Is Adobe no longer free for students?

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Adobe’s creative tools have long been the gold standard for design, video editing, and digital content creation. From Photoshop to Premiere Pro, these applications are industry staples—but they’ve also been known for their premium pricing. For years, students and teachers have benefited from special discounts, making the Creative Cloud suite more accessible. Recently, however, a wave of questions has emerged across forums, social media, and “People Also Ask” on Google: Is Adobe no longer free for students?

The short answer: Adobe has never truly been “free” for students in the sense of unlimited access without payment. Instead, it offers deeply discounted plans for students and teachers, often at more than 60% off the regular price. In 2025, these discounts remain a powerful opportunity for learners and educators to access professional-grade tools at an affordable rate.

In this article, you’ll learn exactly what’s changed, what’s still available, how to secure your student or teacher discount, and why Adobe’s education offer remains one of the smartest investments for your academic and professional growth. We’ll also cover common mistakes to avoid and expert tips to maximize your subscription value.

Understanding Adobe’s Student & Teacher Plan in 2025

Adobe’s Student & Teacher Plan is a discounted subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud—a collection of over 20 professional apps including Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects, InDesign, Lightroom, and Acrobat Pro.

As of 2025:
• Price: Typically around $19.99/month for the first year (compared to $59.99/month standard pricing).
• Discount Rate: Around 65–70% off for eligible users.
• Eligibility: Available to students over 13 years old enrolled in accredited institutions and to teachers, professors, and staff.

Stat Snapshot: According to Adobe’s own 2024 annual report, 38% of Creative Cloud’s new individual subscribers came from student and educator accounts, highlighting the importance of this segment.

Has Adobe Ever Been “Free” for Students?

There’s a common misconception that Adobe used to offer unlimited free access to students. Historically, Adobe has provided:
• Free trials: Usually 7 days for full access to Creative Cloud apps.
• Institutional licenses: Some schools or universities provide free access to Adobe apps through campus-wide licenses, meaning the cost is covered by the institution, not the student directly.
• Promotions: Occasionally extended trial periods or bundled offers.

However, there has never been an official program where Adobe gave full Creative Cloud access to students permanently for free. The confusion often comes from campus-provided licenses or temporary COVID-19 relief offers in 2020.

Get Adobe Creative Cloud for Students & Teachers

Access 20+ professional apps like Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro — all at an exclusive education discount.

Get Your Discount

Step-by-Step: How to Get the Adobe Student & Teacher Discount

1. Confirm Your Eligibility

• Be a student enrolled in an accredited institution or a verified teacher/educator.
• Have a valid school-issued email address or official documentation like a student ID, transcript, or staff pay stub.

2. Visit the Official Adobe Education Store

Go directly to the Adobe Student & Teacher offer page to ensure you’re getting the legitimate discounted rate.

3. Sign Up or Log In

• Use your school email if possible—it speeds up verification.
• If you don’t have one, Adobe will request additional proof of enrollment.

4. Choose Your Plan

• Most students select the All Apps plan, which includes 20+ creative tools.
• Monthly or annual billing is available—annual plans typically save more.

5. Complete Payment and Install Apps

• Download Adobe Creative Cloud desktop app.
• Install your desired software and start creating immediately.

Benefits of Adobe’s Student & Teacher Plan

Professional-Grade Tools at a Fraction of the Cost
• Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro are industry standards for creative professionals.

Access to All Creative Cloud Apps
• More than just design and video—includes tools for UX/UI (Adobe XD), web design (Dreamweaver), and social media (Adobe Express).

Regular Updates
• Always get the latest features without paying extra.

Cloud Storage and Collaboration
• 100GB of storage, seamless file sharing, and collaborative editing in select apps.

Drawbacks and Considerations

While the offer is generous, you should be aware of:
• Ongoing cost after graduation: After the first year, the price may increase slightly, though still discounted for eligible users.
• Subscription model: You can’t buy Adobe apps outright anymore; they’re only available via subscription.
• Verification renewal: Adobe may request periodic proof of eligibility.

Mini Case Study: How a Student Used Adobe Creative Cloud to Land a Paid Internship

In late 2024, Sarah Johnson, a sophomore at NYU majoring in Film & Television, subscribed to the Adobe Student & Teacher Plan for $19.99/month. She used:
• Premiere Pro for editing her short films.
• After Effects for motion graphics in her portfolio.
• Photoshop to design pitch decks.

Within six months, her portfolio earned her a summer internship at a leading New York production studio. According to Sarah, “Without access to Adobe’s full suite, I couldn’t have presented my work at a professional level. The student discount made it possible.”

Common Mistakes Students Make When Signing Up

• Using unofficial sellers: Always purchase directly from Adobe to avoid scams or outdated versions.
• Not using the free trial first: Testing the apps ensures they run smoothly on your computer.
• Ignoring cloud storage: Many students forget to back up projects, risking data loss.
• Letting the discount lapse: Keep your student verification updated to avoid full-price charges.

Expert Tips to Maximize Your Adobe Subscription

• Learn beyond your field: If you’re a photographer, explore video editing; if you’re a designer, try motion graphics.
• Use Adobe Fonts and Stock: Included with your plan, saving you money on assets.
• Join Adobe’s Creative Cloud Express for quick projects: Perfect for social media and lightweight editing.
• Take advantage of Adobe tutorials: In 2025, Adobe has added AI-powered learning paths to help you master tools faster.

FAQ

Conclusion: Adobe for Students Is Still a Game-Changer in 2025

While Adobe has never been entirely free for students, its Student & Teacher Plan remains one of the best deals in the creative software market. For less than the cost of a daily coffee, you can access industry-leading tools that can directly impact your academic success and career opportunities.

If you’re serious about building creative skills, there’s no reason to miss out—secure your discounted plan today and start creating professional-quality work.

👉 Get Adobe Creative Cloud for Students & Teachers here

Unlock Your Adobe Student & Teacher Plan →