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.