Target Student Discount 2024 (Take Advantage Of 15% Off)

How to Save Big with the Target Student Discount: The Ultimate Guide

Hey there, savvy students! As a bargain shopping expert, I‘m excited to walk you through everything you need to know about the Target student discount. With a little strategic shopping, this discount can help you stretch your budget further on the essentials for school and dorm life.

But before we get into the details, let me just say that as someone who‘s been there, I know that college isn‘t cheap. Between tuition, textbooks, living expenses and attempting to have some semblance of a social life, those costs add up fast. That‘s why I‘m a huge proponent of students taking advantage of every discount available to them. And with Target‘s student discount, you can save on the already affordable, stylish and durable goods this retailer is known for.

So let‘s dive in and learn how you can put more money back in your pocket with the Target student discount!

What is the Target student discount?

Target offers a generous 15% discount on most regular-price items to students currently enrolled in a degree-granting college, university, vocational program or other accredited higher education institution in the United States. This includes undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students. The student discount cannot be combined with most other coupons and promotions.

To access the discount, you need to register and verify your student status on Target.com (I‘ll walk you through how to do this in a bit). Once verified, you can use the discount for in-store and online purchases. At the register, simply present your digital student discount coupon in the Target app. For online orders, the discount will automatically apply at checkout when logged into your account.

The 15% discount is valid on thousands of regular-priced items across nearly every category, including:

  • School and office supplies
  • Clothing, shoes and accessories
  • Personal care and beauty products
  • Cleaning supplies and household essentials
  • Electronics and tech accessories
  • Storage solutions and dorm/apartment furniture
  • Groceries and pantry staples
  • Home decor and small appliances

However, there are some exclusions to be aware of. The student discount typically cannot be applied to:

  • Target GiftCards, prepaid cards, and clinic & pharmacy purchases
  • Items sold & shipped by Target Plus™ Partners
  • Shipt membership fees
  • Gift wrap and shipping & handling charges
  • Wireless protection program purchases and deposits required by mobile carriers
  • Alcohol (except where prohibited by law)
  • Select brands, including Apple products, Bose, Elf on the Shelf, GoogleApple Products

So while not 100% of Target‘s inventory is eligible, the student discount still covers the vast majority of items college students need on a regular basis. It‘s an incredible way to save on the basics and stretch your budget further.

How to verify your student status and start saving

Getting verified for the Target student discount is quick and easy. Here‘s how to do it:

  1. Head to Target.com and sign into your existing Target.com account. If you don‘t have one yet, click "create account" and follow the prompts to sign up (it‘s free).

  2. In your account dashboard, click on "Get Verified." You‘ll be redirected to a page where Target‘s verification partner SheerID will request some information to confirm your student status.

  3. Enter your name, college/university, date of birth, and email address. You may also need to upload supporting documentation, such as a scan of your student ID card, current class schedule or tuition receipt.

  4. Once your submission is approved (usually instantly), you‘ll see a confirmation message that your student status is verified. The 15% discount will now automatically apply to eligible items when shopping online.

  5. To access the discount for in-store purchases, make sure you have the latest version of the Target app downloaded. In the app, navigate to your Target Circle offers. You should see an offer called "15% off – registered student." Save this offer to your Circle account.

  6. When you‘re ready to check out at the register, simply open the Target app, go to your Wallet and scan the barcode labeled "Wallet barcode." The cashier will need to select the 15% student discount offer for it to apply.

And that‘s it! You‘re now ready to start saving 15% on most Target purchases, both online and in stores. The discount is valid for one year from the date you verify your student status. After that, you‘ll need to re-verify to continue accessing the savings.

One important thing to keep in mind – you can only link one Target.com account to a student status, and you cannot extend your discount to friends and family. But as long as you‘re using your own account, you‘re good to shop away and rack up the savings.

Stacking savings: Using the student discount with Target Circle offers and promotions

As a certified deals expert, one of my favorite tricks for maximizing savings is to stack a retailers special discount programs (like the Target student discount) with store-wide or item-specific promotions and loyalty rewards. This allows you to multiply your savings and really get the most bang for your buck.

At Target, the main way to do this is by joining the retailer‘s free loyalty program, Target Circle. With Circle, you earn 1% back on most purchases to redeem later, get access to hundreds of Circle-exclusive offers, and receive a 5% discount on a single purchase for your birthday. These savings are in addition to the 5% you always get for using your Target RedCard (debit or credit card).

So let‘s break down an example of how stacking deals works in practice:

Let‘s say you‘re buying a new backpack for school. You find one you like that‘s usually $39.99. As a verified student, you‘ll get 15% off that price, bringing the cost down to around $34. But let‘s say this particular backpack is also part of a current Target Circle offer for an extra 10% off. You‘ll now be getting 25% off, with a discounted price of around $30. And on top of that, you‘ll be earning 1% ($0.30) in Target Circle earnings to use on a future purchase.

Not too shabby, right? And this is just one example. Target frequently runs Circle offers and promotions across every category, so always check your account before shopping to make sure you‘re taking advantage of all available discounts. A few minutes of deal stacking can lead to some serious savings over time.

What should students buy with their Target discount?

As a student, there are endless items you can and should use your Target discount on. But to help you prioritize your spending, here are some of the categories I think offer the best long-term value:

  1. Dorm/apartment essentials: Target has an incredible selection of stylish, affordable and durable pieces for dorm and apartment living. Use your discount to stock up on bedding, towels, storage solutions, kitchen essentials and cleaning supplies. Pro tip: Target often runs sales on these items in late summer as students head back to school, so keep an eye out for opportunities to stack your discount.

