Science Magazine Subscription Options and Pricing
Science is a weekly peer-reviewed journal published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). You can subscribe as a print edition, digital edition, or both. Print subscriptions arrive weekly; digital access gives you when ready online reading through the Science website and mobile app. A print-only subscription costs more than digital-only, and a combined subscription sits between the two.
Pricing varies depending on whether you are subscribing as an individual, a student, or through an institution. Individual subscriptions renew annually. Student subscriptions require proof of current enrollment and cost less than individual rates. Institutional subscriptions (for libraries, universities, and research organizations) are priced per site and negotiated directly with AAAS.
You can start a subscription directly through the Science website or through authorized vendors. Some subscriptions include access to the Science archives, which contain articles published back several decades. Others include membership in AAAS, which adds additional benefits beyond the magazine itself.
Key Takeaways
- Science offers print, digital, or combined subscriptions, with digital access available when ready online and through a mobile app.
- Individual subscriptions renew annually, while student subscriptions require proof of enrollment and cost less per year.
- You can subscribe directly through Science's website or through third-party vendors, and some subscriptions include AAAS membership.
- Institutional subscriptions are priced separately and negotiated directly with AAAS for libraries and research organizations.
- Combined subscriptions that include both print and digital access cost more than either format alone.
Individual Subscriptions and Renewal Terms
An individual subscription to Science runs for one year from the date you start. You choose whether to receive the print edition, digital access, or both. The subscription renews automatically each year unless you cancel before the renewal date. You can manage your subscription, update payment information, and change your delivery preferences through your online account on the Science website.
When your subscription renews, you will be charged the rate in effect at that time, which may differ from your initial rate. AAAS typically sends renewal reminders by email before the charge is processed. If you want to cancel before renewal, you can do so through your account or by contacting the Science subscription department directly.
Print subscriptions are mailed to a single address. If you move, you can update your mailing address through your account. Digital subscriptions are tied to your email address and login credentials, so you can access them from any device once you log in.
Student Subscriptions and Verification
Students pay a reduced rate for Science subscriptions. To start a student subscription, you must provide proof of current enrollment at an accredited college, university, or secondary school. Acceptable proof typically includes a student ID number, a class schedule, or a letter from your school's registrar.
Student subscriptions renew annually and require re-verification of enrollment at each renewal. If you graduate or leave school, your student rate will no longer explore, and you will be moved to an individual subscription rate at the next renewal unless you cancel.
The verification process usually takes a few business days. Once verified, your student subscription begins when ready, and you can access digital content right away. Print editions will begin arriving with the next available issue.
Digital Access and the Science Website
A digital subscription gives you online access to the current week's issue and the full Science archive. You log in through the Science website using your email address and password. The same login works on the Science mobile app for iOS and Android, so you can read articles on your phone or tablet.
Digital access includes the ability to save articles, create reading lists, and set up email alerts for new articles in specific research areas. You can search the archive by keyword, author, date, or subject. Some articles are available in PDF format for read.
Digital subscriptions do not expire at the end of your subscription term if you cancel; instead, your access ends on your subscription end date. You will lose access to the full archive at that point, though some content may remain freely available on the Science website.
Print and Combined Subscriptions
A print subscription delivers the weekly Science magazine to your home or office. Issues typically arrive within a few days of publication. Print subscriptions include access to the digital edition and website, so you get both formats.
A combined subscription (print plus digital) costs more than print alone because you are paying for two delivery methods. The advantage is that you receive the physical magazine and can also read articles online when ready when they publish, without waiting for the print edition to arrive.
Print subscriptions can be interrupted if you request a temporary hold on delivery, such as during a vacation. You can manage holds through your account or by contacting the subscription department. International print subscriptions may take longer to arrive and may cost more due to shipping.
AAAS Membership and Bundled Subscriptions
AAAS membership includes a subscription to Science magazine as part of the membership package. If you join AAAS as an individual member, you receive either print or digital access to Science (depending on your membership tier), plus access to other AAAS member benefits such as discounts on other AAAS publications and invitations to member events.
AAAS membership is separate from a standalone Science subscription. The membership fee is higher than a Science-only subscription, but the total cost may be lower if you value the additional member benefits. Membership renews annually on the same schedule as a subscription.
Student membership in AAAS is also available at a reduced rate and includes Science access. Some employers and institutions offer group AAAS memberships that cover multiple employees or members at a discounted rate.
Institutional Subscriptions for Libraries and Organizations
Libraries, universities, hospitals, and research organizations can purchase institutional subscriptions to Science. These subscriptions provide access to all current and archived content for multiple users within the organization. An institutional subscription is priced based on the size and type of the institution, and pricing is negotiated directly between the organization and AAAS.
Institutional subscriptions typically include online access for all authorized users on the organization's network. Some institutions also receive print copies for their reading rooms or libraries. The subscription is managed by a designated administrator at the institution who can add or remove user access and manage billing.
Institutional subscribers often receive additional services such as usage statistics, custom training for staff, and priority support. Pricing and terms vary widely, so institutions should contact AAAS directly for a quote.
How to Start or Change Your Subscription
To start a new subscription, visit the Science website and select the subscription type you want (print, digital, or combined). You will enter your email address, create a password, and provide your billing information. If you are a student, you will be asked to provide proof of enrollment at that time.
You can change your subscription type at any time through your online account. For example, you can upgrade from digital-only to a combined print-and-digital subscription, or downgrade from print to digital. Changes take effect at your next renewal date unless you request an when ready change, which may result in a prorated charge or credit.
If you want to pause your subscription temporarily, you can request a hold on print delivery or suspend your digital access for a set period. You can also cancel your subscription at any time, and your access will end on your subscription end date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a Science subscription through my library or school?
Many libraries and schools have institutional subscriptions to Science that allow patrons and students to read articles for free. Check with your library or school's website to see if they offer access. If they do, you can usually log in using your library card number or school email address.
What happens if I cancel my subscription?
Your access ends on your subscription end date. You will no longer be able to read articles in the full archive, though some content remains freely available on the Science website. Print issues will stop arriving after your final issue is mailed.
Can I change from print to digital or vice versa?
Yes. Log into your account on the Science website and update your subscription type. The change takes effect at your next renewal date. If you want an when ready change, contact the subscription department to see if a prorated adjustment is possible.
Do I need to renew my student subscription every year?
Yes. Student subscriptions require re-verification of enrollment at each annual renewal. You will receive a reminder email before renewal asking you to confirm your student status. If you do not verify, your subscription will convert to an individual rate.
Is there a way to read Science articles without a subscription?
Some Science articles are freely available on the website, particularly older articles and those from special open-access issues. Your institution or library may also provide free access through an institutional subscription. You can also purchase individual articles if you do not want a full subscription.