College Student Discounts & Freebies Worth Knowing About

 

College students can qualify for discounts and freebies on everything from shopping memberships and technology to software, streaming services and travel.

The harder part is knowing which ones are actually worth checking.

This isn't meant to be a list of every student discount available. I've focused on programs that may actually be useful to college students and families, along with a few places to check before paying full price.

Offers, prices and eligibility can change. Always confirm the current terms before signing up.

Limited-Time Student Offers

Some of the best student offers are only available for a few weeks or months. I'll update this section as worthwhile promotions become available.

DoorDash Student DashPass

Eligible college students who are not currently subscribed to DashPass can receive Student DashPass free for 12 months when they sign up between August 17 and October 12, 2026.

Benefits include $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible orders, along with other Student DashPass benefits.

Student status is verified through SheerID.

After the free 12 months, the membership automatically converts to the discounted Student DashPass rate, currently $4.99 per month plus tax, unless canceled. If the student is no longer eligible, it may convert to the regular DashPass rate.

Target Circle Student Offer

Verified college students can access special offers through a free Target Circle account.

For the 2026 back-to-college season, Target is offering eligible students 20% off one storewide purchase through September 12.

Student offers change throughout the year, so it is worth checking the Target Circle account before making a larger purchase.

Shopping and Delivery Memberships

Discounted memberships can be useful when students regularly order groceries, toiletries or school supplies. They are less valuable when delivery is limited near campus or packages are difficult to receive.

Amazon Prime for Young Adults

Amazon offers Prime for Young Adults to eligible students and young adults ages 18 through 24. Eligible new members may qualify for a trial period followed by discounted Prime pricing.

Prime benefits can be particularly useful when a student suddenly needs:

• Toiletries

• School supplies

• Replacement chargers

• Snacks

• Apartment basics

Before signing up, check whether the student already has access to benefits through a family account and whether a separate membership is necessary.

Walmart+ Student

Qualifying college and graduate students can receive 50% off a Walmart+ membership. Walmart currently lists student pricing at $6.47 per month or $49 per year.

Eligible new members may also qualify for a 30-day free trial.

Benefits can include shipping, local store delivery, fuel savings and a choice of streaming benefit. Availability varies by location.

Walmart+ may be more practical for students living in apartments than residence halls. Check whether grocery delivery reaches the student's address and where orders may be left before subscribing.

Target Circle Student Benefits

Target offers verified college students special discounts and rewards throughout the year through its free Target Circle program.

Students can also qualify for discounted Target Circle 360 membership pricing. Target currently advertises verified-audience pricing of $4.99 per month or $49 per year. Check the student's account for current pricing and eligibility before joining.

Grubhub+ Student

Students at participating colleges may have access to Grubhub+ Student benefits through their campus.

Benefits can include $0 delivery fees on eligible off-campus orders and other student offers. Availability and benefits vary by school, so students should check whether their college participates before purchasing a separate food-delivery membership.

Technology Discounts

Student pricing can make a noticeable difference when buying a computer, tablet or required software.

Always compare the education price with current sales. A regular retail promotion may occasionally be better.

Apple Education Pricing

Apple offers education pricing on eligible Mac and iPad purchases.

Current college students and parents purchasing on behalf of an eligible college student are included in Apple's education-store eligibility rules. Student eligibility may require verification.

Before ordering, compare:

• The education price

• Current Apple promotions

• Trade-in value

• AppleCare+ pricing

• Sales from authorized retailers

Students and educators may also receive reduced AppleCare+ pricing on a new Mac or iPad.

Microsoft Programs

Before purchasing Microsoft 365, check the college's technology page.

Many schools provide Microsoft programs through student accounts. Access and included services vary by institution, so students should sign in through their college before buying a separate subscription.

The same rule applies to antivirus software, cloud storage and other programs the school may already provide.

Adobe Creative Cloud

Adobe offers student pricing for Creative Cloud Pro, which includes programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat and Premiere.

Student pricing may be introductory and increase at renewal, so check the current rate and renewal terms before subscribing.

Before paying for Creative Cloud separately, also check whether the student's college or academic department already provides Adobe access.

Free & Discounted Student Tools

Some of the most valuable student benefits aren't shopping discounts at all.

YNAB for College Students

College students can receive one free year of YNAB, a budgeting and money-management program.

Students verify current enrollment, and the free college year can be used by undergraduate, graduate and other currently enrolled college students.

This can be a useful way for students to begin managing spending, bills and savings while they're still in school.