  2. School supplies: From notebooks and binders to backpacks and desk accessories, Target is a one-stop shop for all your school supply needs. Use your discount to get the best prices on the supplies you‘ll use all year long.

  3. Technology: While some technology brands are excluded from the student discount, Target still has a wide selection of tech accessories, small appliances and smart home devices that are eligible. Use your discount to save on things like portable chargers, headphones, smart light bulbs and mini fridges.

  4. Personal care and wellness: Target has a robust selection of toiletries, skincare, hygiene products, vitamins and supplements, and wellness items like yoga mats and resistance bands. Use your discount to save on the self-care essentials that help you look and feel your best.

  5. Clothing staples: While trendy clothing items tend to go on sale frequently, Target‘s student discount provides great savings on everyday wardrobe staples that never go out of style. Stock up on basics like jeans, tees, sweaters, socks and underwear.

Of course, part of being a savvy shopper is knowing your own budget and needs. Before making any major purchases, take inventory of what you already own and make a list of what you truly need. By being intentional with your spending and using your discount strategically, you can make the most of this valuable savings opportunity.

Comparing Target‘s student discount to other retailers

While Target‘s 15% discount is certainly generous, it‘s not the only retailer offering savings for students. Here‘s a quick breakdown of how Target‘s discount compares to some of its biggest competitors:

  • Amazon Prime Student: 50% off Prime membership ($6.49/month or $59/year), which includes free 2-day shipping, streaming services, and exclusive deals. 6-month free trial available.
  • Bed Bath & Beyond: 20% off entire purchase, one-time use in-store only. Must sign up for College Savings Pass.
  • Best Buy: Exclusive student deals on laptops, tablets, and other tech. Free shipping on orders $35+.
  • Kohl‘s: 15% off in-store purchases for students. Must show valid student ID at checkout.
  • Macy‘s: 15% off select departments in-store and online. Must be signed up for Macy‘s College Student Program.
  • Walmart: No student discount program currently offered.

As you can see, Target‘s student discount stacks up favorably in terms of amount and ease of use. And when you factor in the ability to stack the discount with Target Circle offers, gifting events and other promotions, the potential savings are even greater.

Of course, it‘s always a good idea to shop around and compare prices on big ticket items. But for most everyday purchases across a variety of categories, Target‘s student discount provides a ton of value.

Other ways to save at Target

Beyond the student discount, there are a few other ways for college students to stretch their dollars at Target:

  1. Sign up for a Target RedCard: With a RedCard (available as a debit or credit card), you‘ll get 5% off most purchases, both in-store and online. This 5% discount can be stacked with the student discount and Circle offers for even greater savings.

  2. Download the Target app: The Target app is a hub for all the latest deals and promotions. Plus, you can use it to scan item barcodes and quickly compare prices while you shop.

  3. Shop the Dollar Spot: Target‘s Dollar Spot section is filled with super cheap essentials for dorm life, including storage bins, school supplies, and room decor. Most items are $1-$5.

  4. Check the clearance section: Target‘s clearance deals are some of the best around, with discounts up to 70% off. You can often find great deals on basics like sheets, towels, and kitchenware.

  5. Follow Target‘s social media accounts: Target frequently posts exclusive deals and early access to sales on its social media channels. Following them is a great way to stay in the loop on limited-time offers.

By combining these strategies with your student discount, you can score some serious savings on almost everything you need for college living.

Budget-friendly shopping tips for students

As someone who‘s been there, I know that college is an exciting but expensive time. It‘s so easy to overspend when you‘re furnishing a new living space, exploring a new city, and trying to keep up with an active social life. But by being proactive about budgeting and strategic about shopping, you can stretch your dollars further and avoid financial stress.

Here are a few tips I‘ve learned over the years:

  1. Create a budget (and stick to it): I know, easier said than done. But trust me, having a clear idea of your income and expenses is crucial for avoiding overspending. Use a budgeting app or spreadsheet to track where your money is going each month and identify areas where you can cut back.

  2. Make a list before shopping: Whether you‘re grocery shopping or buying school supplies, always go in with a list of exactly what you need. This will help you avoid impulse purchases and stay focused on the essentials.

  3. Compare prices: Don‘t just assume that the first price you see is the best deal. Take a few minutes to shop around and compare prices at different retailers, both online and in-store. And don‘t forget to factor in things like shipping costs and taxes.

  4. Buy in bulk: For items you use frequently, like toilet paper, paper towels, and non-perishable snacks, buying in bulk can often save you money in the long run. Just make sure you have enough storage space to accommodate larger quantities.

  5. Wait for sales: If you can be patient, it often pays to wait for big sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or back-to-school season to make larger purchases. You can often score deeper discounts on things like electronics, furniture, and clothing during these times.

  6. Rent or borrow before buying: For items you‘ll only need for a short time, like textbooks or formal wear, see if you can rent or borrow them instead of buying. Many colleges have programs for renting textbooks at a fraction of the retail price.

  7. Sell what you no longer need: At the end of each semester or school year, take inventory of what you have and consider selling items you no longer need. You can use platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Poshmark to easily list and sell your stuff locally.

By being mindful of your spending and using tools like the Target student discount strategically, you can make the most of your college budget and set yourself up for financial success.

The bottom line

College is an important time of learning and growth, but it‘s also a time when money can be tight. That‘s why taking advantage of every opportunity to save is so crucial. With Target‘s student discount, you can easily save 15% on most of the essentials you need for college living and learning.

By following the steps to verify your student status, stacking your discount with other Target deals and promotions, and being strategic about what and when you buy, you can stretch your budget further and stress less about finances. And by adopting money-saving shopping habits now, you‘ll be setting yourself up for long-term financial success.

So what are you waiting for, savvy students? Go get verified and start saving with the Target student discount today!