Free Resources And Discounts Available To College Students In The United States

College students in the United States often face significant financial challenges related to tuition, living expenses, and educational materials. To alleviate these costs, various companies and government programs offer free resources, software, and financial aid specifically targeted at individuals enrolled in higher education institutions. These opportunities range from complimentary software subscriptions and media access to substantial financial grants and loan forgiveness programs. Access to these benefits typically requires verification of student status, often through a valid .edu email address or a student ID.

Free Software and Digital Resources

One of the most significant categories of free resources for students involves software and digital tools essential for academic success. Major technology companies provide educational versions of their premium products at no cost to eligible students.

• Microsoft Office and Microsoft 365: Students at eligible institutions can receive Office 365 Education for free, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Microsoft Teams. Additionally, Microsoft 365 Personal is available for free for 12 months, followed by a 50% discount.
• Google Workspace: Google Sheets and the broader Google Docs Editors suite are available for free. Google Workspace for Education is also provided at no cost to students.
• Adobe Creative Cloud: Adobe Education offers discounted plans, including 64% off Creative Cloud Pro.
• JetBrains: Students with a .edu email address can download the All Products Pack of developer tools for free for the duration of their schooling.
• Autodesk: The company provides a free annual subscription to students.
• Canva: Canva for Students offers free access to the design platform.
• Figma: Figma is available for free for education purposes.
• GitHub: The Free Student Developer Pack is offered to help students learn how to code.
• Notion: Students can access Notion Personal Pro for free.
• Overleaf: This LaTeX editor for academic writing and collaboration is available for free.
• Tableau: Students can get Tableau for Students for free.
• Axure: A free subscription is available for students.
• Codecademy: Students can receive 35% off Codecademy Pro.
• Lucidchart: This tool is available for student use.
• MSC Software: Specific engineering software is available for students.
• On the Hub: Students can access discounts of up to 90% on various software.

Universities often maintain their own software libraries. Students are advised to check with their school’s IT department to see if they have seat licenses for expensive software packages, which can be used at no cost.

Media and Subscription Services

Beyond academic software, students can access various media and subscription services for free or at a discount.

• Amazon Prime: Students receive Amazon Prime free for six months. This subscription includes free two-day shipping on over 100 million items, unlimited streaming of Prime movies and TV shows, unlimited photo storage with Prime Photos, and 20% off pre-order and new release video games. After the six-month trial, students are automatically enrolled in a Prime membership at 50% off the regular rate.
• The Washington Post: Signing up for the six-month free Amazon Prime trial for students also grants access to The Washington Post online for six months.
• You Need a Budget (YNAB): This budgeting software is free for an entire year for students.

Financial Assistance: Grants and Loan Forgiveness

To address the high cost of tuition and student debt, the federal government offers specific programs that provide free money or debt cancellation.

• Federal Pell Grant: This program offers grants to eligible college students to help pay for tuition. Unlike loans, grants do not need to be repaid. The grant is available to students with exceptional financial need who have not yet earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree. However, students enrolled in a postbaccalaureate teacher certification program may be eligible in some cases.
• Student Loan Forgiveness: Students with existing federal loans may be eligible for partial or full cancellation of their debt through forgiveness programs. Eligibility criteria typically include having a loan backed by the federal government, being employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and making 120 qualifying monthly payments under a repayment plan. This process generally takes about ten years.

Travel Discounts

Several travel companies offer exclusive discounts to college students, helping reduce the cost of transportation for breaks and travel.

• Amtrak: Offers a 15% discount on train travel for students ages 13-25.
• Greyhound: Provides 10% off fares and 15% off shipping via Student Advantage.
• Megabus: Students can get $3 off their next trip via UNiDAYS.
• StudentUniverse: This platform offers discounts on flights.
• CheapTickets: Discounts on travel are available.
• Hotels.com: Offers up to 40% off via UNiDAYS.
• Sixt: Provides 10% off for students at least 21 years old.
• IKON Pass: Discounts are available on the Rocky Mountain SuperPass for Colorado ski resorts.

Food and Dining Opportunities

Students can find free food and dining discounts through various channels, including restaurant loyalty programs and employment perks.

• Restaurant Loyalty Programs: Students can join loyalty and rewards programs to earn free food. Many fast-food restaurants offer student discounts, though these are often not advertised and require asking.
• Chick-fil-A: Reports indicate that college students can receive a free drink with their meal by showing a student ID. The Chick-fil-A One app allows users to earn points redeemable for free food and birthday rewards.
• Employment Perks: Working at a restaurant or fast-food place often includes a free meal. Furthermore, several major fast-food companies offer tuition assistance to employees, including Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Marco’s Pizza, McDonald’s, Papa John’s, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, Taco Bell, and White Castle.

General Tips for Accessing Freebies

The most effective way for students to access freebies and discounts is to always ask. Whether visiting a museum, restaurant, or retail store, inquiring about student discounts or freebies can yield unexpected benefits. Having a student ID or a valid .edu email address readily available is essential for verification. Many establishments offer these perks but do not actively advertise them.

Conclusion

College students in the U.S. have access to a wide array of free resources and discounts that can significantly reduce the financial burden of higher education. From essential software like Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud to media subscriptions such as Amazon Prime, the digital landscape offers substantial value. Financially, government programs like the Federal Pell Grant and student loan forgiveness options provide critical support for those with demonstrated need. Additionally, practical savings can be found through travel discounts, restaurant loyalty programs, and employment benefits at major fast-food chains that offer tuition assistance. To maximize these opportunities, students should maintain valid identification and proactively inquire about available discounts.

Sources

1. MoneyPantry - Freebies for College Students
2. Saving for College - Free Stuff for College Students
3. WalletHacks - Freebies and Discounts for College Students