The landscape of student discounts and freebies offers a diverse array of opportunities for U.S. college students to save money on essential services, food, retail, and entertainment. These offers are typically structured around verification processes that confirm current enrollment in an accredited institution. Many brands partner with third-party verification services such as UNiDAYs, Student Beans, and ID.me to manage eligibility, ensuring that discounts are reserved for active students. While some offers provide immediate one-time savings, others grant recurring discounts for the duration of a student's academic career or up to a specified time limit, such as four years. Additionally, a separate category of rewards exists for younger students, specifically regarding academic performance, where free food and tokens are awarded for good grades at various national chains.
This guide details the verified student discounts available across major categories, including meal services, retail apparel, technology, and entertainment, as well as the specific freebies available for K-12 students based on report card performance.
Meal Delivery and Meal Kit Services
Meal delivery services and meal kit subscriptions represent a significant area of savings for students managing their own food budgets for the first time. Several major platforms offer substantial introductory discounts and ongoing reduced rates for verified students.
Verification Methods To access these deals, students generally must verify their status through specific platforms. The most common verification services mentioned in the source data are ID.me, UNiDAYs, and Student Beans. Once verified, students can unlock pricing tiers that are significantly lower than standard consumer rates.
Specific Offers * Blue Apron: Offers 50% off the first four weeks of meals upon verifying student status with ID.me. * DoorDash: Provides a Student DashPass Plan priced at $4.99 per month. This represents a savings of $5 per month compared to the standard DashPass rate. * EveryPlate: Offers 75% off the first student meal kit box and free shipping. Registered users with UNiDAYs also receive an ongoing 15% discount that can be applied for one year. * HelloFresh: Provides 55% off the first food subscription box and free shipping. Similar to EveryPlate, an ongoing 15% discount is available for one year for users registered with UNiDAYs. * Home Chef: Offers 50% off the first four boxes. This discount is equivalent to free food for 18 meals. Verification is required through Student Beans.
Restaurant Discounts In addition to delivery and meal kits, students can often find savings at physical restaurant locations. Many fast-food chains offer a standard 10% discount to students, though these offers may vary by location and are not always advertised. Chains known to participate in student discount programs include Chick-fil-A, Arby’s, Chipotle, McDonald’s, Subway, Dunkin', and Taco Bell. It is recommended that students ask locally if a discount is available, as offers may vary depending on the time of year and specific franchise ownership.
Retail and Apparel Discounts
Students seeking to update their wardrobe or purchase essential items can access a wide range of discounts across fashion and accessory retailers. These offers typically require a valid student email address or enrollment verification through a platform like UNiDAYs.
Clothing and Accessories * Aeropostale: Offers an extra 15% off sitewide. Verification is handled through UNiDAYs. * Aerie: Provides 20% off the entire purchase for students registered with UNiDAYs. * ASOS: Offers a 10% discount that remains valid until the student graduates. * J.Crew: Offers a 15% discount for students with a valid college ID. * Kate Spade: Offers a discount ranging from 15% to 85% for students. * Bags: Several brands offer discounts on bags suitable for campus life. Kate Spade offers 15% off. Other brands including Baggu, Jansport, and Herschel also have available discounts.
Footwear and General Goods * Converse: Occasionally offers a 10% to 20% discount on selected products when student status is verified on their site. * Crocs: Offers a 25% discount if student status is verified with ID.me. * Blick: Offers 10% off art supplies with a student ID and a Preferred Customer Card. * Goodwill: Discounts vary by store and region. For example, Goodwill Southwest Pennsylvania offers currently enrolled students 25% off their entire purchase on Tuesdays when a valid student ID is presented.
Technology, Services, and Entertainment
Beyond physical goods, students can save significantly on digital services, software, and shipping costs. These offers are often the most lucrative, providing high-value services at a fraction of the standard cost.
Software and Digital Learning * Adobe Creative Cloud: Students and teachers are eligible for over 60% off. The "Creative Cloud All Apps" plan is available for over 70% off the standard price. * Chegg: Offers a 20% student discount through Student Beans. * Audible: Offers 30% off the first 6 months of a membership plan.
Shipping and Logistics * FedEx: Offers up to 40% savings if verified with StudentBeans and a new FedEx account is opened. * Amazon: Offers six months free of Amazon Prime Student. Following the trial, students receive a discount on the standard Prime membership rate. Prime Student members also receive free food delivery (via Grubhub+) and 10% off flights and hotels.
Music and Streaming * Apple Music: Students enrolled in degree-granting universities can join at a discounted monthly rate for up to 48 months. Additionally, Apple Music student subscriptions include Apple TV+ for a limited time. * Spotify: While not explicitly detailed in the source data regarding pricing, student plans are frequently bundled with Hulu or Showtime in other verified programs, though the specific offer details depend on current partnerships.
Academic Achievement Freebies (K-12)
A distinct category of freebies exists for younger students (K-12) based on academic performance. These programs are generally not verified by third-party educational platforms but rather by the presentation of a physical report card or certificate. Participation varies by location, as many of these businesses are independently owned and operated.
Participating Brands and Requirements * Burger King: At participating locations, students can receive a free hamburger or ice cream cone for good grades. * Chick-fil-A: Students who show a report card with all A’s and B’s can receive a free 8-count nugget. Participation should be confirmed with the local restaurant in advance. * Chuck-E-Cheese: Students can present a Super Student Award or Graduation Certificate to receive free tokens. * IHOP: Select locations offer a free kids' meal for students who bring in their report card. * Krispy Kreme: Offers one free Original Glazed Doughnut for every A on a report card, up to 6 A’s total. * Melting Pot Straight A Club: Free meals are offered for A’s. K-8 students can receive a 3-course meal, while 9th-12th grade students can receive a four-course meal.
Homeschool Eligibility Homeschool students are often eligible for these rewards. Businesses typically accept a valid progress report or grading sheet. It is advisable to call ahead to confirm acceptance, as the format of homeschool documentation may vary.
Bank Rewards Local banks and credit unions often offer monetary rewards for good grades. Students and parents should check with their local financial institutions for specific offers.
Verification Processes and General Guidelines
Accessing student discounts almost always requires verification. The most common services used include: * UNiDAYs: Used by brands like EveryPlate, HelloFresh, Aeropostale, and Aerie. * Student Beans: Used by brands like Home Chef, FedEx, and Chegg. * ID.me: Used by brands like Blue Apron and Crocs. * SheerID: Mentioned as a common verification method for various offers.
Terms and Conditions * Eligibility: Most offers are restricted to students enrolled in degree-granting universities and colleges. * Duration: Discounts may be valid for a single transaction, for the first few months of service, or for the duration of academic studies (up to four years). * Location Variance: Retail and restaurant discounts often vary by franchise location. It is always recommended to ask locally or check the specific store's policy. * Expiration: Seasonal promotions are common, particularly for restaurant freebies. Checking for expiration dates is crucial.
Conclusion
The availability of student discounts and academic freebies provides substantial financial relief for students and families. From substantial reductions in meal kit costs to significant savings on technology and apparel, the verified student status unlocks a tier of pricing that makes many products and services more accessible. For younger students, the tradition of rewarding good grades with free food continues across many national chains, though local verification is always required. By utilizing verification platforms like UNiDAYs, Student Beans, and ID.me, and by keeping report cards handy, students can maximize their purchasing power and enjoy a variety of freebies and discounts.