IU grad launches campus app

They’ve got an app for that.

And it could save you $2,500 at local businesses around IU.

Campus Special, the company that compiles the coupon books distributed at TIS bookstores on campus, launched a mobile app in August that corresponds with the coupons.

Co-founder Joe Jacobs, a 2002 Kelley School of Business graduate, developed the app based on the concept of accessibility. 

“What we know right now from our studies is that 42 percent of students have either an iPhone or Android,” Jacobs said. “They might forget their coupon book, but students are always going to remember their keys, wallet and cell phone.”

The app is available at 150 universities nationwide, said Campus Special Online Sales Manager Stephanie Scott.

Though Scott said they are still printing the same amount of coupon books, Jacobs acknowledged that the app provides opportunities for the company to be more eco-friendly.

“I believe it’s a couple years down the road, but if we see enough of them being redeemed, we hope to transfer over to all go-green digital coupons,” Jacobs said. “It’s really about keeping up with the times.”

What it does:

The online app lists all the deals available in the Campus Special coupon books. As soon as the coupon is redeemed, its accessibility is revoked.     

But the app offers additional features the book does not, including a GPS capability that lists the closest Campus Special deals based on the user’s location.

Users can also order food through the app, which will remember their payment information.

Where can you get it?

The app can be downloaded for free from the Android market and the Apple store. It is ranked in the top 50 free lifestyle apps on iTunes and is averaging one download every 30 seconds.

The QR code is printed on the coupon books and a link to the app is listed at campusspecial.com

—Katie Mettler