Purchase of a Personal Computer

The Office of Financial Aid and Registrar allows a one-time reasonable allowance for the purchase or rental of a personal computer to be added to a student’s Cost of Attendance calculation. Any additional disbursement of funds based on this allowance will be done in accordance with the standard federal regulations regarding disbursements. The student must meet the following conditions:

• Student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal student aid programs.
• Student must be the primary user of the personal computer.
• The computer must be purchased or rented by the student, spouse or custodial parent (if dependency status is dependent).
• The computer must meet requirements set by collegiate units: http://www.d.umn.edu/unirel/homepage/technology.html. Entertainment hardware and software such as PS2 and Xbox do not meet campus computing requirements.
• Purchase of the computer must be no earlier than January 1, 2008 for the 2008-2009 academic year, and no later than the beginning date of the student’s last term of attendance.
• The computer and allowable accessories must be purchased prior to seeking reimbursement. A copy of the receipt that verifies the date and amount of purchase must be attached to the Request to Include the Cost of a Personal Computer in the Cost of Attendance form.
• Computer expense allowance will be based on the actual cost of the purchase or lease, not to exceed $2250.00.
• Allowable accessories will include: wireless card, printer, and USB cable.
• Student will be allowed to include the purchase of a personal computer as a budget adjustment one time per academic career (undergraduate, graduate, professional).

Note: An alternative loan application should not be submitted until the Request to Include the Cost of a Personal Computer in the Cost of Attendance form is processed.

Students requiring specialized hardware, software, or accessories not contained in this policy will be required to file a special appeal documenting the additional cost and reason for said expense(s).

Procedures:

1. Complete the Request to Include the Cost of a Personal Computer in the Cost of Attendance form. Submit it along with the appropriate receipts to the Student Assistance Center, 23 Solon Campus Center or mail to the Office of Financial Aid and Registrar, 1049 University Drive, Duluth, MN 55812.

2. Upon receipt, the Office of Financial Aid and Registrar will review the documentation you submit to ensure it is complete and you are eligible to apply.

3. An E-mail will be sent to you informing you of additional financial aid eligibility and the steps you may have to complete the process.

Additional resources on computing and technology at UMD are available at the following links:

• Should I Bring a Computer to UMD?
• Evaluating Information Technology on Campus

For more information

• Admissions
• Office of Financial Aid and Registrar
• Information Technology Systems and Services