Streaming was once the only answer to cable. Now, many University of North Georgia students say it feels like they’re paying just as much if not more.
“I used to only have Netflix and that was enough, now I have Netflix, Hulu and Max and it’s getting to be the same price as cable,” said John Richardson, sophomore film major.
The trend lines up with national patterns. A July 2025 Pew Research Center survey found that 83% of U.S. adults use streaming services, while only 36% subscribe to cable or satellite TV. In fact, over half of Americans use streaming only, compared to just 8% who rely exclusively on cable or satellite.
“I’ll subscribe just to watch one show and forget to cancel. Next thing I know, I’m paying for four entire platforms.” – Emily Flores junior film major
Some streaming companies do offer student discounts, but not all UNG students are aware of them. Spotify Premium Student includes Hulu and Showtime for $5.99 a month. Apple Music Student is also $5.99 and occasionally bundles Apple TV+. YouTube Premium offers a discounted plan at $7.99 a month for students. For those juggling multiple subscriptions, these deals can cut costs significantly.
Popular shows and live sports are split across platforms like Peacock, Prime Video and ESPN+, forcing students to sign up for multiple services if they want full access.
“It feels like streaming is becoming what it was supposed to replace,” Richardson said.
Ad-free platforms such as Tubi, PlutoTV and the Roku Channel are gaining attention as the cheaper alternatives. Some students rotate subscriptions paying for Netflix one semester, then switching to Hulu or Disney+ during holiday breaks.
Even with rising costs, most agree streaming remains more convenient than cable. The ability to watch on laptops, phones and tablets between classes keeps it popular.