With more than 100 million members globally, you have no doubt heard and experienced the benefits of Amazon Prime. But you may not be aware of Amazon Prime Student, a special program exclusively for college or university students. With Prime Day 2019 beginning on July 15, it’s the perfect time to start a free 6-month trial, if you’re eligible. Additionally, students can explore the recently launched Off to College page.
What is Amazon Prime Student?
Prime Student gives members a six-month trial that includes Free Two-Day Shipping on over 50 million items, unlimited streaming of Prime movies and TV shows, unlimited photo storage with Prime Photos, 20% off pre-order and new release video games, exclusive deals and savings, and more. After the six-month trial ends, Prime Student members are eligible to receive 50% off Amazon Prime, which includes access to all Prime benefits.
Amazon recently raised the price of Amazon Prime Student to $59 a year, or at a slightly increased month rate of $6.49 per month. The monthly payment option is ideal for students on a tight budget.
Who is eligible?
Signing up is free. Amazon requires a .edu email address and your expected graduation year. If you cannot provide this email address, Amazon requires more detailed info, like a scan of a transcript or student ID. Members will also need a credit card on file. Amazon student is only for college or university students, and cannot be used by high school students. If you have already paid for a regular Prime membership, you can still sign up for Prime Student and Amazon will refund the difference.
What is the difference of Amazon Prime and Prime Student?
Not much, which is what makes it such a great program and deal. One of the main differences of Prime Student and regular Amazon Prime is the cost. To start with, Prime Student gives you a free six-month trial vs Amazon Prime’s mere 30-day trial. This makes the Student membership is about half the price of Amazon Prime. One main difference (and drawback) is that Student memberships do not have access to the Kindle Lending Library and only have access to Prime Music after the trial period is over. Prime Student accounts also do include Prime Video streaming and unlimited photo storage.
While an Amazon Prime membership can be shared with multiple members, Prime Student is more strict and cannot be shared with other household members or other adults.
Those eligible can continue to enroll, year after year for up to four years total. When four years are up, members are transitioned to a traditional Amazon Prime account.
Is it worth it?
For college students who frequently purchase online Amazon Prime Student is a bargain. For textbooks, Prime Student allows you to trade them in at an up to 80% trade-in value in the form of gift cards. Prime Student gives access to 2-day (or same-day) shipping on millions of products. July 15 is coming up, and Amazon Prime Student gives members access to exclusive Prime Day deals.
Vendors should know that all products that are currently Prime-eligible are automatically included in Amazon Prime Student, as well. Vendors who have college-related items (like school supplies, dorm items, etc) can maximize potential by ensuring coverage for events like Back to School.
For more information on Amazon Prime Student, visit the Prime Student homepage.
