
Gcu email for mac software#
Some colleges may include online access to these programs, while others will require you to purchase the software licenses on your own. For example, you’ll probably need Microsoft Office so you can access Word and Excel to complete your assignments. Remember, you may also have costs above and beyond the price of the laptop for certain computer programs. Your purchase price may also include tech support and/or a warranty. There are advantages to buying through your school, in that you can have the reassurance that the computer should be able to handle the minimum requirements that you’ll need to complete your coursework. However, be sure to do comparison shopping to get the best deal. So it’s not free, but buying a laptop through your school may land you a pretty sizable discount compared to purchasing one at a store or online. People love the rush of doing a good deed - and you never can tell what might show up on your doorstep. You can also check local groups, such as Facebook's "Buy Nothing" pages where people post items they no longer need and will give away for free. Post your request on social media and ask friends and family to share it. Borrow a laptopĭo you know someone who upgrades their technology on the regular? Perhaps they have an old laptop (or two) hanging around that they haven't bothered to offload yet. We recommend the Scholly app as a great resource for finding scholarships you might qualify for. It's always a good idea to apply for scholarships, whether you want to use the money for laptops, tuition, or other school expenses. The Dell Scholars program awards laptops, financial assistance, and textbook credits to promising low-income students every year. Get a scholarship specifically for a laptop You may still be able to use those dollars for school expenses, just remember they will be tacked onto your student loan balance. However, remember that refund checks from student loans do need to be paid back, just like the rest of the loan. If there is money left over, you may be issued a refund check, which you can then use to purchase educational supplies, including a computer. Pell Grants are paid directly to your school for tuition and fees. Be sure to look at the details of all the forms of financial aid you're receiving.įederal Pell Grants may be used to purchase laptops, however, you may get the funds in a roundabout way.

Some forms of financial assistance may have limitations on how you can spend the money - but not all do. Students are able to keep the laptops during summer breaks for a fee of $75.Ī very nice bonus to arrangements like this: Tech support is often part of the deal. The computers must be returned upon completion of a degree, or if the student drops below a certain enrollment status. You won't get to keep the computer when you graduate, but you'll have the assurance of consistent online access while you're in school.įor example, Northwest Missouri State University issues all degree-program students a laptop at the beginning of their studies. Choose a school that will lend you a laptopĪ large number of schools, both online-only and traditional, will issue you a laptop to use while you're pursuing your degree. See also: What Can I Use My Financial Aid For? 2. In general, you can use student loan funds and some types of financial aid to cover educational expenses, including laptops. A school that costs $5,000 more per year but includes a "free" laptop may not be a great deal compared to a cheaper school that requires you to purchase your own equipment. And keep in mind that you'll probably need to pay extra for software like Microsoft Office, so be sure to find out what programs you'll need to have - and which might be helpful but not required - before you start your comparison shopping.
Gcu email for mac free#
Tip: Don’t make a so-called free laptop a deciding factor.

It may be a line item within your tuition and fees (look for a "technology fee"), or it may be absorbed into overall higher rates. However, keep in mind the cost of the laptop is likely built into your total cost of attendance in other ways. Some colleges offer a “free” laptop as part of your tuition. Bundle the price of the laptop into your tuition - but be smart about it

Purchasing the appropriate laptop on your own will probably cost between $500 and $1,500 for a standard laptop if you buy from a retail store or website. So let's talk about how you may be able to land a free computer instead. For example, a program that deals with graphic design or video production may necessitate the need for a more powerful (and likely more expensive) computer. In general, you’ll need a computer that has Internet access and that is powerful enough to handle the system requirements of an online learning management system. Some degree programs or individual classes may require more-robust computer systems than average.
