Reaching Gen Z Where College Life Happens

Barnes & Noble College is the ultimate college media network rooted in campus life. We create authentic, integrated marketing opportunities that help brands engage over 6MM+ Gen Z college students on 600+ university and college campuses nationwide, where they learn, live, and shop—building loyalty that lasts beyond graduation.

LET'S CONNECT
Four students chatting with each other

Unmatched Scale. Authentic Access. Gen Z College Students.

600+

Campus retail locations across the country

5MM+

Total emails to students engaging
with their favorite brands

88MM+

Annual visitors across 600+ on campus stores,
including students, parents and alumni

43MM+

Annual web across our suite of college sites

12MM+

Sampling and collateral distribution opportunities

BE A PART OF THE LARGEST GAMING
CROSSOVER EVENT IN HISTORY

Get ready for the Legends Cup—a new collegiate gaming program launching in 2026, reaching more than 6 million students nationwide. From online qualifiers to live national finals, the Legends Cup will bring the energy of competitive gaming to campuses everywhere, giving students the chance to connect, compete, and cement their legacy.

Learn More About Sponsorship Opportunities

One Platform. Every Gen Z Touchpoint.

Z360® connects brands with students across their entire college journey — from orientation to graduation and beyond.

Activate With Z360®

  • Email & Digital Media
  • In-Store Signage
  • Event & Game Day Marketing
  • Branded Experiences
  • Product Sampling & Collateral Distribution
  • Café Marketing
  • Gaming Sponsorships
  • Research & Insights
Download Media Kit

REACH

Students
The heart of Gen Z

Reach 50%+ of college students nationwide — a highly coveted Gen Z segment that demands authenticity and value.

Parents
The Purchasing Power

Parents play a pivotal role in student purchase decisions and actively seek trusted information and offers.

Alumni
Lifelong Loyalists

Keep alumni engaged beyond graduation — fostering brand loyalty and lifelong advocacy.

MEDIA KIT

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COLLEGE MOMENTS THAT MATTER

  • FALL SEMESTER

    Events/Focus
    AUGUST & SEPTEMBER
    Back-to-School, College Football Kickoff
    OCTOBER
    Homecoming, Family Weekend, Autumn Anarchy E-sports Tournament
    NOVEMBER
    Midterms, Graduation Fair
    DECEMBER
    Holiday Shopping, Finals, NCAA Bowl Games

  • SPRING SEMESTER

    Events/Focus
    JANUARY
    Back-to-School
    FEBRUARY
    Career Fairs, Midterms
    MARCH
    Graduation Fair, March Madness, Admitted Student's Day
    APRIL
    De-Stress Fest, Finals
    MAY
    Graduation, Freshman College Decision Day

  • SUMMER

    Events/Focus
    JUNE & JULY
    Summer Session, Freshman Orientation

WE WORK WITH BRANDS THAT GEN Z LOVES

Why Brands Trust Barnes & Noble College

WE KNOW COLLEGE STUDENTS

DECADES OF CAMPUS EXPERTISE.

DECADES OF CAMPUS EXPERTISE.

We understand the rhythm of student life—and how brands connect authentically.

CUSTOM MARKETING SOLUTIONS

CUSTOM MARKETING SOLUTIONS

Beyond just impressions, we give brands direct access to college students, offering flexible and efficient marketing solutions to deliver campaign goals.

STUDENT CENTRIC INSIGHTS

STUDENT CENTRIC INSIGHTS

Our proprietary research and on-campus access give us unmatched insight into Gen Z preferences, behaviors, and purchase drivers.

GUARANTEED NEW AUDIENCE YEAR OVER YEAR

GUARANTEED NEW AUDIENCE YEAR OVER YEAR

Each year, 25% of our audience is brand new, driven by incoming freshmen and graduating seniors giving brands a level of efficiency and low waste no other media platform can offer.