The best internet deals and discounts for students
The holidays have just ended and students are heading into the second half of the school year. It’s about time and a reliable internet connection is a must. A stable home internet connection is essential for distance learning, homework, Zoom and just about anything. Whether you’re a student on a tight budget or a balancing parent secondary school or high school students with a growing need for Internet access, you’ll need a decent one internet connectionwhich is not always cheap.
We’ve got you covered with the best programs and discounts that ISPs are currently offering. We’ve got a roundup of the best discount internet plans if you’re looking for basic internet service (think around 100 Mbps) and trying to avoid expensive multi-gigabit speeds.
Start with federal broadband programs
Before you get bogged down in provider-specific deals, start with helpful federal programs that apply to your household. You may be eligible for student discounts if you participate in programs such as Federal public housing assistanceon National School Lunch Programon Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Temporary help for needy families.
The end of Affordable Connection Program in May 2024 it disconnected millions of eligible Americans who took advantage of a $30 discount on their Internet bills, and there are still no government programs to substantially replace the program. The Lifeline program, which has been around since 1985, is a program you can turn to for an Internet discount, even though it only offers $9.25 a month off your Internet bill. Still, that’s $111 a year off your broadband costs, and those living on tribal lands can get up to $34.25 a month off.
It is often mistaken as a program only for elderly peopleLifeline supports all low-income households, making it a viable option for families with children in K-12 or students alone. Eligibility factors include an income of 135% or less the federal poverty guidelines or participation in federal assistance programs such as FPHA or SNAP.
Here are some things to note while online shopping: keep in mind what speed your household needs. Most discounted plans from ISPs range between 50 and 100Mbps, which isn’t too fast, but is sufficient for online research, emailing, and scaling requirements, provided there are no other heavy Internet users in the house such as remote workers or gamers. If you are looking for faster speedsconsider some in general cheap internet plans that do not require proof of income or participation in federal assistance programs. Just keep in mind that while the starting price can average between $20 and $30, these prices often increase after a year or two of service.
Now let’s look at some of the internet options for students on a budget.
Our opinion – Astound’s Internet First program offers affordable Internet to families and students in qualified low-income households (including those eligible for NSLP, Medicaid, housing assistance, SNAP, Head Start, and WIC, among others). Students receiving federal aid may submit an award letter (whether for Pell Grants, FSEOG, or TEACH). The plan includes up to 50Mbps download speeds for $10 per month or 150Mbps download speeds for $20 per month, with the first 3 months free. There are no contracts, credit checks, or setup fees.
Our opinion – AT&T Access is a program that offers low-income households in AT&T’s 21-state coverage area download speeds of up to 100Mbps for $30 a month or less. There are no contracts, data caps, or setup fees, and AT&T provides a Wi-Fi modem for free. You can apply through income status or participation in NSLP or SNAP. California residents can qualify by participating in SSI.
Our opinion – Participants in Cox’s Connect2Compete program will get up to 100Mbps download speed for $10 a month. This targets families with school-aged children (K-12) who receive government assistance (including NSLP, SNAP, TANF, Head Start, LIHEAP, WIC, or public housing). The Cox offer includes no contracts, free installation, free access to over 4 million Wi-Fi hotspots and free Wi-Fi modem rental. Note that this plan comes with a data limit of 1.25 TB.
Our opinion – Get up to 100Mbps download and 20Mbps upload with Mediacom’s Xtream Connect offer. Your monthly bill comes down to $15 or $29 after you include the cost of the modem rental. No deposit required and no contracts. Your installation, equipment rental and Wi-Fi modem are free. To qualify, you must participate in a program such as SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, SSI, or Lifeline. Houses that receive federal public housing assistance, participate in the school lunch program, tribal assistance programs, or receive a federal Pell grant are also eligible.
Our opinion – Optimum’s Internet Advantage offers download speeds of up to 50Mbps for $15 per month. Participants will get a free router, unlimited data, free installation and no contracts. You may be eligible if you or someone in your household participates in the NSLP or is a resident of New York and attends a New York public school.
Fixed wireless
72 – 245 Mbps
$60 per month
Our opinion – T-Mobile’s Project 10 Million is a special program available to K-12 students enrolled in NSLP, SNAP, TANF, Medicaid or Head Start. The application process usually goes through school administrators, but parents and guardians can apply on behalf of their child’s school. All eligible students will receive 200GB per year and a free mobile hotspot for at least five years.
Fixed wireless
72 – 245 Mbps
$60 per month
300 – 2000 Mbps
$50 – $120 per month
Our opinion – Verizon offers discounted rates on its Verizon Fios internet plans to students enrolled in an accredited public or private university or degree college. You can save up to $20 per month on 100% carrier fiber plans if you’re an actively enrolled college student. If you qualify, you can get download speeds of 300 Mbps for $40 per month. First, though, you’ll need to verify your eligibility on Verizon’s site and make sure Fios is available in your area.
300 – 2000 Mbps
$50 – $120 per month
150 – 2000 Mbps
$19 – $95 per month
Our opinion – Xfinity is offering students a deal to get 150Mbps download speeds for $25 a month for a year. Modem and router rentals are free, and some students may qualify for a prepaid card with some plans. Further details will depend on your area and your ability to verify your student status. This offer is not available to students living in campus housing. Check to see the student discounts available in your area.
150 – 2000 Mbps
$19 – $95 per month
50 – 100 Mbps
$10 – $30 per month
Our opinion – Xfinity’s Internet Essentials offers up to 50Mbps download speed for $10 per month or 100Mbps for $30 per month. To avoid the one-time professional installation fee, you can choose the free self-installation option. There are no monthly equipment costs and no data limits or contracts. NSLP, public housing, SNAP, or TANF participants are eligible.
50 – 100 Mbps
$10 – $30 per month
Student Internet Deals and Discounts FAQ
Will AT&T give a student discount for internet service?
AT&T does not have a student-specific home internet discount program. They have a discount plan called Accessed by AT&T which targets homes with Head Start or NSLP participants. This is not to be confused with AT&T’s wireless plans, which offer discounts based on school or university eligibility.
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Does the government offer free internet?
To find the best government programs or rebates on the internet, you’ll need to look to federal programs like lifeline, which can offer $9.25 off your monthly bill, or discounts offered by the Internet providers themselves. The end of the Affordable Connectivity Program facilitated the loss of basic Internet rebates (up to $30 off per month) across the country, a gap that has not yet been adequately filled by government programs.
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