11 Student Discount Programs with National Retailers You Need to Know

3. Microsoft Student Discounts

Microsoft provides student pricing on software, Office 365 Education (often free for qualifying schools), and occasional discounts on Surface devices. To access these offers, many students sign in through their school account or a verified student portal on Microsoft’s education site. Eligibility usually covers full-time students, faculty, and staff at qualifying institutions; part-time or continuing-education students should confirm with their school email. Offers are predominantly online, but Best Buy and other brick-and-mortar partners may honor student pricing during special promotions. Keep an eye on bundled software deals for classes that require specific applications; student licenses can be substantially cheaper than retail. Before buying hardware, check trade-in options and student promotions that reduce the out-of-pocket cost for a course-ready laptop or tablet.