License & Subscription Issues

How to Check if Your Microsoft 365 Student Discount Price Is Correct

Natalie Taylor Sep 30, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to confirm whether a quoted price of $11 per month or $109 per year accurately reflects a valid Microsoft 365 student discount.

How to Verify Your Microsoft 365 Student Discount Price

Product: Microsoft 365
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Verifying educational pricing and student eligibility during a software subscription checkout process.
Observed behavior: The user is shown a price of $109 per year after receiving a special pricing message, which does not seem to align with standard student discount rates.

Before you start

Have your university-issued email address ready and ensure you are logged into your primary Microsoft account before checking your subscription eligibility.

Solution 1Recommended

Verify Pricing with Your University and Microsoft Support

The most reliable way to confirm your student discount is to check your school's IT guidelines or contact Microsoft Support directly, as standard student rates are typically much lower.

Prices like $109 per year do not typically align with standard Microsoft 365 Personal, Family, or University discount rates in the United States. In many cases, universities provide Office 365 Education completely free to active students.

Check your university's IT portal

Visit your school's official IT website or help center to see if they offer a free Office 365 Education plan for enrolled students.

Verify eligibility via Microsoft

Navigate to the Microsoft Education website and enter your valid school email address to check your exact eligibility status.

Contact Microsoft Sales Support

If the price still incorrectly shows $109 per year, contact Microsoft Sales Support or your university's IT help desk to have the pricing error reviewed.

Verify Pricing with Your University and Microsoft Support

Free Education Plans: Many educational institutions are enrolled in Microsoft's Education program, which gives students access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams for free instead of requiring a paid subscription.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Use WPS Office as a Free Alternative to Microsoft 365

If you cannot secure a Microsoft 365 student discount or prefer not to pay a yearly subscription, WPS Office is a powerful, lightweight, and completely free alternative that seamlessly handles all your academic needs.

1. Download the software: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free version for your operating system.
2. Install WPS Office: Run the downloaded installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the suite on your computer.
3. Start creating assignments: Open WPS Office and sign in with your email or Google account to start editing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations immediately.

Completely free core features, perfect for students on a budget.Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats like .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.Lightweight installation that runs smoothly on older student laptops.All-in-one suite combining Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF editing in a single app.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Microsoft 365 free for college students?

Yes, in many cases. Students and educators at eligible institutions can sign up for Office 365 Education for free, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Microsoft Teams. You will need a valid school email address to claim this.

How much is the standard Microsoft 365 student discount?

If your school does not provide Office 365 Education for free, Microsoft typically offers a discounted Microsoft 365 Personal plan for college students at a significantly reduced monthly rate. A price of $109 per year is generally the standard rate for the Family plan, not a student discount.

Can I use my university email to renew a discounted subscription after graduating?

Student discounts and free Education plans require active school enrollment. Once you graduate, your institution may revoke access to your educational email, and you will typically need to switch to a standard Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription.

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