What the WSJ student plan includes and costs

The Wall Street Journal offers a student subscription at a reduced rate, typically around $4 per week when paid annually, though the exact price and promotional offers change. The plan gives you full digital access to WSJ.com, the mobile app, and the daily newspaper delivered to your email. You also get access to WSJ+ content, which includes newsletters, podcasts, and video reporting beyond the main news feed.

To use the student rate, you must be enrolled at an accredited college or university and verify your status through your school email address or a third-party verification service like SheerID. The subscription is personal to you and cannot be shared with roommates or family members, even if they live in your household.

The student plan does not include print delivery to your home, though some universities have partnerships that provide print copies on campus. It also does not include access to Barron's, MarketWatch, or other Dow Jones properties — those require separate subscriptions.

Key Takeaways

  • The WSJ student subscription costs significantly less than the standard digital plan and requires proof of current enrollment at an accredited university.
  • You access the subscription through WSJ.com, the mobile app, and email newsletters, but not through print delivery or other Dow Jones publications.
  • Verification happens once during signup using your school email or a service like SheerID, and you may need to re-verify when you renew.
  • The subscription ends when you graduate or leave school, and you will be moved to standard pricing unless you cancel before that date.
  • Cancellation can be done online through your account settings or by contacting customer service, and you can request a refund for unused time if you cancel within a certain window.

How to verify your student status

When you sign up for the student plan, WSJ will ask you to prove you are currently enrolled. The most straightforward method is to use your school email address — if it ends in .edu or your university's domain, the system often recognizes it automatically. If your school email is not recognized, you will be directed to SheerID, a third-party verification company that checks enrollment records.

SheerID typically asks for your name, date of birth, and school name, then searches your university's records. The process usually takes a few minutes, and you will see the result immediately. If verification fails, you can upload a photo of your student ID or current course registration as proof. Keep in mind that some schools do not share enrollment data with SheerID, so you may need to use the student ID upload method.

Verification is a one-time step during signup, but WSJ may ask you to re-verify when you renew your subscription, especially if your subscription lapses for several months. If you have already graduated or are no longer enrolled, you will not be able to use the student rate.

What happens when you graduate or leave school

Your student subscription is tied to your enrollment status. When you graduate or withdraw from your university, your student rate ends. WSJ does not automatically convert you to a paid plan — instead, your access will stop unless you take action.

Typically, you will receive an email from WSJ notifying you that your subscription is ending or that your student rate is no longer valid. At that point, you can either cancel (which stops your access immediately) or convert to a standard subscription at the full price. Standard digital subscriptions cost significantly more than the student rate, often $15 to $25 per week depending on promotions.

If you want to avoid being charged at the higher rate, cancel your subscription before your graduation date or as soon as you leave school. You can do this through your account settings online or by contacting WSJ customer service. If you are charged after you are no longer a student, you may be able to request a refund by explaining your situation to customer service.

Cancellation and refund options

You can cancel your WSJ student subscription at any time through your online account. Log in to WSJ.com, go to your account settings, find the subscription section, and select the option to cancel. The cancellation takes effect immediately, and you lose access to the site and app right away.

If you cancel within a certain window of your billing date — usually within 14 days of being charged — you may be able to request a refund for that billing period. WSJ customer service handles refund requests, and they will review your account to determine whether you are within the refund window. Refunds are not may provide, but they are worth requesting if you cancel shortly after being charged.

If you signed up for an annual plan and want to cancel partway through, contact customer service to discuss your options. Some annual plans allow prorated refunds, while others do not. The terms depend on the specific promotion you used when you signed up.

Comparing the student plan to other WSJ options

The WSJ student subscription is the cheapest way to access the full digital edition. A standard digital subscription costs roughly three to five times more per month, depending on current promotions. If you do not have a student email or cannot verify enrollment, you cannot use the student rate.

WSJ also offers a basic digital plan at a lower price than the standard plan, though it still costs more than the student rate. The basic plan includes access to a limited number of articles per month and does not include all WSJ+ content. If you are not a student and want the lowest-cost option, the basic plan is worth comparing to the standard plan to see which fits your reading habits.

Some employers and organizations offer WSJ subscriptions as a benefit, so check whether your workplace, library, or professional association provides access. Many university libraries also offer free access to WSJ through their databases, which is another option to explore before paying for a subscription.

Common issues with student subscriptions

The most frequent problem is verification failure. If SheerID cannot find your enrollment record, try uploading a photo of your student ID or a course registration document. Make sure the document is recent and clearly shows your name and current enrollment. If you are having trouble, contact WSJ customer service and ask them to manually review your verification.

Another common issue is being charged at the standard rate after graduation. This happens when WSJ's records show you are no longer enrolled but you were not notified before your next billing date. If this occurs, contact customer service immediately with proof that you are no longer a student, and ask for a refund or credit. Keeping your account information up to date helps prevent this.

Some readers also report that the student subscription does not work on certain devices or browsers. If you cannot access WSJ on your phone or computer, try logging out and back in, clearing your browser cache, or using a different browser. If the problem persists, contact customer service — they can troubleshoot account-specific issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my student subscription with a roommate or family member?

No. The subscription is for your personal use only, and sharing login credentials violates WSJ's terms of service. Each person who wants access needs their own subscription. If you are caught sharing, WSJ may suspend or cancel your account.

What if my school email is not recognized during verification?

You will be directed to SheerID, which can look up your enrollment using your name, date of birth, and school. If that fails, you can upload a photo of your student ID or course registration. Contact WSJ customer service if you continue to have trouble — they can sometimes manually verify your status.

Do I get print delivery with the student subscription?

No. The student plan is digital only and includes access to WSJ.com, the mobile app, and email newsletters. Some universities have partnerships with WSJ that provide print copies on campus, so check with your school library or student services.

Can I get a refund if I cancel mid-year?

It depends on when you cancel and the terms of your plan. If you cancel within about 14 days of being charged, you may be able to request a refund. For annual plans, contact customer service to ask about prorated refunds. Refunds are not may provide, but it is worth asking.

What happens to my subscription after I graduate?

Your student rate will end, and WSJ will either stop your access or move you to a standard paid plan at the full price. You will receive a notification before this happens. Cancel before your graduation date if you do not want to be charged at the higher rate, or contact customer service if you are charged after you are no longer enrolled.