If you’re looking to purchase top-tier Apple products as a student, educator, or parent of a student, you’re in luck. Apple offers exclusive student discounts, coupon codes, and other savings opportunities that can make their premium devices more affordable.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Apple’s student discount program, including how to access it, what products are eligible, and other ways students can save on Apple devices. Plus, we’ll compare Apple’s student discounts to those of its competitors and discuss how Apple is contributing to both education and sustainability.
Why Choose Apple?
Apple’s reputation for producing high-quality, durable, and innovative products is well-established. Known for its elegant design, user-friendly interface, and seamless integration across devices, Apple stands out as a leader in technology.
Many students choose Apple products because of their reliability, ease of use, and the wealth of applications that can aid in their studies. Whether you’re using a MacBook for graphic design, an iPad for taking notes, or an iPhone for staying connected, Apple’s ecosystem offers products designed for education, creativity, and everyday use.
But there’s no denying that Apple products can be expensive. Fortunately, Apple recognizes the financial challenges faced by students and educators and offers a range of discounts to make its products more accessible.
Apple Student Discounts: An Overview
Apple’s student discount program is available to college and university students, educators at all grade levels, parents buying for their children in college, and school staff. The discount typically ranges from 5% to 15%, depending on the product and region.
Apple’s student discount primarily applies to the following products:
- MacBooks (MacBook Air and MacBook Pro)
- iPads (iPad Air, iPad Pro, and iPad Mini)
- iMacs
- Mac Mini
- AppleCare+ (extended warranty and protection)
Additionally, Apple frequently runs promotions, such as offering free AirPods with the purchase of certain devices or discounts on accessories like Apple Pencils and Smart Keyboards.
Also Read: List of Student Discounts and Deals | The Ultimate Guide
How Much Can You Save with Apple Student Discounts?
While the discount varies depending on the product, you can expect to save anywhere from $50 to $200 or more on major purchases. For example:
- MacBook Air: Regular price $999, with student discount, starting at $899.
- MacBook Pro: Regular price $1,299, with student discount, starting at $1,199.
- iPad Pro: Regular price $799, with student discount, starting at $749.
Students can also receive discounts on AppleCare+ and accessories, and there are additional savings when trading in an old device. The discount is available both online and in Apple’s physical stores, but purchases must be made through the Apple Education Store to qualify.
How to Get a Student Discount on Apple Products
Accessing Apple’s student discounts is a straightforward process, but it requires verification of your student or educator status. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:
- Visit the Apple Education Store: Start by visiting the Apple Education Store, either through Apple’s website or by searching for “Apple Education Store” on your preferred search engine.
- Verify Your Student Status with UNiDAYS: To qualify for Apple’s student discount, you’ll need to verify your status as a student, teacher, or parent of a student using UNiDAYS. UNiDAYS is an online platform that provides verification services for students and educators.
- Steps to verify with UNiDAYS:
- Go to the Apple Education Store and click on “Get Verified with UNiDAYS.”
- If you have a UNiDAYS account, sign in. If not, you’ll need to create one by entering your educational institution’s details.
- UNiDAYS will ask for your school email address or other proof of enrollment (such as a student ID or acceptance letter).
- Once your status is verified, you’ll be redirected to the Education Store, where you can shop for discounted products.
- Steps to verify with UNiDAYS:
- In-Store Verification: If you prefer to shop at an Apple Store, you can bring your student ID, an acceptance letter, or other proof of enrollment to an Apple Specialist. They will help verify your status and apply the discount in-store.
Can High School Students Get Apple Discounts?
Apple’s student discount is generally limited to college and university students, teachers at all grade levels, and parents purchasing for their children in higher education. Unfortunately, high school students are not eligible for the education discount. However, high school graduates who have been accepted into a college or university can access the discount by providing proof of their upcoming enrollment.
How to Maximize Savings with Apple Promo Codes and Deals
In addition to the student discount, Apple occasionally offers other promotions and deals. While Apple does not frequently release promo codes, you can still save by taking advantage of the following:
- Seasonal Sales: Apple’s Back to School promotion typically runs from July to September and often includes free accessories (like AirPods) with certain purchases.
- Trade-In Program: Apple’s trade-in program allows you to exchange old devices for credit toward new purchases. The amount you’ll receive depends on the condition and model of your device, but it can range from $100 to $650 for certain products.
- Refurbished Products: Apple’s Certified Refurbished products come with the same warranty as new devices but are sold at a lower price. This can be an excellent option for students on a budget.
