Choosing your own cell phone plan as a college student can feel like entering a maze with endless twists and turns. On the one hand, you have big cell phone companies like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile with various plans and features. On the other hand, there are lesser-known mobile service providers that promise great deals. To ensure you're checking out the most favorable options and to help you save money, we've compiled a list of the best cell phone plans for college students.
Let's start by exploring the phone plans of the three major mobile carriers and see if they offer any student deals.
Verizon
Verizon offers a variety of plans tailored to different usage needs, but what’s most important for college students is that this company has student discounts on their plans. You can save up to $25 a month on unlimited mobile service if you’re a current student actively enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate, online, or vocational school program. Verizon also offers affordable prepaid plans starting at $35 a month, but student discounts do not apply to them.
AT&T
AT&T has various unlimited plans, with their Unlimited Starter plan starting at $35.99 a month per line. This plan includes unlimited talk, text, and data, as well as 5GB hotspot data. AT&T also offers student discounts of $10 a month per line for eligible students through its AT&T Signature Program, but currently only for the Unlimited Premium PL plan, along with additional benefits based on your college or university. You can also check out their unlimited prepaid plans, starting at $25 a month.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile does not offer specific student discounts on cell phone plans like the other two carriers. However, it does occasionally run promotions and back-to-school deals that could benefit students. Besides its standard phone plans, T-Mobile also provides affordable prepaid plans under Connect by T-Mobile. Plans start at $10 a month for 1GB of data, 1,000 minutes of talk, and 1,000 texts. For $35 a month, you can get 12GB of data, unlimited talk and texts.
If you're looking for cheaper options, you'll be glad to hear that many mobile virtual network operators (MVNO) have flexible prepaid cell phone plans at lower prices. Here are some of the best MVNOs that stand out for their affordability, transparency, and quality of service, making them perfect for college students on a budget.
Mint Mobile
Mint Mobile offers some of the most affordable cell phone plans, starting at $15 a month for a three-month plan. All plans include unlimited talk and text with varying amounts of high-speed data. You can score significant savings by opting for Mint Mobile's introductory offer and then purchasing plans in bulk for extended periods, such as six or twelve months. What's more, Mint Mobile runs on T-Mobile's extensive nationwide network, meaning you don't need to worry about reliable coverage and fast data speeds across the country.
Tello Mobile
Tello Mobile offers customizable plans at affordable rates, so you can build your plan with minutes and data based on your needs and budget (free text is included in all plans). Their cheapest plan costs as low as $5 a month (no data, 100 minutes, and free text), while their most expensive plan (unlimited data, minutes, and text) is only $25 a month. The unlimited data plan comes with 35GB at full 4G LTE/5G speed and 5GB of hotspot included, with data speed reduced after 35GB. Tello Mobile also uses T-Mobile's network to provide its services.
Metro by T-Mobile
Metro by T-Mobile (formerly MetroPCS) offers several feature-rich prepaid plans at competitive prices. With plans starting at $30 per month, it provides unlimited talk and text, high-speed data, access to the T-Mobile 5G network, and exclusive perks and deals in the T Mobile Tuesdays app. Plus, with additional features like 8GB or 25GB of hotspot data, 100GB Google One membership, and a 1-year VIX Premium subscription in select plans, Metro by T-Mobile offers good value for the price.
Visible by Verizon
Visible by Verizon takes a straightforward approach with two reasonably priced unlimited plans: Visible and Visible+. The Visible plan is $25 a month and features unlimited talk, text, and data on Verizon's 5G and 4G LTE networks, as well as unlimited use of your phone as a Wi-Fi hotspot. On the other hand, the Visible+ plan costs $45 per month and provides all the benefits of the basic Visible plan, along with many excellent extra features. Both plans include all taxes and fees, with no annual contracts.
Red Pocket
Red Pocket has various low-cost cell phone plans, such as monthly plans starting at $10 and annual plans starting at $8 per month. All plans include unlimited talk and text, as well as fast 5G speeds, with data of 1GB to 30GB, followed by unlimited data at reduced speeds. Unlike the other MVNOs, which typically operate on only one network, Red Pocket uses the three major networks: AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, so you can switch networks and choose the best coverage based on your location.
Please note that all prices and offers mentioned in this blog were as of 4/12/2024 and may change at any time.
Whatever cell phone plan you choose, don’t forget to protect your phone from everyday mishaps and save on expensive repairs and replacements when accidents happen. We understand how important your phone is for staying connected while at college, so device accidents like cracked screens, drops, and liquid damage are covered by a policy from NSSI. Moreover, NSSI can protect all your electronic devices and other valuables from unexpected and costly disasters. Learn more about NSSI Student Personal Property Insurance and get a FREE quote!
Whether you’re living on campus or studying abroad, NSSI has you covered! From spilling coffee all over your laptop to dropping your smart phone in the parking lot, you’re covered wherever you go. 
Did you know that NSSI covers more than just electronics? We cover everything from clothes to textbooks, even jewelry. So whether you accidentally flushed your great- grandmother’s ring or your roommate ran over that expensive business textbook, we’ve got you covered.
Do accidents seem to follow you wherever you go? Don’t worry, we can help! At NSSI we offer unlimited claims on damages to your personal property. Whether it’s a shattered laptop or a flattened smartphone, we’ve got you covered. 
Got a dog that lives to destroy furniture? With coverage from NSSI, you can protect your personal property and enjoy your furry friends too. Our plans includes coverage for accidental pet damage. 
