Best Internet Plans, Deals, and Discounts for Students

Rosslyn Elliott / Updated May 24, 2024 | Pub. May 13, 2024

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As a student, you’ve got a lot on your mind – classes, projects, exams, and trying to find some social life or family time too. Between tuition, textbooks, and late-night pizza, it can feel like your wallet is always running on empty. The last thing you need is to overpay for internet service.

Whether you’re just starting undergrad or a seasoned grad student, having reliable and affordable internet access is essential for academic success. The COVID pandemic showed that one in every six college students might have a lack of access to technology to study online [1].

But cost doesn’t have to be a barrier to the internet access you need. Every student should have equal digital opportunity, and there are cost-saving plans to help out [2].

With so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s where we come in – we’ve done the legwork to uncover the best deals, discounts, and programs to keep you connected without breaking the bank.

Affordable internet plans are out there waiting to be discovered, so let’s get started!

How to Get Cheap Internet Plans for College Students

For student internet service, there are plenty of ways to save. Here are some tips to help you score a great deal:

Call us to find student-specific discounts from providers in your area. Many ISPs offer special rates or promotions just for college students.
See if you qualify for any low-income assistance programs. These can reduce your monthly bill.
Choose a basic plan with internet speeds fast enough for studying and streaming. You can always upgrade later if needed.
Consider bundling your internet with other services like TV or mobile to snag a package deal.
Split the cost with roommates. Sharing can make your individual expense much more manageable.

With a little savvy, you can find an internet plan that fits your needs and your budget. And if you qualify, there’s more help available.

Two roommates sit on a couch holding gaming controllers

Split costs with roommates

Government Internet Programs for Students

While the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has ended, there are still government initiatives in place to help make internet access more affordable for students and low-income households. One of those programs is Lifeline [3].

Lifeline provides a discount of $9.25 per month on internet or phone service for eligible subscribers. To qualify, you must meet certain income requirements or participate in programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or Federal Public Housing Assistance [4].

Additionally, many schools, libraries, and community organizations have partnered with ISPs to offer low-cost or even free internet access to students in need. It’s always worth checking with your school’s financial aid office or local library to see what resources are available.

Internet Service Provider Discounts for Students

Many major ISPs recognize the unique needs of students and offer special discounts or plans tailored to them. Here are a few noteworthy options:

AT&T Access: Qualified low-income households, which often include students, can get up to 100 Mbps speeds for $30/month or less.
Spectrum Internet Assist: If you receive certain types of public assistance, like NSLP or SSI, you might be eligible for 30 Mbps speeds at just $17.99/month.
Verizon Fios Student Discount: Students can snag a discount on Verizon’s fiber plans – perfect if your coursework requires serious speed and bandwidth.
Frontier also offers student internet discounts and extends them even down through elementary school.
Xfinity Internet Essentials: This program offers 50 Mbps speeds to students and families who qualify.
Astound Broadband also has a low-cost program for low-income households if you get Astound in your area.

Nonprofit groups such as EveryoneOn also offer help to students through partnerships with ISPs [5]. Their program known as Connect2Compete (available through Cox and others) will give you internet discounts. Other regional nonprofits give assistance too, including Compudopt, which distributes free refurbished computers and assists with low-cost internet access [6].

Most of these programs don’t require long-term contracts and often include perks like waived installation fees and free equipment rentals. It pays to explore your options and see what discounts you might be eligible for.

Discounts for low-income households

Is There Free Internet for Students?

Free internet might sound too good to be true, but there are actually ways to get online at no cost:

Many colleges provide free basic internet access in on-campus housing. Check with your university’s housing office to see if this perk is included. You will certainly be able to get Wi-Fi and computer access at your university library.
Many public spaces, such as libraries, coffee shops, and even some restaurants, also offer free public Wi-Fi. While not a long-term solution, these spots can be great for studying or getting work done on the go.
If you qualify for a Lifeline mobile plan, you may be able to get a free data allotment each month. For light internet users, this could be enough to cover basic needs.

Keep in mind that free internet options may come with limitations in speed, data caps, or accessibility. But if you’re in a pinch or on a tight budget, they can be a lifesaver.

What to Look for In a Student Internet Plan

When shopping for a student internet plan, there are a few key factors to consider:

Speed: Look for plans with at least 25-100 Mbps download speeds. This should be sufficient for most student needs, like video lectures, research, and assignments. If you regularly work with large files or specialized software, you may need faster speeds.
Price: Aim to keep your monthly cost under $50 if possible. Be sure to factor in any equipment fees or installation charges when comparing prices.
Contract terms: As a student, flexibility is key. Choose a plan with no long-term contracts or commitments in case your living situation changes.
Data caps: Unlimited data is ideal, especially if you do a lot of streaming or downloading. Double-check the plan details to avoid surprise overage fees.

At the end of the day, the best student internet plan is one that balances affordability with reliable performance. Don’t be swayed by flashy extras or speeds you won’t realistically use – focus on getting the best value for your needs and budget.

light yellow tracers representing fiber-optic internet speed

Aim for 100 Mbps speed

How to Find Internet Service Providers in My Area

Ready to start shopping for your perfect student internet plan? The first step is finding out which providers serve your address. Here’s how:

Use our online comparison tools and resources here at CompareInternet.com to search for plans by zip code and see side-by-side price and speed comparisons.
If you live on campus, your choices may be limited to the provider(s) your school has partnered with. Reach out to your university’s housing or IT department for details.
For off-campus housing, you’ll generally have more providers and plans to choose from. Just be sure to coordinate with your roommates to avoid doubling up on services.

Finding the right student internet plan might take a bit of time and effort, but the payoff in savings and peace of mind is well worth it. By taking advantage of discounts, assistance programs, and smart comparison shopping, you can stay connected and meet your academic goals without stressing over your budget.

FAQs

Where can I find free government internet service?

Until recently, low-income households could get support from the Affordable Connectivity Program to get their internet for free or at low cost. Unfortunately, Congress has not funded the program to continue past May 2024. The Lifeline program mentioned in this article can help.

Which internet providers offer student discounts?

AT&T, Spectrum, Verizon Fios, Xfinity, Cox, and Astound Broadband all have student discounts for qualifying students.

What are the lowest prices for student internet?

Student internet discounts can sometimes bring your internet cost as low as $10/month. It depends on your financial situation and which providers are available in your area.

male student smiles while using his laptop at home