Also Read The 6 Best Note-Taking Apps for iPad Students
Price Comparison Chart for Apple Products with Student Discounts (2024)
| Apple Product | Regular Price | Discounted Price (Student Discount) | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Air (M1, 256GB) | $999 | $899 | $100 |
| MacBook Air (M2, 512GB) | $1,299 | $1,199 | $100 |
| MacBook Pro (13-inch) | $1,299 | $1,199 | $100 |
| MacBook Pro (14-inch) | $1,999 | $1,849 | $150 |
| iPad Air (64GB, Wi-Fi) | $599 | $549 | $50 |
| iPad Pro (11-inch) | $799 | $749 | $50 |
| iMac (24-inch, M1) | $1,299 | $1,199 | $100 |
| AppleCare+ (MacBook Pro) | $279 | $239 | $40 |
| AppleCare+ (iPad Pro) | $129 | $99 | $30 |
Price Comparison Chart: Apple vs. Competitors (Student Discounts)
| Product | Brand | Regular Price | Student Discount Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Air (M1, 256GB) | Apple | $999 | $899 | $100 |
| Surface Laptop 5 (256GB) | Microsoft | $999 | $899 | $100 |
| Dell XPS 13 (256GB) | Dell | $1,099 | $989 | $110 |
| HP Spectre x360 (256GB) | HP | $1,249 | $1,049 | $200 |
| Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon | Lenovo | $1,449 | $1,019 | $430 |
| iPad Pro (11-inch, 128GB) | Apple | $799 | $749 | $50 |
| Surface Pro 9 (128GB) | Microsoft | $999 | $899 | $100 |
| Galaxy Tab S8 (128GB) | Samsung | $699 | $599 | $100 |
Key Insights from the Price Comparison:
- Apple vs. Microsoft: Both Apple and Microsoft offer similar discounts on their base models for laptops (MacBook Air vs. Surface Laptop 5), with a savings of around $100. The MacBook Air is favored for its longevity and ecosystem integration, while the Surface Laptop is praised for its versatile design.
- Apple vs. Dell: Dell offers competitive pricing on the XPS 13, which, after the student discount, is slightly cheaper than the MacBook Air. However, Dell’s discount tends to be steeper, which could be more attractive to students on a budget.
- Apple vs. HP: HP’s Spectre x360 comes with a substantial student discount of $200, making it a strong contender for students who want a premium laptop at a more affordable price compared to the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.
- Apple vs. Lenovo: Lenovo provides the highest savings, especially on their ThinkPad X1 Carbon, which has a student discount of over $400. This is ideal for students seeking powerful performance for less.
- Apple iPads vs. Competitors: Apple’s iPad Pro student discount is modest compared to alternatives like Microsoft’s Surface Pro 9 and Samsung’s Galaxy Tab S8. Samsung’s offering, after the discount, is the most affordable, but Apple’s iPad is known for superior performance in creative tasks and seamless connectivity with other Apple devices.
While Apple offers solid student discounts, competitors like Lenovo and HP may have steeper cuts on premium models. However, Apple stands out in terms of ecosystem, quality, and product integration, which is a significant advantage for students already using other Apple devices or who require specific educational software available only on macOS or iOS.
This comparison chart highlights the importance of considering both the immediate savings and the long-term value when choosing between Apple and its competitors for educational purchases.
Apple’s Commitment to Education and Sustainability
Apple’s dedication to education goes beyond just offering discounts. The company invests heavily in educational programs and resources designed to help students succeed. This includes:
- Apple Teacher Program: A free professional learning program that helps educators build skills in using Apple technology in the classroom.
- Everyone Can Create: A curriculum developed by Apple to help students learn to express themselves through video, music, and art using iPads and Macs.
- Everyone Can Code: A coding curriculum designed to teach students how to code, starting with basic concepts and progressing to more advanced techniques using Swift, Apple’s coding language.
Additionally, Apple has made significant strides in sustainability. As part of its commitment to reducing its environmental impact, the company aims to have its entire product line made with recycled or renewable materials by 2030. Apple’s efforts to reduce e-waste and transition to carbon neutrality make it a great choice for environmentally conscious students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can high school students use the Apple student discount?
A: Unfortunately, high school students are not eligible for the student discount. However, high school graduates who are enrolling in college can access the discount by providing proof of enrollment.
Do I need to verify my student status every time I purchase from the Apple Education Store?
A: No. Once you’ve verified your student status with UNiDAYS, you won’t need to re-verify for subsequent purchases unless your student status changes or you switch institutions.
Can I combine the student discount with other promotions?
A: Yes, Apple sometimes allows you to stack discounts, especially during seasonal promotions like Back to School, where you can receive a student discount and a free pair of AirPods.
