How to get a Best Buy student discount — and save big

Best Buy student discount
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Best Buy student discounts used to offer aggressive deals on student-friendly tech. However, the program was eliminated and Best Buy student discounts are no longer available. In place of student discounts, the retailer has expanded its My Best Buy membership plans. The plans are divided into three tiers. 

My Best Buy is the free tier that offers free shipping (no minimum required). My Best Buy Plus ($49.99 per year) includes access to member only deals and new launches, free 2-day shipping, and an extended 60-day return/exchange window. My Best Buy Total ($179.99 per year) includes all of the above-mentioned perks plus 24/7 Geek Squad support, two years of product protection (AppleCare+) on most new purchases, 20% off repairs, and discounted services (like in-home installations/haul away). 

My Best Buy: join from $0 @ Best BuyMy Best BuyMy Best Buy PlusMy Best Buy Total

My Best Buy: join from $0 @ Best Buy
Best Buy recently revamped its membership plans. My Best Buy (free) offers free standard shipping. My Best Buy Plus ($49/year) offers free 2-day shipping, exclusive access to member-only deals, access to launch events, and an extended 60-day return/exchange window on most products. My Best Buy Total ($179/year) offers all of the above benefits along with extended protection plans (AppleCare+), 24/7 tech support, 20% off repairs, and discounts on in-home installations and haul aways.

Because it's free, the My Best Buy plan is the best and easiest plan to join. It offers free shipping with no minimum required. That means items you buy from the Best Buy back to school homepage will include free shipping. You can also check out our guide to this week's Best Buy coupon codes for other ways to save at Best Buy. 

Who is eligible for a Best Buy student discount  

Best Buy student discounts are now open to anyone. (You no longer have to verify that you're enrolled in a university). You can shop Best Buy's current back to school sales via Best Buy's website.

Which Best Buy products get a student discount?

Best Buy no longer offers exclusive deals to students. Instead, deals are offered via Best Buy's new membership programs. Most of Best Buy's deals are now open to all shoppers. 

Quick Links

Top 5 deals today

Switch games: deals from $19 @ Best Buy

Switch games: deals from $19 @ Best Buy
From Mario to EA FC24, Best Buy is taking from $10 to $20 off a small selection of games. (Most games are $20 off). The sale also includes Zelda, Assassin's Creed and more.

Amazon smart home: up to 40% off @ Best Buy

Amazon smart home: up to 40% off @ Best Buy
Amazon isn't the only place you can shop Alexa speakers, Blink security and Ring video doorbells. Best Buy is taking up to 40% off select Amazon smart home products.

Beats Fit Pro: was $199 now $159 @ Best Buy
Price check: $159 @ Amazon

Beats Fit Pro: was $199 now $159 @ Best Buy
With excellent Beats sound quality, active noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit designed for sports and exercise, these headphones are a real steal at this price. The Beats Fit Pro also has six hours of listening time and up to 24 hours with the included charging case. In our Beats Fit Pro review, we said these buds are a no-brainer and better for workouts than the AirPods Pro.
Price check: $159 @ Amazon

TCL 55" Q5 4K QLED TV: was $449 now $279 @ Best Buy

TCL 55" Q5 4K QLED TV: was $449 now $279 @ Best Buy
A QLED for $279? You better believe it. The TCL Q5 4K QLED TV is a budget TV with plenty of great features. It offers Dolby Vision/HDR10+/HDR10/HLG support, DTS Virtual: X audio, built-in Chromecast and Amazon Alexa/Google Assistant compatibility. Although the display is just 60Hz natively, Game Accelerator 120 allows for 120Hz VRR at a lower resolution. You also get a bright QLED display. This model is a Best Buy exclusive.

10.9" iPad Air (WiFi/64GB): was $599 now $399 @ Best BuyPrice check: sold out @ Amazon

10.9" iPad Air (WiFi/64GB): was $599 now $399 @ Best Buy
The 5th Gen iPad Air is powered by Apple's M1 processor, which features an 8-core CPU that delivers up to 60% faster performance than the previous-gen iPad Air. Other standout features include a 12MP ultra wide front camera that supports Center Stage and 5G support (cellular models only). The tablet features a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display (2360 x 1640), 12MP wide (rear) camera, USB-C charging and Magic Keyboard support. In our Apple iPad Air 5th Gen review, we said it sets a new standard for tablets.
Price check: sold out @ Amazon

Rory Mellon
Entertainment Editor (UK)

Rory is an Entertainment Editor at Tom’s Guide based in the UK. He covers a wide range of topics but with a particular focus on gaming and streaming. When he’s not reviewing the latest games, searching for hidden gems on Netflix, or writing hot takes on new gaming hardware, TV shows and movies, he can be found attending music festivals and getting far too emotionally invested in his favorite football team.