Netflix is an entertainment juggernaut, boasting over 231.3 million subscribers across more than 190 countries as of Q1 2024. The streaming giant generated $32.4 billion in revenue in 2024, cementing its position as the market leader in video-on-demand. Netflix‘s vast library of popular TV series, films, documentaries, and exclusive originals has made it a staple for viewers of all ages.
However, one segment that streams Netflix content more than most is college students. Research firm Nielsen reports that adults aged 18-24 spend over 50% more time watching Netflix compared to the general population. For busy, stressed students dealing with exams and tuition costs, Netflix provides an affordable source of entertainment and procrastination.
Does Netflix have a student discount?
Unfortunately for budget-conscious scholars, Netflix does not currently offer a student discount on any of its subscription plans. Whether you‘re in high school, an undergraduate, or pursuing a Master‘s degree, you‘ll pay the same rates as everyone else for your Netflix fix. The company‘s pricing tiers for 2024 are:
| Plan | Monthly Price | Simultaneous Streams | Video Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic with Ads | $6.99 | 1 | 720p |
| Basic | $9.99 | 1 | 1080p |
| Standard | $15.49 | 2 | 1080p |
| Premium | $19.99 | 4 | 4K + HDR |
This lack of a student deal sets Netflix apart from several of its biggest competitors. Hulu, the second largest paid video streaming app in the U.S., gives students a 65% discount on its ad-supported plan, bringing the price down to just $1.99 per month. Likewise, Paramount+ has a student offer of 25% off its regular prices, while YouTube Premium cuts 50% off its normal rate for qualifying students. Even non-video services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Prime woo collegiate customers with reduced prices.
So why is Netflix the glaring exception? Analysts suggest a few potential factors behind the company‘s aversion to student plans:
Market dominance: Netflix has nearly double the number of subscribers as its closest competitor, Disney+. It may feel less pressure to attract cost-sensitive customers with discounts.
Pricing power: As the pioneer and leader in streaming, Netflix has been able to impose regular price hikes while still growing its user base. Offering student discounts could undermine its ability to raise fees.
No-promo history: Netflix very rarely runs any type of sale, discount or promotion – even during high-volume shopping periods like the holidays. It has a long track record of keeping prices simple and uniform.
Account sharing concerns: Netflix estimates that over 100 million households access the service through shared passwords, costing the company billions in potential revenue. Executives have stated that curbing this practice is a top priority. Providing lower-cost plans for students could be seen as encouraging multi-household password sharing.
Can students get Netflix for free?
While there‘s no official Netflix student discount, there are some ways that industrious college-goers can score free or heavily subsidized access to their favorite shows:
Survey sites: Platforms like Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, and LifePoints pay users in points for completing online questionnaires and tasks, which can then be redeemed for free Netflix gift cards. While it takes some dedication, you can essentially trade your time and opinions for no-cost Netflix.
Credit card rewards: Some credit cards aimed at students, like the Capital One SavorOne Student card, offer bonus rewards on popular streaming services. The American Express Blue Cash Preferred card gives a flat $7 monthly credit for Netflix and other video platforms. For those who can qualify, these perks can offset most of your subscription cost.
Carrier and ISP bundles: Major telecom companies are increasingly bundling Netflix with their internet, wireless, and cable TV plans. T-Mobile includes a basic Netflix subscription with several of its family cell phone plans. Comcast Xfinity and Cox also integrate Netflix into some TV packages for no added fee. Students in search of a new connectivity provider can keep an eye out for these deals.
On-campus cable: Some colleges and universities partner with video providers to include streaming services in their on-campus housing fees. For example, Fairleigh Dickinson University offers a unique ‘DIY Netflix‘ portal that gives students free access to a curated selection of films and shows. Check if your school has any similar perks for residents.
Free trials: Like most streaming platforms, Netflix allows new subscribers to sign up for a 30-day free trial. While intended to entice long-term signups, students can strategically time these trials around school breaks to binge their favorite content at no charge.
Will Netflix add a student plan in the future?
Based on the company‘s past behavior and recent comments from leadership, a dedicated Netflix student discount seems unlikely in the near term. CFO Spencer Neumann stated on a 2023 earnings call that the company is focused on "monetizing multi-household sharing" rather than "other things that might stimulate growth in the short term."
Observers believe this is a veiled reference to resisting student or other demographic-based discounts. Netflix has been testing ways to charge extra when subscribers share their login credentials outside their immediate household. While details are still emerging, this shift could end up raising prices for students who split the cost of an account with friends or family.
However, some industry watchers think Netflix may need to reconsider student pricing down the line if subscriber growth meaningfully slows. The company added 8.3 million net subscribers in 2024, the lowest annual gain since 2015. Meanwhile, rivals like Disney+ and HBOMax are investing heavily in content to attract younger viewers. Offering a student discount could help Netflix defend its market share and build long-term loyalty with an important demographic.
There‘s also potential for Netflix to get more creative with how it approaches student subscribers. Rather than a blanket discount, the company could partner with more universities to bundle Netflix into tuition fees or offer specialized student plans with unique features like:
- Temporary downloadable content that expires after each semester
- Discounts on textbooks, study guides, or educational resources related to Netflix documentaries and shows
- Access to career workshops or networking events with Netflix employees and showrunners
- Student-only queues and content collections curated by on-campus ambassadors
- Subsidized plans sponsored by major brands trying to reach college audiences
While these types of perks may seem far-fetched today, they demonstrate how Netflix could potentially differentiate a student offering beyond just a 10% price cut. As the streaming wars heat up, the company may need to think outside the box to court collegiate viewers.
The bottom line for students
Until Netflix has a change of heart, students will need to get resourceful if they want to save on their streaming habit. Taking advantage of free trials, survey sites, bundled promotions and shared accounts can help minimize out-of-pocket costs. Keeping an eye on what competitors offer students is also wise, as it may compel Netflix to eventually respond in kind.
For now, think of that $9.99 per month as an investment in your entertainment and mental health. A recent Ohio State University study found that 80% of college students admit to binge-watching streaming content, with Netflix being the most popular platform. As long as you don‘t let your next "Stranger Things" marathon derail your GPA, a full-price Netflix plan can still be a sound value for students.
Ultimately, Netflix will need to weigh the short-term revenue gains of its strict pricing model against the long-term risk of losing cash-strapped young customers to other platforms. By 2025, Gen Z is forecasted to become the largest U.S. consumer population. If Netflix wants to remain the most popular TV and movie platform on college campuses, it may need to graduate to a new strategy for students.