Notion for Education

Eligible college students may qualify for a free upgraded Notion education plan using a school email address.

Notion can be used for class notes, project planning, calendars and other school organization. Before signing up, check the current education eligibility requirements and whether the student would actually use the additional features.

GitHub Student Developer Pack

Students in computer science, engineering and other technology-related fields should check the GitHub Student Developer Pack.

Eligible students can receive free access to a collection of developer tools, learning resources and software offers.

The included products change, so students should check the current pack rather than signing up for individual tools first.

Streaming and Entertainment Discounts

A discounted monthly subscription may not seem like a major savings, but the cost adds up over several semesters.

First compare the student offer with any family plan or service the student already receives through another membership.

Spotify Premium Student

Eligible U.S. students at qualifying colleges can receive discounted Spotify Premium. The U.S. student plan currently includes Hulu.

Enrollment requires student verification, and students may need to reverify their eligibility periodically.

YouTube Premium Student

YouTube offers discounted student memberships to eligible students at approved higher-education institutions.

Eligibility must be periodically reverified, so check the current student pricing and requirements before subscribing.

Check Before Adding Another Subscription

Before starting a new streaming plan, compare the offer with:

• A family membership the student can properly use

• A phone or internet provider benefit

• A credit card offer

• Streaming already included with another membership

• Free entertainment provided by the college

A discounted subscription is still an unnecessary expense if no one uses it.

Money & Budgeting

College is a good time for students to begin learning how to manage recurring expenses, subscriptions and everyday spending.

In addition to the free student year of YNAB, students should check their bank and credit card providers for student-specific accounts or benefits.

Look beyond introductory bonuses. ATM access, monthly fees, minimum balances and what happens after graduation can matter more over time.

Clothing, Shoes and Everyday Purchases

Many national brands offer student discounts through verification platforms such as UNiDAYS and Student Beans.

Available brands and discount amounts change frequently. Rather than trying to keep track of individual retailer offers, check these platforms before making a purchase.

Students may find discounts on:

• Clothing and shoes

• Electronics

• Backpacks and luggage

• Beauty and personal care

• Fitness products

• Food and delivery

• Travel

Always compare the student offer with current sale prices and coupon exclusions. A student discount isn't automatically the lowest price.

Travel

Students traveling between campus and home may also qualify for reduced fares or other travel offers.

Airlines, rail services and bus companies occasionally offer student or young-adult pricing. Eligibility, routes and restrictions vary considerably, so compare the discounted fare with the regular fare before booking.

Also check the college transportation page. Some schools provide free or discounted local transit, airport shuttles or transportation during school breaks.

Local College Discounts

Some of the best student deals are available right around campus.

Restaurants, coffee shops, movie theaters, museums, gyms, salons and local retailers may offer discounts when students show a valid college ID.

Students can look for local offers through:

• The college website

• Campus apps

• Student government

• Student activities offices

• Transportation pages

• Signs near store registers

• Local business social accounts

It's also worth asking whether a student discount is available before paying.

Check What the College Already Provides

Families sometimes pay for services the student can already access through school.

Before buying a subscription or software plan, check whether the college provides:

• Microsoft 365

• Adobe programs

• Antivirus software

• Cloud storage

• Newspaper subscriptions

• Tutoring platforms

• Public transportation

• Museum admission

• Fitness facilities

• Legal or financial education resources

The student technology portal, library website and student-benefits page are good places to start.

Read the Renewal Details

Student discounts and free trials are often tied to automatic renewal.

Before signing up, check:

• Who qualifies

• How eligibility is verified

• How often the student must reverify

• Whether the plan renews automatically

• When a free trial or introductory price ends

• What the regular renewal price will be

• How to cancel

Add a calendar reminder a few weeks before a trial, annual membership or introductory price expires.

The discount only saves money when the student uses the service and remembers to review it before renewal.

A Note About Student Offers

Student discounts, promotions, prices, benefits and eligibility requirements can change at any time. Always confirm the current offer and terms directly with the company before signing up or making a purchase.

Some memberships and free trials automatically renew at a regular or discounted rate. Be sure to note renewal dates, cancellation requirements and any student reverification requirements when enrolling.

CarePaks 101 shares this information as a helpful resource but cannot guarantee current pricing, availability, eligibility or individual savings. CarePaks 101 is not responsible for charges, missed cancellations, expired offers or other changes made by third-party companies.

Last Reviewed:  August 2026