Money Saving Mom®

Save BIG with a Walmart+ Student membership! It gives you free shipping, gas savings, and more!

If you have a college student in your home (or are one yourself), you already know how quickly expenses can add up from groceries and dorm essentials to last-minute supplies. With a daughter in college, we’ve been walking through all the transitions that come with it.

And one thing I’ve seen firsthand? College students are busy. Between classes, jobs, friendships, and trying to stay on top of everything, there’s not a lot of extra time to run errands or hunt down the best deals. At the same time, most students are on a pretty tight budget and are constantly looking for ways to stretch their money a little further.

That’s why I’m always on the lookout for simple, practical ways to help make this season a little easier, especially when it comes to saving both time and money. I recently learned about Walmart+ Student which offers a 50% discount (from the regular subscription price) to college students.

What is Walmart+ Student?

Walmart+ Student is a discounted version of Walmart+ specifically for college students, and it comes with all the same perks, just at a lower price. Eligible students can get 50% off the regular membership, bringing the cost down to about $6.47/month or $49/year.

Even better? You can start with a free 30-day trial to see if it fits your routine. If you want to try it out, you can sign up here.

Why This Can Be a Game-Changer for Students

As I’ve watched my daughter navigate college life, one thing has become really clear: anything that saves time and mental energy is just as valuable as saving money.

Here are a few of the ways this membership could make a difference:

1. Free Delivery (No More Last-Minute Store Runs)

Whether it’s groceries, toiletries, or random dorm essentials, you can get items delivered right to your door. You get free delivery on orders over $35 so if you’re busy with classes and work, you can always skip the indoor trip (and the temptation purchases too). This alone can save so much time during busy weeks.

2. Free Shipping (No Minimum)

This is one of those perks that quietly adds up. Need one item? No problem. Forgot something? Order it. No minimum shipping means you don’t have to overbuy just to qualify.

3. Gas Savings (Yes, Even for Students!)

If your student has a car, this is another helpful benefit.

Members can save on gas at participating stations, and even small savings per gallon can add up over the course of a semester, especially with all the driving that can come with school, work, and activities.

4. Streaming Included (Hello, Study Breaks)

College students need a break sometimes, too! Walmart+ Student includes access to a streaming service, which can be a nice little bonus if they’re already paying for entertainment or looking for a way to unwind without spending extra.

5. Member-Only Deals + Early Access

This is one of those underrated benefits.

Members often get:

• Early access to big sales
• Exclusive discounts
• Special promotions

Which is especially helpful during back-to-school season or holidays.

In addition to the core perks like delivery and shipping, Walmart+ Student also includes:

• Mobile Scan & Go: This allows you to scan items as you shop in-store and check out quickly through the app, helping save time and avoid long lines.
• Easy Returns from Home: Some items can be returned without a trip to the store, making the return process more convenient for members.

While each feature on its own may seem small, together they can create a more convenient and cost-effective shopping experience for students.

Who Qualifies for a Walmart+ Student Discount?

To sign up, you’ll need to be 18 or older and be enrolled in a college or university. You will also need to verify your student status (quick and simple online process). Once verified, you keep the discount as long as you remain eligible.

Is Walmart+ Student Worth It?

I think the answer depends less on the membership itself and more on how your student actually shops and lives day to day.

With Walmart+ Student costing around $49 per year (or about $6.47/month), it’s already significantly lower than the standard membership price (about half off) while still offering the same benefits.

But what really matters is whether those benefits get used.

If your student is:

• Ordering groceries even a couple of times a month
• Frequently needing small items shipped quickly
• Driving regularly and able to use gas discounts
• Or already paying for a streaming service

…it doesn’t take much for the savings to add up. Even skipping just a few delivery fees or shipping charges could cover the cost of the membership for the entire year.

What I also love is how this can help with unintentional spending. If you’ve ever gone to the store for “just a few things,” you’ll know it’s so easy for extras to sneak into the cart. Ordering online (especially with free delivery or shipping) helps create a little more intention, and that alone can save money over time.

A Student Discount That Really Pays Off

College life is full. There are long days, changing schedules, and a lot to juggle. Having an easy way to get what you need, without another errand, another decision, or another time commitment, can be incredibly helpful.

For the right student in the right season, Walmart+ Student can simplify life and save money. And sometimes, that combination is exactly what you need.

How to Sign Up (Takes Just a Few Minutes)

Getting started is simple:

1. Go here
2. Verify your student status
3. Start your free trial

That’s it! Have you ever tried Walmart+ before or have you thought about becoming a member? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.