While the computer requirement imposes an additional financial obligation on students, there are several means to make it affordable and practical for students to own a computer. New freshmen and new transfer students at the freshman level who enroll after July 2001 will have a one-time computer purchase allowance added to their Cost of Attendance (COA) which will increase eligibility for financial aid. The allowance covers the minimum VCU computer specifications and is adjusted annually (it generally falls between $800 and $950). While the allowance increases eligibility for funds, there is no guarantee that there will be increased financial aid funds to cover the computer expense.

Students should plan their computer needs carefully, because this allowance is for a one-time-only purchase. Student relying on financial aid who are undecided, and may lean towards a program that has a specific computer requirement will need to make sure they will be able to meet that requirement if they choose that program.

For parents of dependent students, the Federal Direct PLUS Loan is the most common type of financial aid used to meet educational costs, including computer costs, not covered by the financial aid funds awarded to the student. If the parent is not approved for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan due to adverse credit history, the student may apply for an additional Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. There are purchasing arrangements with Apple (1-800-APPLE-LN) and Dell (1-888-987-3355). You can also check with your own lending institution for low interest, home equity or deferred loans.

To determine if there are any sources of financial aid available, students should speak with a financial aid counselor at the VCU Office of Financial Aid before making computer purchase commitments. The VCU Office of Financial Aid can be contacted by phone (804.828.6669) or email. More information about computers and financial aid is available here.

No student will be denied access to VCU if they cannot afford a computer. If you do not own a computer when you come to VCU, computer labs are available, however they are not a substitute for owning your own computer, and not owning a computer is not an excuse for not completing work on time.