re: Financing Furniture: Is this financially acceptable?

My GF was in a similar situation 2 years ago. After she mentioned she planned on paying all cash, they knocked about 15-20% of the purchase price. This was at a big box furniture store in Houston, but I'd imagine they all have similar practices. It's worth haggling to see what their bottom dollar is, but as you mention it might be worth taking the financing and putting the cash against your student loans.