Costco Student Membership Gives You Big Savings for Just $65

Kasen Blackwood

August 5, 2025

Costco student membership costs $65 a year for the Gold Star plan. You can also pick the Executive plan for $130 per year, but that’s only helpful if you shop at Costco often.

You get access to the warehouse store and Costco online, which means members-only prices on snacks, school supplies, Kirkland Signature items, and Costco furniture. Two membership cards come with every plan so you can share one with a roommate.

Costco membership for students doesn’t require a new membership plan. You get the same club membership as everyone else, but sometimes with discounts on the membership fee. This clears up confusion about student-only plans and shows how much you can save.

Costco Wholesale Corporation provides real value to students and recent grads. You save money, split costs, get cash back, enjoy special offers, and even earn instant savings with a cardholder-only account.

Student Eligibility and Membership Cost

Costco membership benefits are open to students who are 18 or older. To qualify, you must be actively enrolled and provide membership details, such as a student ID or a school enrollment letter.

The Gold Star club member plan is $65 per year. This annual membership includes access to Costco stores, the Costco food court, and the online shop. You also get a second membership card for a family member or roommate living in the same household.

The Executive membership costs $130 and gives 2 percent cashback on qualifying purchases. If you redeem more than $3,000 per year, your dues pay for themselves.

Some colleges offer discount programs or vouchers for new members. These limited-time offers can save you up to $20 on your first purchase. Always check your campus flyer or student union page for active promotions.

Enjoy Exclusive Student-Friendly Perks

Costco has something for everyone. Students enjoy savings on food, tech, dorm gear, and more. These exclusive member perks are designed for Costco cardholders who want real value without overspending.

Dorm Room Deals That Last

Bulk packs of dorm items like toiletries, snacks, and groceries help you save up to 40 percent compared to supermarkets. These items are ideal for students looking to stretch every dollar.

You’ll also find Costco home goods such as storage bins, branded bedding, and laundry supplies. Shopping in bulk once a month is easier and cheaper than visiting the market every week.

Tech Discounts for School Needs

Costco offers special offers on laptops, tablets, and headphones. Each merchandise item often includes extended warranties, which are great for students needing reliable gear all year.

Costco coupons on tech items sometimes pop up in-store or online. Students should use the Costco app to find these deals on school supplies and electronics.

Food in Bulk That Fits Your Budget

Stock up on frozen meals, rice, cereal, and drinks at a warehouse club price. Shopping at Costco means fewer trips to the grocery store and bigger savings on every meal.

You can even enjoy free samples while shopping and grab a hot dog or drink at the Costco food court. Buying in bulk helps you save over time.

Smart Spending with Shop Cards

You can load money onto a Costco Cash Card to manage your spending. These act like gift cards and are perfect for students who want to avoid carrying cash or credit cards.

Parents often send Costco cash to their college kids for monthly expenses. These cards are not valid at other retailers and help you control your budget better.

Cashback Perks for Executive Members

Students with an Executive membership get cashback on all purchases. After you spend over $3,000 per year, your cost is covered by your rewards.

These VIP perks also include access to concierge services and additional benefits like travel, hearing aid services, and extended warranty programs.

Online Tools for Smarter Shopping

Costco online offers filters to help you shop by budget. Students who don’t have transportation use this feature to buy groceries, electronics, and subscriptions from their dorms.

You can access flyers, find instant savings, and even enroll in auto-buying and vacation package services available only to club members.

Extra Costs and Rules of Costco Student Membership

A Costco membership card renews yearly. If you don’t renew your membership before the expiration date, you lose access to the club member deals.

Many special offers are limited-time and expire quickly. Always read the fine print and know if a deal excludes certain items or services.

The Executive Membership only makes sense if you’re a regular shopper. If you don’t shop at least once a month or spend much, stick with the individual membership.

Buying in bulk saves money, but if you don’t have a car, consider delivery. Not all deals are available through Costco Travel or Costco Business Services, so plan accordingly.

Simple Ways to Maximize Student Savings

Every Costco store offers ways to save money beyond just bulk pricing. These smart habits stretch your membership benefits even further.

Share Membership with a Roommate

Two cards come with every membership. Sharing your Costco card cuts the annual fee per person in half. It also makes shopping easier if you’re not buying large packs alone.

You can also split groceries and Costco food items, and reduce waste.

Shop During Back-to-School Deals

Costco offers big discounts in August and September on electronics, backpacks, and school gear. These deals on merchandise are often better than those from other retailers.

You may also receive a free sample, a discounted item, or a flyer with extra coupons.

Use Costco Pharmacy and Vision Services

Get cheap prescriptions without paying a foreign transaction fee or relying on private insurance. Students without plans can save big here.

You’ll also find low-cost glasses and eye exams, often at prices lower than Wal-Mart or your local supermarket.

Get Budget Travel Deals

Students planning a break can use Costco Travel for cruises, flights, and hotels. These vacation packages are affordable and available only to Costco members.

Check often, since some vouchers or travel sales may only be available for a limited time.

Use Digital Coupons on the Costco App

The Costco app offers rotating Costco coupons, exclusive member savings, and redemption offers. Students should browse each week for instant savings.

If you are a member, the app helps you get the best deals year-round. Always use the app at checkout to get full value from your subscriptions and services.

FAQs

Q. Is there a special Costco membership for students?
No, there is no student-only membership. However, new members who are students often receive a voucher or discount off the membership fee through school promotions. These deals are available through some college flyers, clubs, or online codes.

Q. How much does a Costco membership cost for students?
Students pay the same annual fee of $60 for a Gold Star plan and $120 for Executive. Some colleges offer discounted memberships or complimentary membership codes to help new Costco shoppers. These offers usually come with an expiration date and may exclude certain items.

Q. Can I share my student Costco membership?
Yes, every plan includes two membership cards. You can share one with someone in your same household. This makes it easier to split costs, share Costco coupons, and save money per membership.

Q. Are textbooks for students cheaper at Costco?
Costco usually doesn’t sell college textbooks, but you can get great deals on laptops, calculators, and office gear. Some locations even offer tickets to online learning tools and gift cards that can be used elsewhere.

Q. How do I prove I’m a student for discounts?
You’ll need to show a valid student ID, school email, or class schedule. Some Costco stores ask for online enrollment verification before allowing you to become a member using a discount program.

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