As a student, every penny counts when it comes to stretching your budget. Eating out can be a big expense, but sometimes you just need a quick and tasty meal to fuel your late-night study sessions. Subway is a popular choice among college students, serving up fresh, customizable sandwiches at over 40,000 locations worldwide. But does the sub shop offer any student discounts to help you save some dough? Let‘s take a closer look.
Do Students Get a Discount at Subway?
The short answer is: not usually. Unlike some of its competitors, Subway does not have a standing student discount program at its U.S. restaurants. You generally can‘t get a percentage off your footlong simply by presenting a valid student ID at the register.
However, that doesn‘t mean Subway never offers special promotions for students. The chain has partnered with student discount platforms like Student Beans and UNiDAYS in the past to provide limited-time offers exclusive to college students. For example, in 2018, Subway ran a deal for 10% off any purchase for students who verified their status through UNiDAYS.
Local Subway franchisees, particularly those situated near college campuses, may also choose to offer their own student discounts from time to time. But these offers vary widely by location and are not mandated by Subway corporate. Your best bet for finding current student discounts is to check with your nearest Subway restaurant or keep an eye on the Promotions page of Subway‘s website.
How Much Can Students Save with Subway Rewards?
Just because there‘s no guaranteed student discount doesn‘t mean you can‘t save at Subway. In fact, the chain‘s MyWay Rewards program offers plenty of freebies and bonuses that any hungry student can appreciate. Here‘s a breakdown of how much you could potentially save by joining:
- Sign-up bonus: 50 points ($0.50 value)
- Earning rate: 4 points per $1 spent
- Average spent per visit: $7.50 (based on a footlong sub, chips, and drink)
- Potential annual spend: $300 (assuming 2 visits per month)
- Annual points earned: 4,800
- Redemption value of points: $48
In essence, if you dine at Subway twice a month and spend an average of $7.50 per visit, you could rack up $48 worth of rewards points in a year. That‘s enough for 8 free 6-inch subs or 4 free footlongs!
Of course, your actual savings will depend on your personal Subway habit. But considering it‘s free to join MyWay Rewards, there‘s no reason not to sign up and start earning points on your student budget.
What Other Fast Food Chains Offer Student Discounts?
While Subway may not be the most generous with student deals, several of its quick-service competitors do offer year-round discounts for college students. Here‘s a sampling of some of the best fast food student discounts available:
| Restaurant | Discount | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Chipotle | Free drink with any purchase | Valid student ID |
| Chick-fil-A | 10% off | Valid student ID at select locations |
| McDonald‘s | 10% off | Valid student ID at select locations |
| Dairy Queen | 10% off | Valid student ID at participating locations |
| Burger King | 10% off | Valid student ID at participating locations |
| Qdoba | Free drink with any purchase | Valid student ID |
| Waffle House | 10% off | Valid student ID |
| Arby‘s | 10% off | Valid student ID at participating locations |
As you can see, 10% off is a pretty standard student discount in the fast food world. While it may not sound like much, it can add up to big savings over time, especially if you‘re a frequent customer.
Interestingly, most of these discounts simply require a valid student ID, rather than going through a third-party verification system like Subway‘s past UNiDAYS promotion. This suggests that restaurants are willing to trust students‘ honesty in order to attract their business.
Why Do Fast Food Chains Offer Student Discounts?
Speaking of attracting business, you may be wondering what‘s in it for the fast food chains to offer these exclusive discounts. After all, students aren‘t exactly known for being big spenders. However, there are a few key reasons why fast food restaurants are eager to court the college crowd:
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Build brand loyalty: By offering discounts to students, fast food chains are hoping to win their favor and establish a loyal customer base. The thinking is that if a student develops a taste for a particular restaurant‘s food in college, they‘re more likely to keep coming back even after graduation.
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Boost sales during slow times: Many fast food restaurants experience a lull in business during the mid-afternoon and late-night hours. These just happen to be the times when students are most likely to be out and about on campus, looking for a quick bite. By offering student discounts, restaurants can incentivize more traffic during these slower periods.
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Compete for market share: The fast food industry is notoriously competitive, with chains constantly vying for a bigger piece of the pie. Offering student discounts is one way for restaurants to differentiate themselves and stand out from the pack. If all else is equal, a student is likely to choose the restaurant that will save them a buck or two.
