The holidays have just ended and students are heading into the second half of the school year. It's crunch time and a secure internet connection is a must. A solid home Internet connection is essential for distance learning, homework, Zoom, and just about anything. Whether you're a college student on a tight budget or balancing parents secondary school or secondary school students with an increased need for internet access, you will need a decent one internet connectionwhich is not always cheap.
We've got you covered with the best programs and discounts currently offered by internet providers. We've rounded up the best discount internet plans if you're looking for basic internet service (think around 100 Mbps) and trying to avoid expensive multigigabit speeds.
Start with federal broadband programs
Before you get stuck with 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 like this Federal public housing assistanceon National School Lunch Programon Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Temporary help for poor families.
The end of Affiliate program available in May 2024 it excluded millions of eligible Americans who used the $30 discount on their Internet bills, and there has yet to be government programming to substantially replace the program. On A life line program, which has been around since 1985 is a program you can apply for an internet discount, although it only offers $9.25 a month off your internet bill. However, that's $111 a year off your broadband costs, and those living on tribal lands can get a monthly discount of up to $34.25.
Often mistaken as a program only for the older onesLifeline helps all low-income households, making it a viable option for families with K-12 children or students to go out on their own. Eligibility factors include an income of 135% or less the federal poverty guidelines or participating in federal assistance programs such as FPHA or SNAP.
Here are some things to note while online shopping: keep in mind how much speed your household needs. Most discount plans from ISPs range between 50 and 100 Mbps, which isn't terribly fast, but is plenty for online research, emailing, and zooming requests, given that there are no other heavy Internet users in the house. such as telecommuters or gamers. If you are looking for higher speedsconsider some generally cheap internet plans that do not require proof of income or participation in federal assistance programs. Just note that while the initial price may average between $20 and $30, those 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 position – Astound's Internet First program offers affordable Internet to families and students in qualified low-income households (including those who qualify for NSLP, Medicaid, housing assistance, SNAP, Head Start, and WIC, among others). Students who receive federal aid can submit an award letter (whether for Pell, FSEOG, or TEACH grants). The plan features download speeds of up to 50 Mbps for $10 per month or 150 Mbps download speeds for $20 per month, with the first 3 months free. There are no contracts, credit checks or installation fees.
Our position – Access from AT&T is a program that offers households with limited incomes within 21 states of AT&T download speeds of up to 100Mbps for $30 a month or less. There are no contracts, data caps, or installation 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 position – Participants in Cox's Connect2Compete program will get download speeds of up to 100 Mbps for $10 a month. This is for 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 position – Get up to 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload with Mediacom's Xtream Connect offer. Your monthly bill drops to $15 or $29 after factoring in modem rental costs. No deposit required and no contracts. Your installation, equipment rental and Wi-Fi modem are free. To qualify, you must participate in a program like SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, SSI, or Lifeline. Homes 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 position – Optimum's Advantage Internet offers download speeds of up to 50 Mbps for $15 per month. Participants will receive 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 dollars monthly
Our position – 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 free mobile hotspot for at least five years.
Fixed wireless
72 – 245 Mbps
60 dollars monthly
300 – 2,000 Mbps
50-120 dollars monthly
Our position – Verizon offers discounted prices on its Verizon Fios internet plans to students enrolled in an accredited, public or private degree-granting university or college. You can save up to $20 per month on the provider's 100% fiber plans if you're an actively enrolled college student. If you're eligible, you can get download speeds of 300 Mbps for $40 a month. However, you'll first need to verify your eligibility on Verizon's site and check if Fios is available in your area.
300 – 2,000 Mbps
50-120 dollars monthly
150 – 2,000 Mbps
$19-$95 monthly
Our position – Xfinity is offering students a deal to get 150 Mbps 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. Additional details will depend on your area and your ability to verify student status. This offer is not available to students living in campus housing. Check to see the student discounts available in your area.
150 – 2,000 Mbps
$19-$95 monthly
50-100 Mbps
10-30 dollars monthly
Our position – Xfinity's Internet Essentials has download speeds of up to 50 Mbps for $10 per month or 100 Mbps for $30 per month. To avoid the one-time payment for a professional installation, 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 qualify.
50-100 Mbps
10-30 dollars monthly
Student Internet Deals and Discounts FAQ
Will AT&T give students a discount on internet service?
AT&T does not have a student-specific home internet discount program. They have called a discount plan Access from AT&T which targets homes with Head Start or NSLP participants. This is not to be confused with AT&T wireless plans, which offer discounts based on school or university eligibility.
Show more
Does the government offer free internet?
To find the best government programming or rebates online, you'll have to turn to federal programs like life line, which can offer $9.25 off your monthly bill, or discounts offered by the Internet providers themselves. The end of the Affordable Connection Program eased the loss of basic Internet rebates (up to $30 per month) across the country, a gap that has yet to be adequately filled by government programming.
Show more