Posted by Elisabeth Leamy, Fri Sep 04 2015, 08:44PM

One of the occupational hazards of my job is becoming some sort of consumer know-it-all.  One of the antidotes is reading others’ great consumer articles

One of the occupational hazards of my job is becoming some sort of consumer know-it-all.  One of the antidotes is reading others’ great consumer articles. In the October issue of Consumer Reports, my consumer colleagues surprised and delighted me with something I didn’t know: many retailers offer special discounts just for students.  Then, when I searched around for, like, two minutes, I found other listings, like this one from Brad’s Deals. 

Sure, I knew about student discounts on computers and books, but did you know about the deals on clothing, restaurants and travel?  I bet lots of college students do —but their parents don’t— so here’s a primer.  First of all, a company called UNiDAYS has created a clearinghouse that helps retailers know whether students really are students, so that’s one place to check for evolving discounts.  Meanwhile, here are several to get you started:

APPAREL

Ann Taylor/Ann Taylor Loft: 15% Discount 

Banana Republic: 15% Discount

J. Crew/Madewell: 15% Discount

 

FOOD

Dairy Queen: Participating locations offer a discount or a “Student Meal Deal.”

IHOP: Participating restaurants offer student discounts on a local basis.

Pizza Hut: 10-20% Discount, depending on location.

 

TRAVEL: 

Amtrak: Save 10% with the Student Advantage Discount Card, which costs $22.50 a year and contains many student offers.

Greyhound: 20% discount with the same student discount card.

General Motors: Discounts on Buicks, Chevys and GMCs through the GM College Discount Program.

 

Have you heard of other great student discounts?  Better yet, have you tested them out and scored a success? Then, by all means, “share with the class” via my Facebook page.