What a Wall Street Journal student subscription includes and how much it costs
The Wall Street Journal offers a student rate that costs less than the standard subscription. The exact price varies depending on when you purchase and what promotions are running, but student rates are typically around 50% off the regular digital subscription price. You get full access to WSJ.com, the mobile app, and the daily newspaper in print if you choose the print-and-digital bundle.
The student rate applies to anyone with a valid .edu email address or proof of current enrollment. You do not need to be a business or economics major — any full-time student at an accredited college or university qualifies. The subscription renews at the student rate as long as you remain enrolled and can verify your status.
What you receive depends on which plan you choose. The digital-only plan gives you unlimited access to all WSJ articles, market data, and opinion pieces on any device. The print-and-digital plan adds a physical newspaper delivered to your address, though delivery areas and frequency vary by location. Both plans include access to the WSJ mobile app and email newsletters.
Key Takeaways
- Student subscriptions cost roughly half the regular rate and require proof of current enrollment through a .edu email address or school verification.
- You can choose digital-only access or add a print newspaper subscription delivered to your address.
- The subscription renews automatically at the student rate each year as long as you remain enrolled and can verify your status.
- You can cancel anytime, and the WSJ does not charge an early termination fee for student subscriptions.
How to set up a student subscription
Start at wsj.com/student. Enter your .edu email address or click the option to verify enrollment another way. If you use a .edu address, the system usually confirms your status immediately. If your school does not issue .edu addresses or you prefer not to use yours, you can upload a photo of your student ID, course registration, or tuition bill instead.
After verification, you will choose between digital-only and print-and-digital plans. Enter your payment method — the WSJ accepts all major credit cards and some debit cards. You will see the total cost upfront, including any promotional discount applied. Complete the purchase and you will receive a confirmation email with login instructions.
Your account activates immediately. You can log in to wsj.com right away and download the mobile app from the App Store or Google Play. If you ordered the print edition, delivery typically begins within 5 to 7 business days, though this varies by location and current volume.
Renewing your subscription and staying on the student rate
Your subscription renews automatically on the same date each year. About two weeks before renewal, you will receive an email with the upcoming charge amount. The renewal price is locked at the student rate as long as you remain enrolled and your verification is current.
The WSJ may ask you to re-verify your enrollment status before renewal, especially if you are nearing graduation or if your .edu email is about to expire. If you receive a re-verification request, follow the link in the email and upload proof of enrollment again. This usually takes just a few minutes.
If you graduate or leave school, your subscription will convert to the regular rate at the next renewal unless you cancel. There is no grace period — the conversion happens automatically. If you want to keep the subscription at the regular rate, you do not need to do anything. If you want to cancel instead, log into your account and select the cancellation option.
Canceling a student subscription
You can cancel anytime through your account settings on wsj.com. Log in, go to your account page, find the subscription section, and select "Manage Subscription." Click the cancellation option and choose your reason. The WSJ will ask if you want to keep your account but pause the subscription instead — you can do this if you think you might return later.
Cancellation takes effect immediately. You lose access to WSJ.com and the app right away. If you have a print subscription, the newspaper stops arriving within a few days. The WSJ does not issue refunds for the unused portion of your subscription, so canceling mid-month means you lose access to the days remaining in that billing cycle.
If you cancel and then want to resubscribe later, you can do so at any time. Your old account may still exist, or you may need to create a new one — this depends on how long ago you canceled. Either way, you can use the student rate again as long as you can verify enrollment.
Comparing the student rate to other WSJ subscription options
The Wall Street Journal offers several subscription tiers beyond the student plan. A standard digital subscription costs more than the student rate but includes the same content and features. A print-only subscription (newspaper delivered, no digital access) is available at a separate price. A premium tier called WSJ+ adds access to exclusive events, video content, and a curated news briefing, though this is not commonly bundled with student rates.
Some employers and organizations offer WSJ subscriptions as a benefit. If your school, workplace, or a professional association you belong to provides access, you may not need to pay for your own subscription. Check with your school's library or career services office — many universities include WSJ access as part of their database subscriptions, which you can use for free on campus or through a VPN.
If you need access only temporarily — for a class project or research — ask your school's library about short-term passes or trial access. Many libraries offer free 24-hour or 7-day passes to major news outlets, including the WSJ.
Troubleshooting common problems with student subscriptions
If your .edu email address is not recognized during signup, it may be because your school uses a different email system or the WSJ's database has not yet indexed your institution. Try the alternative verification method instead: upload a photo of your student ID or course registration. Make sure the document is clear, shows your name and current term, and is not expired.
If you cannot log in after purchasing, check that you are using the email address you registered with. The WSJ sends a confirmation email with login instructions — check your spam folder if you do not see it. If you still cannot access your account, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page to reset it.
If your print newspaper stops arriving without explanation, log into your account and check the delivery address. If it is wrong, update it and the WSJ will resume delivery to the new address within a few days. If the address is correct but delivery has stopped, contact WSJ customer service through the help section of your account — they can investigate and restart delivery if there was an error.
What happens to your subscription after graduation
Your student subscription remains active until the next renewal date. About two weeks before that date, the WSJ will send a renewal notice. At that point, your subscription will convert to the regular (non-student) rate unless you cancel. There is no automatic extension of the student rate after graduation.
If you want to keep the subscription at the regular rate, you do not need to do anything — it will renew automatically. If the regular rate is too expensive, you can cancel before the renewal date and avoid the charge. Some graduates choose to cancel and then resubscribe later when they have more budget, or they switch to a free news source instead.
If you are still in school but your .edu email is about to expire (for example, if you are graduating in May but your email expires in June), the WSJ may ask you to re-verify before your next renewal. Plan ahead and re-verify early if you receive a request, so your subscription does not lapse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a student subscription on multiple devices?
Yes. You can log in to wsj.com and the mobile app on as many devices as you own. However, the WSJ limits simultaneous logins — you cannot have the same account open on more than a few devices at the same time. If someone else tries to log in while you are already using your account, one of you will be logged out.
Does the student rate include the print newspaper?
The student rate applies to both digital-only and print-and-digital plans. You choose which one you want during signup. The print-and-digital plan costs more than digital-only, but both are discounted compared to the regular subscription price for those options.
What if my school does not have a .edu email address?
You can verify enrollment using an alternative method. Upload a clear photo of your student ID, course registration, or tuition bill showing your name, school, and current term. The verification usually takes a few hours to a few days, and you will receive an email once it is approved.
Can I pause my subscription instead of canceling?
Yes. When you go to cancel, the WSJ offers the option to pause your subscription instead. This keeps your account active but stops billing and access. You can reactivate it anytime by logging in and selecting the resume option. Paused subscriptions do not count toward your renewal date.
Is there a contract or early termination fee?
No. Student subscriptions have no contract and no early termination fee. You can cancel anytime without penalty. Cancellation takes effect immediately, and you lose access to the service right away.