How to Score Amazing Student Discounts

2 hours ago 4

Looking to save money while studying? We’ve rounded up the best high school and college student discounts and deals available across top brands, stores, and services to help you stretch your budget further!

Why Student Discounts Matter!

Life as a teen, whether you’re in high school or heading off to college, comes with new freedoms but also new expenses. From clothes and tech gadgets to streaming subscriptions and snacks between classes, costs can add up fast.

The good news? There are lots of student discounts and student deals out there that can help stretch that budget.

Plus, those savings add up: a few bucks saved here and there can free up cash for fun experiences, savings goals, or emergency expenses.

Below, I’m sharing everything I’ve found as a resource to help students get great savings on everyday items, restaurant meals, and more.

Proving You’re a Student: What You Need to Know

Many places will ask you to verify your student status before receiving a discount so keep that in mind. Here’s what you can expect from some businesses, along with some resources that can help make the process smooth and quick.

Physical Student ID: Many mom-and-pop shops, local coffeehouses, movie theaters, museums, or even fast-food spots will offer a discount if you politely ask and show your school ID. High school or college ID cards both count! Encourage your teen to keep that ID handy and ask: “Do you offer a student discount?” Even if it’s not advertised, it never hurts to try.

Verification Platforms (Mostly for College)

Amazon Prime Student: HUGE news! Amazon Student is now available to ALL 18-24 year olds, regardless of student status. You’ll get a FREE six-month trial, 50% off membership, and SO many amazing perks (free shipping, textbook discounts, homework help, FREE Grub Hub, and tons more!). Click here to get all the info.
UNiDAYS: Free membership for college students with exclusive discounts at many different name brands. (High schoolers typically need a college email to sign up, but it’s great to know once they start college.)
Student Beans: Similar to UNiDAYS—lots of apparel, tech, beauty, and lifestyle student deals once you have a valid college address/email.
ID.me: Verifies student status quickly for many online retailers and services, and is especially useful for college-bound teens once they enroll.

Tip for Parents: If your teen is dual-enrolled in community college or already has a college email, they may qualify early. Otherwise, plan ahead for freshman year!

Best Student Discounts & Deals for College Students and High Schoolers

You might think “student discounts” only kick in once you’re in college, but many local businesses, apps, and national brands will honor a valid student ID — even for high schoolers. Learning to hunt for deals early teaches smart money habits: comparison-shopping, tracking subscriptions, and asking the right questions.

There are hundreds of discounts you can get as a student, but here are the top general categories to keep a pulse on. And remember: it never hurts to ask if there’s a student discount or deal, because you never know when there might be one!

1. Tech & Electronics

Smartphone & Gadget Deals: While many big-ticket tech discounts target college students, high schoolers can still look for back-to-school sales, refurbished devices, or family-plan upgrades. Once in college, verify via UNiDAYS or Student Beans for special pricing on laptops, tablets, or headphones.
Software & Online Tools: Even if you’re in high school, check if your school offers free or discounted access to Microsoft Office or Adobe Creative Cloud. Some online learning platforms let high school students access free courses or trial periods, which is perfect for building skills without big costs.
YNAB: Our favorite budgeting app offers a free year to college students! It’s an amazing tool for using money wisely this year and developing good habits for life.

2. Apparel & Accessories

National Brand Discounts: To score college students discounts at your favorite stores, you can use UNiDAYS/Student Beans for 10–20% off at stores like Adidas, Nike, Vans, American Eagle, and more. For high schoolers, look for seasonal sales, clearance racks, or student-oriented pop-up events in your area.

3. Food & Dining

Fast Food & Cafes: Many local and chain restaurants quietly honor student discounts. Just ask and show that school ID! The restaurant might include a percentage off your order, discounted combo deals, or freebies (like a free small drink with purchase).
Meal Kits & Grocery Hacks: Some meal delivery services (like Hello Fresh and Blue Apron) run promos for college students. For high schoolers, focus on smart grocery shopping: use coupons, loyalty apps, and bulk buys for snacks. Parents can also involve teens in meal planning — letting them choose budget-friendly recipes helps them learn how to plan, shop, and cook!
Campus & Community Deals: If your teen has classes or activities on a college campus (dual enrollment, summer programs), they may access student union deals or local eateries offering discounts to any student.

4. Entertainment & Subscriptions

Streaming Services: Once in college, sign up for Spotify or Apple Music student subscriptions, often bundled with Hulu or other perks — you’ll get big savings over regular rates. High schoolers can sometimes piggyback family plans or look for free/ad-supported tiers.
Movie Theaters: Chains like AMC and Regal often have discounted student matinee prices — ask at the box office with a valid ID. Perfect for budget-friendly weekend plans!
Gaming & Software: Keep an eye out for student pricing on apps or games if your teen is enrolled in a relevant program, or watch for seasonal sales on platforms like Steam.

5. Travel & Transportation

Local Transit: Some cities offer reduced fares for any student with a high school or college ID. Check your local transit authority or school board.
Car Insurance: If your teen is driving, remind them to maintain good grades — companies like GEICO or State Farm often offer discounts for students with a certain GPA.
College Travel: Once in college, students can access hostels or budget airlines with student rates, plus international student cards (ISIC) if they travel abroad.

6. Health & Fitness

Planet Fitness Summer Pass: High schoolers often get a free summer pass to Planet Fitness, encouraging them to stay active without spending anything. College students can find discounted membership rates or campus gym options.
Local Clinics & Services: Many community clinics or campus health centers provide lower-cost care or sliding-scale fees. Teach teens to research and ask about student discounts.

Beyond Student Discounts: Earn Extra With Cash Back & Rewards!

Beyond direct discounts, using rewards and cash-back tools can add a meaningful “income” stream:

Rakuten, Ibotta, TopCashback, Swagbucks: Earn cash back or gift cards on shopping you’re already doing. Teach your teen to browse deals through these apps before checkout.
Receipt-Scanning Apps: Encourage scanning grocery receipts into apps like Fetch Rewards or Receipt Hog — small savings accumulate over time.
Loyalty Programs: Register for free loyalty cards at grocery stores, coffee shops, or restaurants. Many offer birthday freebies and bonus-point promotions.

Combining these with student discount codes means double-dipping on savings!

Empowering Teens to Save

Student discounts and student benefits aren’t just for college students; savvy high schoolers can start early by asking for local deals, using cashback apps, and practicing budgeting habits. As parents, guiding teens through these strategies helps them build confidence and financial smarts.

Encourage them to keep that student ID within reach, explore apps like Rakuten or Ibotta, and sign up for college-focused verifications once eligible.

Start today and challenge your teen (and yourself!) to spot one new deal each week. Those small victories add up to big wins over time!

How to Score Amazing Student Discounts

Why Student Discounts Matter!

Proving You’re a Student: What You Need to Know