Before you say “I’m no longer a student,” keep reading. You might actually find you are eligible for an Amazon Prime Student membership.

What is Amazon Prime?

Amazon Prime is a paid subscription service of Amazon.com that allows you to get free two-day shipping on items sold or fulfilled by Amazon. As it is right now, if you don’t have an Amazon Prime membership, you would have to spend $49 on qualifying items in a single order (or $25 in books) to get free shipping.

Items that are sold on Amazon but shipped by another seller do not qualify for free Prime shipping.

There are a number of other services available as a Prime member, but the free shipping is my favorite.

Other Prime Services

Prime Video includes unlimited streaming of shows and movies available on Amazon Prime (similar to Netflix streaming). Not all movies and shows are licensed for streaming on Amazon. In fact, I have had a hard time searching and finding specific movies I want to watch. But you can browse through what is available and probably find something your family would enjoy.

Prime Photo includes unlimited photo storage. 

When you pre-order new-release books, video games, and movies prior to their release date, you get delivery to your home on the release date.

As a Prime member, you also get a 30-minute head start on lightning deals on Amazon. This isn’t something I use, but it could be nice when shopping Black Friday deals.

How much is Amazon Prime?

Amazon Prime costs $99 per year or $10.99 per month. Those new to Amazon Prime can get a free 1-month trial before being charged. You do need to provide a credit or debit card when you sign up for the free trial, so make sure you are prepared to cancel if you don’t want to continue beyond the free trial.

What is Amazon Prime Student?

Amazon Prime Student offers college students a 6-month free trial of Amazon Prime. The free trial membership includes most of the benefits of Amazon Prime.

All of the Prime benefits mentioned above are currently included with the free 6-month student trial. Prime Music and Kindle ebooks are additional features that become available once you begin a paid Prime subscription.

After 6 months, the renewal price is just $49, which is half the cost of the regular Amazon Prime membership, with all the same Prime benefits.

In order to sign up for Amazon Prime Student, you simply need an active .edu email address and fill in some basic information about your school and when you expect to graduate. You do not need to sign up for a separate Amazon account. You can use your existing Amazon account and existing email address. You just need your school’s .edu email address to add Prime Student to your account.

You are eligible for student pricing for up to 4 years.

What if I am not a full-time student?

I am far removed from being a full-time student, but I consider myself a life-long learner. I have taken several classes at my local community college over the years. While I am not currently a full-time student, I am an active student in my local community college, and I have an active .edu student email address with that college.

The .edu email address needs to be active, because a confirmation email will be sent to that address with a link for you to click on to complete setting up your account.

This is all I needed to sign up for Amazon Prime Student with a free 6-month trial.

Why sign up for Amazon Prime now?

Christmas is right around the corner. Many people do their Christmas shopping on line. (Think Amazon Black Friday deals.) Starting your free trial of Amazon Prime Student now will cover you on free shipping well into the new year.

For complete information about the benefits as well as terms and conditions, visit Amazon.com.

Click here to start your free 6-month trial of Amazon Prime Student.

If you don’t qualify as a student you can click here to try Amazon Prime free for 30-Days.