Best Internet Plans and Discounts for Students
Students rely on the internet now more than ever, so having a good internet connection is an essential part of their daily routine. Students need a connection that’s fast, reliable, and affordable.
Since 1985, the Lifeline program has provided a discount on phone service for qualifying low-income consumers to ensure that all Americans have the opportunities and security that phone service brings, including being able to connect to jobs, family and emergency services. Lifeline is part of the Universal Service Fund. The Lifeline program is available to eligible low-income consumers in every state, territory, commonwealth, and on Tribal lands.
Find low-cost internet and computers in your area.
Due to the constantly changing situation brought upon the world from the COVID-19 pandemic, government-backed agencies and private corporations have made low-cost or free internet plans common practice.
Our guide to low-income internet options can help you identify government assistance, as well as income-based and provider-specific programs that offer affordable internet for families, students and seniors on a fixed income.
Several programs exist to help make internet service more affordable to low-income households. There are both government subsidies and low-income internet programs from internet service providers (ISPs) that can lower your internet bill. The new Emergency Broadband Benefit program is a good example, which can reduce your monthly cost and grant a $100 discount towards a new computer or tablet.
We’ll walk you through these inexpensive internet plans, income-based programs, and low-income family plans to help you reduce the cost of staying connected.
Project 10Million offers free 100GBs/year of data, free mobile hotspots, and access to low-cost laptops and tablets, to students eligible for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) - one per household. Parents will need to provide proof of NSLP eligibility for free or reduced-price meals upon enrollment.
Xfinity is one of the largest cable internet providers in the US. It offers exclusive deals to students attending specific colleges and universities.
Xfinity’s off-campus student deals start at $55 per month for the most basic plan. Xfinity is very upfront about its student offers and has a much wider selection than most other ISPs.
Be aware that Xfinity’s regular rates apply once the promotional period ends. These deals also require a one-year commitment, so be sure to factor that into your budget.
If you’re an on-campus student, Xfinity on Campus is exclusive to dorms and other on-campus housing.
Internet Essentials
Finally, Xfinity provides an Internet Essentials program for students. This program supplies access to Xfinity Wi-Fi Hotspots, a free wireless gateway, and cable internet. Here are Xfinity’s two plans:
Approved students can also purchase a computer for $149.99 plus tax.
Students must be eligible for public assistance programs (NSLP, Medicaid, SNAP, and so on) to qualify for Xfinity’s program. To apply, complete Xfinity’s online form (optimized for mobile).
Spectrum quietly offers the Internet Assist plan with speeds up to 30 Mbps for $19.99 per month. You receive free antivirus software, unlimited access to Spectrum’s nationwide hotspots, and a rent-free modem. This plan is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Spectrum also offers the Internet 100 plan for households eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program.5 It costs $29.99 per month for 24 months, but customers are essentially reimbursed by the program’s $30 monthly credit, making this internet service free.
If you need mobile service, Spectrum One combines internet, Advanced WiFi, and one line of unlimited mobile data starting at $49.98 per month. All Spectrum One combos are eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Frontier offers something for every kind of student , from grad students to homeschooled K–12 kids.
Frontier gives you a lot of options. If you need a plan with high upload speeds, it’s got that. If you need Wi-Fi to study on the go, it’s got that. Just need a ton of bandwidth to keep all your roommates happy? It’s got that too.
An important thing to note is that Frontier’s discounts apply only for the first 12 months, which is a considerably shorter time than it takes to acquire a degree. It’s also not as widely available as Xfinity, so check to see if it’s available in your area first.
The Access from AT&T program provides a wireless gateway and internet access costing up to $30 per month. To qualify, households must meet one of the following:
Customers who qualify can get the following services for free:
Optimum discounts
The Optimum Advantage Internet program provides internet access to qualified households for $14.99 per month. The program includes a free modem and router, download speeds of up to 50 Mbps, and unlimited data.
Qualified households must be eligible for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or Supplemental Security Income (ages 65 and older). Students must reside in New York City and attend public school.
For more information on government programs for students, check out our page on government programs for affordable internet.