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April 2, 2025

Revolutionizing campus mobility since 2002

In 2002, MIT and Harvard were the first universities to introduce Zipcar on campus, sparking a transformation in student mobility. Today we’re the largest car-sharing partner for hundreds of colleges and universities nationwide. And we’ve become an integral part of campus life. Whether it’s making it easy to explore off-campus. Advancing sustainability goals. Or amplifying the schools’ community impact.   

  

Here’s a look at our university members and how Zipcar enriches campus life  

  

University members at a glance  

Zipcar's university members represent a diverse and dynamic group of students, faculty, and staff.  

 

Gender and identity   

  • 59% Male   
  • 37% Female   
  • 2% Nonbinary  
  • 17% LGBTQIA+   

Our university members are diverse 

79% BIPOC   

Household income  

  • 32% of university members earn less than $25,000/year.  
  • 24% have a child under 18 living with them. 

Employment  

  • 28% Work full time  
  • 19% Work part time  

Education  

  • 45% Undergraduate degree  
  • 49% Graduate degree  

 

Top reasons university members choose Zipcar   

It’s all about the convenience of 24/7 access to cars around campus. The affordability of a university discount. And the sustainable effects of reducing the number of personal cars on campus—less congestion and lower emissions.   

 

Convenient 

  • 71% choose Zipcar because they needed to get somewhere not accessible by foot, bike, or transit. 

  • 80% walk to access Zipcar. 

Cost effective 

  • 53% prefer Zipcar over the financial burden of owning a car 

Sustainable 

  • 20% choose Zipcar because it is a responsible mobility option. 

  • 47% more people per vehicle than the average US car trip. 

 

Why university members use Zipcar  

Visits. Escapes. And everything in between.  

  • 56% grocery shopping 

  • 46% for leisure trips   

  • 40% for out-of-town travel   

  • 37% for recreation or volunteering   

  • 26% to visit friends and family   

 

Social and environmental impact   

Zipcar's impact goes far beyond convenience. We’re making real change for university communities and the environment:   

 

Financial savings  

  • $1,200 Estimated monthly savings of student members vs. car owners—88% less than the cost of new car ownership. 

What they use their savings on  

  • 42% groceries  

  • 43% rent or mortgage  

  • 18% student loans  

Reducing car ownership  

  • 84% of student members don’t own cars. 

  • 17% went car-free after joining Zipcar. 

  • 54% would buy a car if Zipcar left their area. 

Cutting carbon emissions  

  • 275 million lbs. The amount of carbon emissions reduced by university members in 2024—the equivalent of 18.3 million fully loaded backpacks.   

 

Introducing the next generation to EVs   

In 2023, Zipcar added electric vehicles (EVs) to select college campuses, bringing sustainable mobility to a generation that’s very concerned about climate change and the rising cost of living. By adding EVs to our fleet, we’re not only introducing students to the future of mobility but also aligning with university sustainability goals.   

  • 77% see positive environmental benefits to renting an EV. 

  • 69% of students report they can’t afford to own an EV. 

  • 63% of Zipcar EV members drove an EV for the first time through Zipcar. 

  • 63% see limited charger availability as a drawback of renting an EV. However, most Americans live within 2 miles of an EV charger.1 

  • 52% expressed interest in purchasing an EV after using one. 

  • 46% of student members would be more satisfied with Zipcar if they had access to a Zipcar EV. 

  • 45% said their impression of EVs improved thanks to Zipcar. 

 

Zipcar’s Students with Drive grant program    

This program awards $10,000 to the winning student group, plus cash prizes for the top 8 finalists. We’re proud to recognize and support campus organizations that use Zipcar to drive positive change in their communities. 

  • Launched in 2011   
  • $1 million+  total awarded in grants or driving credit  
  • 400+  student groups impacted  
  • $30K+ awarded in 2024  
  • 100+  entrants in 2024   

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Join the movement   

Whether you're a student, faculty member, or university leader, we offer a proven solution for modern campus mobility. To learn more about Zipcar for Universities, visit www.zipcar.com/universities