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A dependable home internet connection is essential for remote learning, homework, Zoom and pretty much everything else. Whether you're a college student on a tight budget or a parent balancing middle school or high school students with increasing internet needs, you'll need a good internet connection, which doesn't always come cheap.
We've got you covered with the best programs and discounts internet providers currently offer. We have a roundup of the best-discounted internet plans if you're looking for a basic internet service (think around 100Mbps) and trying to avoid costly multigigabit speeds.
Start with federal broadband programs
Before you get bogged down by provider-specific deals, start with useful federal programs that apply to your household. You may be eligible for student discounts if you participate in programs like the Federal Public Housing Assistance, the National School Lunch Program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
The end of the Affordable Connectivity Program in May 2024 disconnected millions of eligible Americans benefitting from a $30 discount on their internet bills and there has yet to be government programming to substantially replace the program. But you may find some savings with the Lifeline program, which has been around since 1985. Lifeline only offers a $9.25 monthly discount on your internet bill, but that's $111 a year in broadband savings, and those who reside on tribal lands could receive up to a $34.25 monthly discount.
Often mistaken as a program solely for seniors, Lifeline assists all low-income households, making it a viable option for families with K-12 kids or college students out on their own. Eligibility factors include income of 135% or less than the federal poverty guidelines or participation in federal assistance programs like FPHA or SNAP.
Here are some things to note while shopping for the internet: keep in mind how much speed your household needs. Most discounted plans from internet providers range between 50 and 100Mbps, which isn't too fast but is sufficient for online research, sending emails and Zoom requirements, granted there aren't other heavy internet users in the house like remote workers or gamers. If you're looking for faster speeds, consider some generally cheap internet plans that don't require proof of income or participation in federal assistance programs. Just note that although the starting price can average between $20 and $30, those prices often increase after a year or two of service.
Now, let's take a look at some of the internet options for students on a budget.
Astound Broadband
Internet First
Our take - Astound's Internet First program offers affordable internet for families and students in qualifying, low-income households (including those who qualify for NSLP, Medicaid, housing assistance, SNAP, Head Start and WIC, among others). Students receiving federal aid can submit an award letter (whether for Pell Grants, FSEOG or TEACH). The plan features up to 150Mbps download speeds for $20 a month, with the first 3 months for free. There are no contracts, credit checks or installation fees.
AT&T
Access from AT&T
Our take - Access from AT&T is a program that offers limited-income households within AT&T's 21-state footprint 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 free of charge. You may apply via income status or participation in NSLP or SNAP. California residents can qualify by participating in SSI.
Cox
Connect2Compete
Our take - Participants in Cox's Connect2Compete program will receive up to 100Mbps download speeds for $10 a month. This is aimed at families with school-aged children (K-12) that receive government assistance (including NSLP, SNAP, TANF, Head Start, LIHEAP, WIC or public housing). Cox's offer includes no contracts, free installation, free access to over 4 million Wi-Fi hotspots and Wi-Fi modem rental at no charge. Note that this plan does come with a data cap of 1.25TB.
Mediacom
Xtream Connect
Our take - Get up to 100Mbps in download and 20Mbps in upload with Mediacom's Xtream Connect offer. Your monthly bill comes down to $15 or $29 once you factor in the cost of a modem rental. No deposit is required, and there are 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. Houses receiving Federal Public Housing Assistance, participating in the School Lunch Program, Tribal Assistance Programs or receiving a Federal Pell Grant are also eligible.
Optimum
Optimum Advantage Internet
Our take - Optimum's Advantage Internet offers download speeds of up to 50Mbps for $15 a month. Participants will receive a free router, unlimited data, free installation and no contracts. You may be eligible if you or anyone in your household participates in NSLP or is a New York City resident and attends a New York City public school.
T-Mobile
Project 10 Million
Our take - T-Mobile's Project 10 Million is a special program available for K-12 students enrolled in the NSLP, SNAP, TANF, Medicaid or Head Start. The application process typically goes through school administrators, but parents and guardians can apply on behalf of their child's school. All eligible students will receive 200GB a year and a free mobile hotspot for at least five years.
Verizon Fios
Verizon Fios student discount
Our take - Verizon offers discounted pricing on its Verizon Fios internet plans to college students enrolled at an accredited, degree-granting public or private university or college. You can save up to $20 per month on the provider's 100% fiber-optic plans if you're an actively enrolled college student. If eligible, you can get download speeds of 300Mbps for $40 monthly. However, you'll first need to confirm your eligibility on the Verizon site and check to make sure Fios is available in your area.
Xfinity
Student-exclusive university offer
Our take - Xfinity offers college students a deal to get 150Mbps download speed for $25 a month for one year. Modem and router rentals are free and some students may qualify for a prepaid card with some plans. Further details will depend upon your area and your ability to verify your student status. This offer isn't available to students living in on-campus housing. Check to see the student discounts available in your area.
Xfinity
Internet Essentials
Our take - Xfinity's Internet Essentials features up to 75Mbps download speeds for $15 a month or 100Mbps for $30 a month. To avoid the one-time professional installation charge, you can opt for the free self-installation option. There are no monthly equipment costs and no data caps or contracts. Participants in NSLP, public housing, SNAP or TANF qualify.
Locating local internet providers
Student internet deals and discounts FAQs
Will AT&T give students a discount on internet service?
AT&T does not have a home internet discount program specific to students. They do have a discount plan called Access from AT&T that is aimed toward homes with participants in Head Start or the NSLP. This is not to be confused with AT&T's wireless plans, which do offer discounts based on school or university eligibility.
Does the government offer free internet?
To find the best government programming or discounts on the internet, you'll have to turn to federal programs like Lifeline, which can offer $9.25 off your monthly bill, or discounts offered by internet providers themselves. The ending of the Affordable Connectivity Program facilitated the loss of essential internet discounts (up to $30 off per month) across the country, a gap that has yet to be adequately filled by government programming.
Which internet providers feature broadband plans for $10 a month?
Cox's Connect2Compete features 100Mbps for $10 a month, while Astound Broadband provides a 50Mbps plan for $10 a month with its Internet First program and Xfinity's Internet Essentials plan is 50Mbps for $10 a month.
