Target is a popular stop for dorm supplies, toiletries, snacks, school supplies and apartment basics.
Verified college students can unlock additional savings through Target Circle, Target’s free loyalty program. They may also qualify for a reduced price on Target Circle 360, the separate paid delivery membership.
The names are similar, but the programs are different.
Start with the Free Target Circle Program
Target Circle is free to join.
Members receive access to Target Circle deals, personalized offers and rewards through their Target account. Many offers are applied automatically at checkout, while some bonuses and coupons must be activated first.
College students can verify their status in their Target account to unlock student-specific discounts and promotions.
Verification can be completed through the Target app or Target.com under the discounts section of the account settings.
What Student Discounts Are Available?
Verified students may receive exclusive offers throughout the year.
The exact discounts change, so students should check their Target account before shopping rather than assuming the same offer will always be available.
For the 2026 back-to-college season, Target is offering verified college students a one-time 20% discount on a storewide purchase from July 5 through September 12, 2026. Restrictions and exclusions apply.
Seasonal student offers may be especially useful for:
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Dorm bedding
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Storage and organization
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School supplies
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Toiletries
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Cleaning products
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Apartment kitchen basics
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Snacks and groceries
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Electronics and accessories
Verify student status before starting a large shopping trip so the offer is available in the account when it is time to check out.
What Is Target Circle 360?
Target Circle 360 is Target’s paid membership program.
It includes benefits such as eligible same-day delivery, shipping and additional member perks. Same-day delivery is only available in participating areas and may require a minimum purchase.
Verified college students currently qualify for reduced Target Circle 360 pricing:
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$4.99 per month
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$49 per year
The regular price is currently $10.99 per month or $99 per year. The student price continues while the account remains eligible and renews automatically unless canceled.
Students do not need to purchase Target Circle 360 to receive the free Target Circle student offers.
Is Target Circle 360 Worth It for a College Student?
The paid membership may be useful when a student:
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Shops at Target regularly
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Does not have a car
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Can receive same-day deliveries easily
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Lives close to a participating Target store
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Orders groceries and everyday supplies throughout the semester
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Will use the shipping and delivery benefits often enough to cover the cost
Before joining, enter the student’s campus or apartment address and check whether same-day delivery is available.
Delivery may work well for an apartment but be harder to manage in a residence hall where drivers cannot access the building or leave grocery orders safely.
Use the Target App
The Target app makes it easier to keep student offers and regular Target Circle deals in one place.
Students can use it to:
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Verify their college status
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Review current offers
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Check whether a discount applied
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View store inventory
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Choose pickup, shipping or delivery
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Manage Target Circle rewards
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Review Target Circle 360 membership details
Check the expiration date and exclusions before relying on a promotion. Target Circle deals may have limits on products, quantities or the number of times they can be used.
Compare the Student Offer with Regular Sales
A student discount is not automatically the lowest price.
Compare:
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The current Target sale
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Target Circle offers
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Manufacturer coupons
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Store pickup promotions
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Prices at Walmart or Amazon
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Any exclusions attached to the student discount
Some offers can be combined while others cannot. Review the terms in the student’s account before making a large purchase.
Remember to Review the Membership
The free Target Circle account does not have a membership fee.
Target Circle 360 does.
If your student joins the paid plan, add a calendar reminder before the monthly or annual renewal date. Confirm that they still qualify for student pricing and that they use the delivery benefits enough to keep paying for them.
For students who already shop at Target, verifying their status for the free student offers is an easy place to start. The paid Target Circle 360 membership only makes sense when the student will regularly use the delivery and shipping benefits.