Looking to save big on Adobe Creative Cloud while you’re in school? You’ve come to the right place. As a student myself, I know how crucial Adobe’s creative tools are for academic projects – and how much every dollar counts when you’re on a student budget. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting (and making the most of) Adobe’s student discount.
TL;DR: Quick Facts About Adobe CC Student Pricing
- Students and teachers get over 60% off the regular Creative Cloud price
- Current student price: $19.99/month for the entire Creative Cloud suite
- Regular price without student discount: $54.99/month
- Verification required: Must prove current enrollment
- Access to 20+ creative apps including Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro
Why Adobe Creative Cloud Matters for Students
Let’s be real – Adobe’s creative suite isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore. Whether you’re studying graphic design, digital marketing, photography, or even business, knowing your way around Adobe apps can give you a serious edge. Here’s why:
- Industry standard tools used by professionals
- Essential skills for many career paths
- Perfect for course projects and portfolio building
- Access to cutting-edge features and updates
- Cloud storage for your creative files
How to Get the Adobe Creative Cloud Student Discount
Getting your hands on that sweet student discount isn’t complicated, but there are some steps you’ll need to follow:
- Check Your Eligibility
- Must be 13+ years old
- Enrolled at an accredited school (K-12, college, or university)
- Have a valid school email address
- Can provide proof of enrollment if requested
- Sign Up Process
- Visit Adobe’s education page
- Click “Get Started” under the student offer
- Create an Adobe account or sign in
- Verify your student status
- Choose your payment plan
- Start downloading your apps
- Verification Methods
- School-issued email address
- Student ID card
- Report card or transcript
- Tuition receipt
- National Student Clearinghouse record
What’s Included in the Student Plan?
Here’s the full breakdown of what you get with the Creative Cloud student discount:
Desktop Apps
- Photoshop
- Illustrator
- InDesign
- Premiere Pro
- After Effects
- XD
- Lightroom
- Dreamweaver
- Animate
- Acrobat Pro
- Character Animator
- Dimension
- Audition
- Bridge
- Media Encoder
- InCopy
- Prelude
- Spark
- Substance
- Fresco
Additional Features
- 100GB cloud storage
- Adobe Portfolio website
- Adobe Fonts
- Adobe Stock (starter assets)
- Creative Cloud Libraries
- Mobile apps
- Tutorial access
Price Comparison: Student vs. Regular Plans
Let’s break down the numbers to see exactly how much you’re saving:
| Plan Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Total Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student & Teacher | $19.99 | $239.88 | $420/year |
| Regular Individual | $54.99 | $659.88 | N/A |
| Business | $84.99 | $1,019.88 | N/A |
Tips for Maximizing Your Student Discount
- Plan Your Subscription Timing
- Sign up at the start of the school year
- Consider project deadlines
- Watch for special promotions
- Make the Most of Resources
- Take advantage of tutorials
- Join student creative communities
- Build your portfolio using Adobe Portfolio
- Use cloud storage for backups
- Budget Smart
- Pay annually for better rates
- Share costs with study groups
- Keep track of renewal dates
Common Questions About Adobe CC Student Discounts
How long does the student discount last?
The discount is valid for one year at a time. You’ll need to verify your student status annually to continue receiving the reduced rate.
Can I keep using Creative Cloud after graduation?
Yes, but you’ll need to switch to a regular plan once you’re no longer a student. Adobe provides a grace period for transition.
Is the student version different from the full version?
No! You get exactly the same features and capabilities as the regular Creative Cloud subscription.
Can I use the apps offline?
Absolutely. While you need internet for initial installation and periodic verification, the apps work offline.
What happens if I leave school?
You should notify Adobe and switch to a regular plan. Being honest about your status helps maintain a good relationship with Adobe.
Alternative Options for Students
While Adobe CC is the industry standard, there are alternatives if the student price is still too steep:
- Free open-source alternatives (GIMP, Inkscape)
- Affinity Suite (one-time purchase)
- Simplified tools (Canva, Figma)
- School computer lab access
- Monthly plans during heavy project periods
Making the Most of Your Creative Cloud Subscription
Now that you’ve got access to professional creative tools, here’s how to maximize their value:
- Start with the Basics
- Focus on core apps first
- Complete Adobe’s beginner tutorials
- Join student creative communities
- Practice regularly
- Build Your Portfolio
- Use Adobe Portfolio to showcase work
- Create projects beyond class assignments
- Experiment with different tools
- Document your learning journey
- Prepare for Your Career
- Learn industry-specific workflows
- Get Adobe certifications
- Network with other creatives
- Stay updated on new features
Final Thoughts: Is the Adobe CC Student Discount Worth It?
In my experience, if you’re serious about creative work or studying in a related field, the Adobe CC student discount is absolutely worth it. At $19.99/month, you’re getting professional tools at a fraction of the regular cost. The key is to actually use the apps and take advantage of the learning resources.
Think about it this way: the skills you develop with these tools can help you land internships, freelance gigs, or even your first job after graduation. When you look at it as an investment in your future rather than just another monthly expense, the value becomes clear.
Remember to verify your student status on time, keep learning, and most importantly – create awesome stuff!
Need help getting started with Creative Cloud? Drop a comment below or reach out to Adobe’s student support team. They’re surprisingly helpful!
