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Computer Purchases and Financial Aid

The cost of a computer is not part of the student’s financial aid budget. Vassar students are permitted a one time budget increase (up to a maximum of $2,000) for the purchase of a computer. Financial aid for this purchase is limited to loan funding only. If eligible, a student may borrow a Federal Direct Student Loan (subsidized or unsubsidized depending on eligibility). If no eligibility remains, the student may apply for an alternative loan or the parent may apply for a Federal Parent PLUS loan.

Only US Citizens and Permanent Residents are eligible to borrow federal loans.

Guidelines for Purchases

  1. Computers must be purchased during the academic year.
  2. Students wishing to purchase a computer should email the Office of Student Financial Services with their request. Attach documentation of the computer/associated costs (i.e. itemized receipt, order form, vendor cost estimate) up to a maximum of $2,000.
  3. Costs that are allowable: computer, laptop, monitor, printer, hard drive, keyboard, mouse, cables, power supplies, basic software, warranty/insurance. 
  4. The purchase may be made from a vendor of your choice. The Vassar service desk no longer sells computers. However, computers may be purchased with the education discount automatically applied by going to Computing and Information Services and selecting Apple Education Pricing.
  5. A financial aid counselor will review your request, determine your loan options, and instruct you on next steps. Your financial aid budget will be adjusted to include the cost of the computer and your award package revised to include the additional loan.
  6. Once the loan has been processed, the funds will be disbursed directly to your Vassar student account. The resulting credit can be refunded to you via direct deposit to pay for the computer.
  7. Note: It is very important that your student account be paid and/or you have sufficient memo’d/anticipated aid to cover your amount due. If your student account has an outstanding balance at the time the loan is disbursed, the funds will be applied to those debts first. If the loan is not sufficient to cover the outstanding balance, no refund will be issued.