Last Updated on 02/24/2021 by GS Staff
Q: Is there a student discount for Netflix?
No, Netflix does not offer a student discount. This was confirmed by the Netflix customer service team when we contacted them to complete this article. They indicated that the prices are fixed and there are no active promotions, even for students.
This undoubtedly is bad news for many college students who would like a bit of entertainment between studying and classes, but don’t necessarily have the cash to spend on monthly Netflix payments. For those students that are willing to pay for Netflix, here are plans and pricing for unlimited streaming movies and TV shows:
Netflix Plans
| Basic | Standard | Premium | |
| Cost Per Month (taxes may apply in some areas) | $8.99 | $12.99 | $15.99 |
| Number of screens to watch at one time | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| Number of phones or tablets allowed to have downloads on | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| HD? | No | Yes | Yes |
| Ultra HD? | No | No | Yes |
Netflix Free Trial Available?
Netflix once offered a free trial for new customers to sample its streaming service. However, according to netflix.com, free trials are not available. You will be charged each month on the date you signed up. The good news is that there are no contracts or cancellation fees. This gives you the option to sign up, cancel, and later restart your membership whenever you wish without burdensome fees associated with the process.
Sharing A Netflix Membership
Is it okay to share a Netflix account? According to the Netflix terms of use, a membership may not be shared with people outside of the household. So, if your college apartment has a Netflix account, technically it should not be shared with your friends in the apartment next door or with your girlfriend/boyfriend in the dorm across campus, for example.
According to The Wall Street Journal, “one-third of subscribers to services like Netflix share their password with someone outside their home”. If you choose to go against the Netflix terms of use and password-share your account, you certainly will not be alone. However, be aware that Netflix is looking into curbing password-sharing but has been dragging its feet on actually taking action. While password-sharing can save a lot of money if it is free for you or you split the cost, there potentially could be repercussions down the road (i.e. potential account termination) if Netflix ever decides on the course to take with this issue.
Amazon Prime Student
As an alternative to Netflix, Amazon Prime does offer a Prime Student Membership. This membership includes a 6-month trial that includes free two-day shipping, unlimited streaming of Prime TV Shows and movies, and much more.
Once the 6-month trial ends, you can obtain Amazon Prime for 50% off. Amazon Prime Student is currently $59 annually or $6.49 monthly.
You will have to verify you are a student by using your .edu email address at signup or by using various other forms of proof. Your Prime Student membership can be used for four-years or up to your graduation day (whichever comes first). You can learn more about Prime Student here through our Amazon affiliate link.
Spotify Premium Student with Hulu and SHOWTIME
Another alternative to Netflix is Spotify Premium Student, which includes Hulu (ad-supported plan) and SHOWTIME streaming. If you sign up for this student plan you get all the services free for one month. After the one month trial, you pay only $4.99 per month. You save approximately $22.00 per month as opposed to paying the normal price for all these services. Visit spotify.com/us/student for more details.
Final Thoughts
You have affordable options if you are a student looking for streaming services. While Netflix does not offer a student discount, you can opt for Prime Student or Spotify Student, which offer generous discounts. Admittedly, these two services are not Netflix since their streaming options are much different. However, most people will be able to find many hours of entertainment with these two services. If Netflix is a must and you can’t afford it, it may be time to get creative to make it affordable (i.e. split the cost with roommates or ask for it as a gift). We hope this article helps you find a streaming service that you can enjoy at an affordable price!
