Student Discounts in Chicago
Chicago gives students real discounts on art, music and transit. Where you live (Chicago, Illinois or elsewhere) changes the price, so check the right row.
Museums
| Museum | Adult | Student | Free entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Institute of Chicago | $32 ($27 Illinois, $20 Chicago residents) | $26 ($21 Illinois, $14 Chicago residents) | Students at University Partner schools; Illinois residents on Third Thursdays, 5–8 pm; under 14 always |
| Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) | $22 ($19 Chicago residents) | $14 ($10 Chicago residents) | Illinois residents on Tuesdays, 5–9 pm; 18 and under always |
From each museum’s own visit page, checked 9 October 2026.
Ask your school whether it is an Art Institute University Partner: if it is, entry is free with your student ID, which beats every other price in the table. The Art Institute also sells a Fast Pass ($34 for students) if you want to skip lines on busy days.
Music and opera
- Chicago Symphony Orchestra: student tickets from $18 for most concerts, $25 on the day of the performance. Two per person per concert; every ticket holder needs a valid student ID at the door. New student-eligible concerts are usually added on Thursday afternoons, 1–4 weeks ahead.
- Lyric Opera of Chicago – NEXT: $20 tickets to select operas, musicals and special events for full-time, degree-seeking college and graduate students. The program is free; sign up for email and text alerts. High school students can buy up to two $10 tickets three hours before a performance with Opera Pass for Teens.
CSO student tickets cannot be refunded or exchanged. Buy only when you are sure you can go.
Getting around: the CTA U-Pass
If your school takes part in the U-Pass program, you get a Ventra card with unlimited rides on CTA buses and trains while you are enrolled. Your school loads the privileges automatically for each term; between terms the card works as a normal Ventra card at full fare. The U-Pass does not cover Pace buses. The card lasts up to seven years, so keep it: replacing a lost or stolen card costs $50.
Trips and everyday spending
For trips out of Chicago, Amtrak takes 15% off many fares for students aged 17–24. For food and rides, compare Uber One for Students and Student DashPass, and switch subscriptions to student plans with the music comparison.
Students also ask
Is the Art Institute of Chicago free for students?
Only for students at University Partner schools. Other students pay $26, or $21 / $14 as Illinois / Chicago residents.
How much are Chicago Symphony student tickets?
From $18 for most concerts, $25 on the day, at our check.
Does the CTA U-Pass work on Pace?
No. Pace fares must be paid separately.
Is there a student discount at the Lyric Opera?
Yes, NEXT gives full-time college and graduate students $20 tickets to select performances.
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