Student Discounts in Boston
Boston has more college students than almost any US city, and its culture scene prices for them. Here is what is actually on offer.
Museums
| Museum | Adult | For students | Free or cheap times |
|---|---|---|---|
| Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) | $30 | Free general and special exhibition admission for students, faculty and staff of participating colleges, with valid ID, in person | $5 minimum pay-what-you-wish after 5 pm every third Thursday |
| ICA Boston | $20 | $15 student ticket | Free for everyone on Thursdays 5–9 pm (advance tickets required) |
| Harvard Art Museums | Free | Free | Free for all visitors, Tuesday–Sunday 10 am–5 pm |
From each museum’s own page, checked 9 October 2026.
Is your college on the MFA list?
The MFA’s free student entry only works if your school takes part in its college program. The MFA links to the list of participating colleges and universities on its free and discounted admission page. If your school is not on it, the cheapest way in is a Third Thursday evening, when you pay what you wish with a $5 minimum, with tickets sold in person from 5 pm. Students from New Hampshire and Maine have their own MFA student membership programs, and students who live in Boston get free entry with their families on the first and second Sundays of each month.
Boston Symphony Orchestra
- BSO Student Pass: a one-time $35 purchase for students at local high schools, colleges and universities. Pass holders can reserve tickets for as little as $5, one per concert series, every Monday from 10 am for the week ahead, while tickets last.
- Under40: select concerts for $30 with the promo code shown on the BSO’s page, for anyone under 40 with proof of age; two tickets per concert.
- Rush tickets: $15, one per person, at the BSO Box Office on Massachusetts Avenue for Thursday evening, Friday afternoon and Sunday afternoon concerts.
Student Pass tickets are offered week by week and can sell out. Reserve on Monday morning, and remember ticketing ends two hours before the concert.
Getting around and getting away
For weekend trips to New York or Washington, Amtrak takes 15% off many fares for students aged 17–24. For rides and delivery around the city, compare Uber One for Students and Student DashPass: both only pay off if you use them a few times a month.
Make the most of a student city
Before buying any ticket, check your student portal or arts office for passes your own school may offer: a free pass through your school beats any public discount. For subscriptions you already pay, switch to student plans with the music comparison and the streaming hub.
Students also ask
Is the MFA free for college students?
Yes, for students at participating colleges and universities, with a valid ID, in person. Other students pay the regular price or use the $5 Third Thursday evenings.
How much is the BSO Student Pass?
$35 one time, then tickets from $5, at our check.
Which Boston museums are always free?
The Harvard Art Museums are free for everyone; the ICA is free for everyone on Thursday evenings.
Does the ICA have a student discount?
Yes, student tickets cost $15 instead of $20.
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