It was always nice to have the extra quarter to buy a PBR or other non-malt liquor 40, but drank plenty of Mickeys 40s.
The go to when I was in school was a case (24) of Milwaukees Beast in bottles. The local store had it for $5 out the door. SInce I'm in MIchigan, that included the $2.40 in deposit. At the time most malt liquors like Colt, Mickeys, OE were $1.25 for 40oz and better-ish was $1.50.