If you’re a college student, approaching graduation, or you've recently graduated college, you may be wondering what kind of deals and discounts are out there for you on cars. The good news is that many major manufacturers offer college grad programs for new vehicles. But picking the right one can be tough.

Best New Car Discount Programs for College Students

Before you head to your local dealership, it pays to do some research online. Not all college discount programs are the same. For example, some offer bigger cash bonuses, and some include certified pre-owned vehicles (CPOs) in their program, so it’s important you read the fine print of these deals.

If you’re looking for a place to start, US News notes that these seven car brands offer the best discounts for college students and graduates:

  • Best Discounts on Cars for College StudentsChevrolet – Chevrolet offers eligible new 2019, 2018, or 2017 vehicles at a discounted price below MSRP for college students. To qualify, the buyer must provide proof of enrollment in an accredited US college degree program, or provide a diploma that's no more than two years old.
  • Ford – Get $500 bonus cash on eligible new 2019, 2018, and 2017 models. Current college students and graduates who completed a degree and are no more than three years from their graduation date can qualify.
  • Honda – Get a $500 cash bonus on any new 2019, 2018, or 2017 car. To qualify, buyers must provide proof of employment (or a letter of intent from a future employer), proof of graduation within the past two years or in the next six months, and no negative credit history.
  • Hyundai – Get a $400 cash bonus toward any new Hyundai vehicle. In order to qualify, the buyer needs a copy of their diploma proving they graduated within the past two years, or plan on graduating within the next six months, and proof of employment or an offer letter from a future employer.
  • Nissan – Nissan has two college grad programs available: the first has a rebate of $500 to $1,000 on the purchase of any new Nissan car. The second offer is a $1,000 discount on the Nissan LEAF through their College LEAF Vehicle Purchase Program offered by more than 100 universities in the US. A buyer must have graduated within the past two years, or anticipate graduating within six months, and provide proof of employment or a letter of intent from an employer.
  • Toyota – Toyota offers a $750 cash rebate on eligible new and certified used CPO models. You must provide proof of graduation during the past two years, or a letter of intent to graduate within the next six months. Plus, you must show proof of employment or a letter of intent from a future employer.
  • Volkswagen – Get a $500 cash bonus on any eligible new 2018 or 2019 Volkswagen car. To qualify, you must have graduated within the past two years, or provide proof of intent to graduate within six months, and proof of employment.

Best Used Cars for College Students

If you know you need to commute to work, or you’re looking for a vehicle that can handle long trips and big moves, you may not know where to look. There are a number of cars to choose from, and a brand new vehicle may not be in the cards right now. Luckily, you can finance an affordable used car that’s just a few years old and still get great fuel economy.

In no particular order, here are eight of the best affordable used vehicles for college students based on their 2016 models, with safety ratings given by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and average prices from Kelley Blue Book:

2016 Honda Fit

  • Average retail price: $12,606
  • NHTSA safety rating: 5/5 stars
  • Fuel economy: 33 city / 40 highway / 36 combined miles per gallon

2016 Honda Civic

  • Average retail price: $17,014
  • NHTSA safety rating: 5/5 stars
  • Fuel economy: 30 city / 40 highway / 34 combined mpg

2016 Ford Focus

  • Average retail price: $11,622
  • NHTSA safety rating: 5/5 stars
  • Fuel economy: 27 city / 39 highway / 31 combined mpg

2016 Toyota Camry

  • Average retail price: $16,517
  • NHTSA safety rating: 5/5 stars
  • Fuel economy: 25 city / 34 highway / 28 combined mpg

2016 Toyota Prius

  • Average retail price: $22,082
  • NHTSA safety rating: 5/5 stars
  • Fuel economy: 54 city / 50 highway / 52 combined mpg

2016 Acura ILX

  • Average retail price: $18,696
  • NHTSA safety rating: 5/5 stars
  • Fuel economy: 25 city / 35 highway / 29 combined mpg

2016 Honda CR-V

  • Average retail price: $19,526
  • NHTSA safety rating: 5/5 stars
  • Fuel economy: 26 city / 32 highway / 29 combined mpg

2016 Hyundai Tucson

  • Average retail price: $17,091
  • NHTSA safety rating: 5/5 stars
  • Fuel economy: 25 city / 30 highway / 27 combined mpg

At a Loss on Where to Start?

The college grad programs listed are generally the same across the board. But what many don’t mention is the fact that you need some form of credit history, and most require it to be good, which can hold you back from financing a car.

If you’ve been turned down for a college grad program due to your credit, and don’t know where else to go, let Auto Credit Express help. We work with local dealers that specialize in handling difficult credit situations, and our service doesn’t put you under any obligation. Start the process right now by submitting our free and secure auto loan request form online.