By Cara Newman, YOUNG MONEY Editor
5 August 2009

You’ve worked hard all year and finally your parents are going to help you get a car. If you’ve gotten a good GPA you might be eligible for a good grade discount! But good grade discounts don’t just stop at car insurance. Many companies now offer incentives for high GPA’s. Check out this list and see if you can’t score an additional discount for making the dean’s list.

Car insurance
Yes, there is a proven correlation between good grades and safer driving. Most car insurances companies will offer a “Good Student Discount” between 10 and 25% for an undergrad with at least a 3.0 GPA. Keep in mind, one ticket can erase a semester’s worth of hard work.

In-school scholarships
Many colleges have scholarships for students already in school. Check with your financial aid office to see if your impressive freshman grades can translate into merit aid. Many schools offer in-school scholarships or rewards by department so ask your department head within your individual program of study.

The federal government offers two need-based grant programs for full-time students who are U.S. citizens with a 3.0 or better GPA.
• The Academic Competitiveness Grant – available to college freshmen and sophomores
• The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant (SMART) – available to college juniors and seniors

Credit cards
Citibank wants you to “learn and earn with the Citi® mtvU™ Platinum Select® Visa® Card for College Students.” Every semester that you get good grades, you receive bonus “ThankYou® Points;” the higher your GPA, the more points you’re awarded. An A-average can earn you a 4,000 point annual bonus—the equivalent of a $25 Barnes & Noble gift certificate or two CDs. Ask your credit card company about their individual good grade programs.

Rent
Apartment complexes in college towns are known for offering students discounts on their rents if they can maintain the required GPA. Some schools even have discounts on dorms. Make sure to ask your housing office or potential landlords about possible rental rewards.

Games for grades
Play ‘N Trade has a “Games for Grades” Program. Students receive a 10 percent discount on any used video game for each "A" on their report card. Check with a store near you to make sure they participate in this program.

Travel
Ask about good grade discounts when booking a trip—especially for spring break. Many resorts and hotels will offer good grade spring break discounts. Check with a student travel agency about GPA deals for airfare, car rentals, and hotels.

Good grades are their own reward, but why not take advantage of other people who want to honor your hard effort as well? It doesn’t hurt to ask stores around your school if they offer a discount. You never know where you might be able to save a few bucks.