Hulu Student Discount: What You Need to Know Before You Subscribe

When you’re on a tight budget, every dollar counts—especially when you’re trying to keep up with TV shows and movies. The Hulu student discount, a reduced monthly rate offered to verified college students in the U.S. for access to Hulu’s ad-supported plan. Also known as Hulu (With Ads) for Students, it’s one of the few streaming deals that actually cuts the cost without cutting the content. But here’s the catch: Hulu doesn’t offer a standalone student plan anymore. Since 2023, the only way students get the discount is through the Disney Bundle, a combined subscription that includes Hulu (With Ads), Disney+, and ESPN+. This bundle is the only path to the reduced price, and it’s only available if you’re enrolled at least half-time in an eligible U.S. college or university. You can’t just sign up for Hulu alone and get the student rate—it’s locked behind the bundle.

So why does this matter? Because if you’re already watching Disney+ for Marvel or Star Wars, or ESPN+ for soccer and UFC, the bundle makes sense. You’re paying less than you would for Hulu alone at the regular price. But if you only care about Hulu’s original shows like The Handmaid’s Tale or Only Murders in the Building, you might be surprised to find you’re paying extra for content you don’t use. That’s where the real trade-off kicks in. The student discount on the bundle is about $2.99 a month—way cheaper than the regular Hulu plan—but you still get ads. There’s no ad-free student option. And if you want to skip ads, you’ll have to upgrade to the full-price Hulu (No Ads) plan, which wipes out the discount.

It’s also worth noting that this deal isn’t available everywhere. You need a .edu email or a valid student ID through SheerID to verify your status. And if you graduate, your discount ends. You’ll be bumped to the regular Disney Bundle price unless you cancel before then. Some students try to keep the discount by re-enrolling in summer classes, but that’s a gray area—and not worth the risk. The service checks your enrollment every few months. If you’re not enrolled, you lose the deal.

What you’ll find in the posts below is a mix of real-world advice on streaming deals, what’s actually worth watching on Hulu, and how to make the most of your subscription without overpaying. You’ll see how Hulu Originals stack up against competitors, how to cancel without losing your watch history, and why the Disney Bundle might be the smartest move—if you use all three services. You’ll also find comparisons with other platforms like Paramount+, Tubi, and Fubo, so you can decide if Hulu’s even the right choice for you right now. This isn’t about pushing a plan. It’s about helping you get the most out of what you’re already paying for.