Bluehost’s student promotional rate drops their cheapest plan to $1.99/month — that’s under $25/year for hosting plus a free domain. Here’s how to get it, what’s included, and whether it’s worth it compared to alternatives.
What the Bluehost Student Discount Includes
| Feature | Basic Plan (Student Rate) |
|---|---|
| Price | $1.99/month (promotional, 36-month term) |
| Renewal price | $10.99/month |
| Storage | 10GB SSD |
| Websites | 1 |
| Free domain | Yes (1 year) |
| Free SSL | Yes |
| WordPress | 1-click install |
| Email accounts | Yes (5 addresses) |
The Renewal Trap: Read This Before You Buy
The $1.99/month rate applies to the first 36-month term only. After 3 years, renewal is $10.99/month — a 5.5x price increase. This is standard in the hosting industry, but Bluehost’s renewal markup is steeper than competitors.
Strategy: Buy the 3-year plan at $1.99/month. When renewal approaches, cancel and sign up with a competitor (Hostinger, SiteGround) on their own promotional rate. Hosting providers rarely reward loyalty — they reward new signups.
How to Get the $1.99/Month Rate
- Go to bluehost.com and select «Basic» plan
- Enter your domain name (free for 1 year) or use one you already own
- At checkout, select the 36-month billing cycle — this is when the $1.99/month rate applies
- Uncheck the add-ons: Codeguard Basic ($2.99/mo), SiteLock Security ($1.99/mo), Microsoft 365 — these are almost never needed by students
- Complete checkout — total should be approximately $71.64 for 36 months
Bluehost vs. Alternatives at the Same Price
| Host | Promo Price | Storage | Speed | Free Domain | Renewal Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluehost | $1.99/mo | 10GB | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Yes | $10.99/mo |
| Hostinger | $2.49/mo | 50GB | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Yes | $7.99/mo |
| DreamHost | $2.59/mo | Unlimited | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Yes | $8.99/mo |
| SiteGround | $2.99/mo | 10GB | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | No | $17.99/mo |
Verdict: Bluehost’s $1.99 rate is the cheapest entry point, but Hostinger at $2.49/month offers faster speeds, 5x more storage, and a lower renewal price. For first-time WordPress users who prioritize support and brand recognition, Bluehost is fine. For pure value, Hostinger wins.
👉 Related: Best Web Hosting for Students in 2026 — the full comparison including free options.
What to check before you buy discounted hosting
Student and introductory hosting deals can be a good way to launch a first website, but the headline price rarely tells the whole story. Before you sign up for any plan, including Bluehost, read the terms carefully. Offers change often, so always confirm the current conditions on the provider’s official website rather than relying on older blog posts or screenshots.
Renewal price
Introductory rates usually apply only to the first billing term. When the plan renews, it typically moves to the standard price, which can be noticeably higher. Look for the renewal rate on the checkout page or in the terms of service and decide whether you would still pay it after the first term ends.
Contract length
The lowest advertised rate is often tied to a longer prepaid term. Paying for several years up front locks you in, while a shorter term usually costs more per month. As a student, think about how long you actually need the site: one semester, a year of job hunting, or several years.
Free domain for the first year only
Many hosting plans include a free domain name, but usually only for the first year. After that, the domain renews at the registrar’s regular rate. Check who controls the domain and how to transfer it if you later change hosts.
Refund policy
Read the money-back guarantee closely. Some policies exclude domain fees or add-ons, and most have a limited window. Note the deadline in your calendar so you can cancel in time if the service does not fit your needs.
Add-ons at checkout
Checkout pages often preselect extras such as backups, security tools or premium support. Uncheck anything you do not need, and find out which features are already included in the base plan.
Free alternatives for students
If you only need a portfolio, a résumé site or a class project, you may not need paid hosting at all. Static site hosts such as GitHub Pages let you publish HTML, CSS and JavaScript at no cost, and the GitHub Student Developer Pack may add further tools while you are enrolled. Our GitHub Pages tutorial walks you through publishing a site step by step, and our guide on how to make a portfolio website for free covers design and content.
Paid hosting makes more sense when you need WordPress, a database, server-side code, custom email or more storage than free tiers allow.
How to get started
- Define what your site needs: static pages, a blog, an online store or a web application.
- Compare at least two or three providers, including free options.
- Check whether a student offer exists and what verification it requires.
- Read the renewal price, term length, refund policy and domain terms.
- Remove unnecessary add-ons before paying.
- Set a reminder before the renewal date to review whether you still need the plan.
Checklist
- I know the renewal price, not just the introductory rate.
- I chose a contract length that matches my real needs.
- I understand when the free domain expires and what it will cost afterward.
- I know the refund window and its exclusions.
- I compared the plan with free static hosting options.
- I confirmed the current offer on the provider’s official website.
Frequently asked questions
Is there always a student discount?
Not necessarily. Promotions come and go, and some are general introductory prices rather than student-specific offers. Check the provider’s website for current conditions.
Can I move my site later?
Usually yes, but migration takes effort. Keep your own backups and make sure you control the domain.
Do I need hosting for a portfolio?
Not always. A static portfolio can run on free hosting such as GitHub Pages.