This is mostly because of the low turnout of college students and the rising costs of production in profitable businesses. Students are only minimally aware of the discounts offered. If students knew about more discounts, many say they would go to the places that offer discounts more often, providing more business and more profits. Most businesses in Abilene offer coupons and discount specials instead of a flat-rate college discount. They strive to keep prices as low as possible and distribute 10 percent of their earnings to general discounts.
Several restaurants give flat-rate discounts only to college seniors.
College seniors get many more discounts than the average college student in Abilene. Restaurants such as Taco Bueno, Betty Rose's Little Brisket and Mezamiz Coffee House and Juice Bar offer discounts only to seniors. At Mezamiz, college seniors get a 10 percent discount when they show their ID cards. If they come in before 11 a.m., they get a 15-percent discount, but students who are not seniors have to use coupons or wait for special general discounts. If students want a discount, they have to help support the business.