology brands. For example, it offers a MacBook deal that allows college students to save $200 and get free AirPods included with the purchase, plus 20% off on AppleCare+ service and support.
14.Groceries
College students short on time can have their groceries delivered at a discounted price. For instance, students can get 50% off at Shipt on same-day grocery delivery, available in more than 165 cities.
Thrive Market, an organic and natural food delivery service, provides free memberships to low-income families, veterans, teachers and students, and a 25% to 50% discount on groceries.
13.Furniture
U.S. families plan to spend about $130 on average per family on back-to-college dorm or apartment furnishings in 2020.
Some national home store retailers offer discounts for students to deck out their college room. For example, Pottery Barn offers a 15% savings for consumers with a .edu email address or valid college student ID.
12.Exercise and outdoor gear
Students who want to stay active on campus can check out gyms, yoga studios and other exercise classes at a discounted price. Dragonfly Hot Yoga in Wisconsin, for instance, offers a discounted student membership,
Costing $99 per month for unlimited classes. This discounted price is available to high school, college, technical school or university students. For those who want to get outdoors, student discounts at bike shops are also available. Solé Bicycles, a bike shop based in California, provides a 15% discount to students on bikes and gear.
11.Entertainment
When students have downtime between exams, they may seek entertainment options, depending on safety guidelines in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Students can typically find discounts at movie theatres and museums.
For example, the student cost of admission at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art is $12 compared with $25 for regular admittance.
10.Computer software
Although a student’s first stop for software might be at the campus bookstore or computer store, experts say to shop around. “Don’t settle on the first price you see,” Okun says. Once students have the computer they need, some will also require software tools to complete schoolwork and explore creative interests.
Adobe, a computer software company that created programs like Adobe InDesign and Adobe Illustrator offers a student discount of 60% on its Creative Cloud, a collection of tools. Students may also want to protect their devices from viruses and malware. Norton offers multiple discounts for students on different security software forms that range from about $20 to $90 for the first year after the student discount is applied.
9.Clothing
Whether it’s to reinvent a wardrobe at college or buy a suit for that first job interview, there are several ways to cut apparel costs with retail discounts. Many major retail chains – J. Crew, Banana Republic, Champion and Kate Spade, to name a few – offer between 10% to 15% price reductions with a valid student ID card.
8.Cellphones
To help manage hefty cellphone and data bills, some wireless service providers offer college student discounts. For example, Verizon offers students who have one line the option to save $10 per month on an unlimited plan.
7.Car rentals
Many students choose not to bring a car to college. To get around when needed, students can take advantage of discounts at rental car companies. For example, Alamo Rent a Car offers a student advantage membership program that provides discounted rates,
though rates will vary based on rental date, location, and vehicle type. Zipcar also offers special rates for students at participating universities, starting at about $25 annually for student membership.
6.Car insurance
“Students who receive good grades can get discounts on insurance through companies like Allstate, Nationwide and Geico,” says Jodi Okun, founder and president of College Financial Aid Advisors. Experts say that parents can also receive reduced premiums if their student attends college away from their hometown and doesn’t bring a car to campus.
5.Books
Students have many options to save money on textbooks for college, but bookstores also offer discounts that can be used for leisure reading.
Students can get a 10% discount on purchases through Book Outlet, for example. Some local bookstores in college towns also offer student discounts when customers show their student ID card.
4.Beauty products
Name brands like Mac Cosmetics, Sigma Beauty and Paula’s Choice offer college student discounts, typically around 10% off, with a valid student email and account. Unlocking some of these beauty product discounts requires verifying student status through Student Beans, a student discount platform.
3.Banking and finances
As college students move away from home and turn 18 years old, it may be time to open their first bank account if they haven’t already. Typically, banks charge fees to open and keep a new checking or savings account.
However, individuals who open a digital student account at PNC Bank, for example, benefit from no monthly service charges for up to six years. At Chase Bank, college students ages 17 to 24 will have no monthly service charge for up to five years when they open a checking account and can also benefit from overdraft protection.
2.Audiobooks
Whether listening to a book for class or unwinding on the weekends, college students can take advantage of audiobooks’ discounts. Students can get 30% off at Audible, an audiobook subscription platform.
The monthly cost is about $10 for students, and this discount lasts for one year but can be renewed – plus, students receive a $10 Amazon.com promotional credit when they sign up.
1.Amazon Prime subscription
From last-minute necessities to dorm room decor, students will undoubtedly rely on Amazon deliveries while in college. After providing a valid student email address, students can receive six months of free Amazon Prime, including free two-day shipping on eligible items. After the free trial ends, students can continue to get faster Prime shipping at a discounted rate for four years or until they graduate.