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Foster community goodwill: Fast food chains often rely on the support of the local communities they serve. By offering discounts to students, restaurants can demonstrate their commitment to and appreciation for the college community, generating positive buzz and goodwill.
Ultimately, student discounts are a smart business strategy for fast food restaurants looking to attract a key demographic and build long-term customer relationships. And for cash-strapped college students, they can be a small but mighty way to save on meals.
How Much Could Subway Stand to Gain (or Lose) from a Student Discount?
So why doesn‘t Subway offer a permanent student discount like some of its rivals? It‘s hard to say for sure without insider knowledge of the company‘s financials and strategy. But we can make some educated guesses based on industry trends and data.
According to a survey by LendEDU, college students spend an average of $64 per month on fast food. If we assume that Subway captures a conservative 10% of that spend, that‘s $6.40 per student per month, or $76.80 per year.
Now let‘s say Subway were to offer a permanent 10% student discount. On average, that would cost the company $0.64 per student per month, or $7.68 per year. Multiply that by the estimated 15.2 million college students in the U.S., and Subway could be looking at an annual loss of over $116 million in revenue.
Of course, this is a rough, back-of-the-napkin calculation that doesn‘t account for any potential increase in student traffic and sales volume that a discount might generate. Subway would have to weigh the costs of the discount against the potential benefits of attracting more student customers and building long-term loyalty.
A Brief History of Student Discounts in Fast Food
The practice of offering student discounts at fast food restaurants is not a new phenomenon. In fact, it dates back to at least the 1980s, when Pizza Hut began offering a 10% discount to students at select locations. The program was reportedly successful in boosting sales and paved the way for other chains to follow suit.
Over the years, student discounts have become a common marketing tactic in the fast food industry, with chains like McDonald‘s, Burger King, and Wendy‘s all experimenting with various offers and promotions targeted at college students.
However, the rise of digital technology and mobile apps has changed the game in recent years. Many fast food chains now offer personalized discounts and rewards through their own apps, rather than blanket student discounts. This allows them to gather valuable data on individual customers‘ buying habits and preferences, which can be used to tailor future promotions and offers.
That said, there is still a place for traditional student discounts in the fast food landscape. For one thing, not all college students are tech-savvy or inclined to download restaurant apps. A simple, no-strings-attached discount that can be redeemed with a student ID is still appealing to many.
Additionally, student discounts can be a way for fast food chains to build goodwill and a positive reputation on college campuses. By showing support for students and their educational pursuits, restaurants can cultivate a loyal customer base that will stick with them long after graduation.
Tips for Eating Fast Food on a Student Budget
Whether you‘re taking advantage of student discounts or not, there are plenty of ways to save money and eat smart when dining out on a college budget. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
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Stick to the value menu: Most fast food chains offer a selection of low-priced items on their value menu. These are usually smaller portions or simpler dishes, but they can be a good way to save money without sacrificing taste.
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Split a meal with a friend: If you‘re really hungry, consider splitting a larger combo meal with a friend instead of ordering separate items. You‘ll save money and probably end up with a more reasonable portion size.
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Skip the extras: Drinks, sides, and desserts can add a lot to your total bill at a fast food restaurant. If you‘re trying to save money, stick to just the main dish and supplement with your own beverage or snack from home.
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Take advantage of promotions: In addition to student discounts, fast food chains often run other promotions and special offers. Follow your favorite restaurants on social media or sign up for their email lists to stay in the loop and snag some deals.
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Don‘t make it a habit: At the end of the day, fast food should be an occasional treat, not a regular part of your diet. Not only is it expensive, but it‘s also typically high in calories, fat, and sodium. Try to balance your fast food intake with healthier options like home-cooked meals or meals from the dining hall.
The Bottom Line on Subway Student Discounts
While Subway may not offer a consistent, nationwide student discount, there are still plenty of ways for college students to save at the popular sandwich chain. From earning rewards points to taking advantage of limited-time promotions, savvy students can stretch their dining dollars further with a little bit of planning and creativity.
Of course, Subway is just one option in a sea of fast food choices, many of which do offer standing student discounts. By doing your research and comparing prices and policies, you can find the best deals and make the most of your college dining budget.
At the end of the day, the most important thing is to prioritize your health and well-being, both in terms of your finances and your food choices. While it‘s okay to indulge in the occasional fast food feast, make sure it‘s just one part of a balanced and budget-friendly diet. Your wallet (and your waistline) will thank you in the long run!
