Target College Student Discount: Get 20% Off

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If you’re currently enrolled in college, you absolutely must sign up for the Target college student discount in your Target Circle app. Once your status is verified in the app, you’ll get special 20% off Circle offers throughout the year — like $100 off an iPad Pro or 20% off certain items like storage containers and frozen food.

During the back-to-school shopping season each year, verified college students will get a 20% off coupon in their Target Circle app that they can use during a limited period (in 2022 it was valid July 3 – Sept. 3). This 20% discount marked a 5% increase from the college student discount Target offered in 2021, and it was also 5% more than the Target teacher discount. With many college dorm items going on sale in the fall, you can stack your savings when you use the 20% discount on top of a sale price. We love seeing college students save money!

Here’s everything we know about the 2023 Target college student discount, including when it’s happening, how to sign up, and how much the student discounts are at Target.

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1. When is the Target college student discount available?

A Target shopping cart filled with items, parked in the College Shop section in Target.

In 2022 the Target college student discount was valid July 3 – Sept. 3, 2022. That was eight whole weeks! The coupon wasn’t able to be used multiple times in that 8-week period, though. Throughout the year, Target offers exclusive Circle offers just for College Students.

Related: Don’t miss out! Check out our favorite discounts and freebies for college students.

2. How much is Target’s college student discount?

A woman scanning here Target app at a self-checkout register.

Eligible college students can save 20% with a special Target Circle coupon. This coupon was valid July 3 – Sept. 3, 2022. The coupon was only valid for a one-time use, but it could be used online OR in store. You couldn’t use the coupon online AND in store, though.

Consider stacking your 20% off coupon with your state’s tax-free weekend for a little extra savings. Got extra Target gift cards laying around? You can use those, too!

You can also stack the college student discount with your typical 5% off Target RedCard Reward for even more savings.

3. How do you get a college student discount at Target?

A person shopping in Target, filling out the Student Verification form on their phone in the Target Circle app.

Eligible students will automatically receive a 20% off coupon through their Target Circle account as long as they’re verified as a student. You can sign up for Target Circle online or by selecting the account tab inside the Target app.

Here’s how to verify your student status:

1. Verify your college status on the Target website.

2. Once you’re verified, save your college savings Circle offer(s).

3. Your discount will automatically apply at checkout on Target.com or in your Target Wallet in store.

NOTE: If you’re not ready to use your coupon, be sure to uncheck it from your Target wallet. You don’t want to waste a good 20% off coupon on a small transaction!

TIP: If you’re a new student and the system doesn’t recognize you, you can submit your school ID card with the expiration date, class schedule, or tuition receipt for verification.

4. What is the Target college student discount offer valid on?

A Target shopping cart filled with various items from Target's College shop.

The college student discount offer is valid on almost everything. There are select brands that you can guarantee will be excluded from almost every Circle offer, and that isn’t any different with the student discount offer. Some excluded items include Apple, Beats, Bullseye’s Playground, Cricut, Dyson, gift cards, Instant Pot, JBL, Samsung TVs, Shark, and more. See all of the exclusions on the Target website.

Related: Want to learn how to coupon at Target? We got you!

5. Save more with exclusive Target Circle offers just for college students.

A graphic of two phones, one showing a 20% discount on Storage and the other showing a 20% discount on frozen food at Target.

In addition to the 20% off your entire purchase Circle offer you’ll get in the fall, Target also gives students additional Target Circle offers throughout the year. Keep in mind that these Circle offers will have exclusions and won’t stack on top of the general 20% off Target student discount. Sorry — we’re not getting 40% off laundry detergent by stacking multiple discounts. But you can use them in combination with a buy three, get a $10 Target gift card purchase offer.

Current Target Circle offers just for college students:

20% off Backpacks — expires March 25
20% off Cleaning Chemicals and Tools — expires March 25

6. Use your Target college student discount in combination with sales.

A Target shopping cart filled with bedding items parked in front of a shelf in the College Shop section in Target.

Target offers a ton of college and dorm room essentials on sale during August and September. You can use your college discount on dorm decor, household essentials, beauty, tech, food, and beverage items.

Maximize your savings by pairing your 20% off coupon with items already on sale. Many Target dorm essentials were on sale for 25% off, including bedding, sheets, storage items, desk organization, and more. And don’t forget to use your Target RedCard when you make your purchase.