Students can request loaner laptops for Fall starting Aug. 4
Students who are registered for Fall 2023 classes can request use of a College-supplied laptop computer at no cost, or can renew their use of a previously-borrowed computer.
The eForm for Fall computer requests will open on Friday, Aug. 4.
To request or renew use of a College-loaned laptop, students should follow these steps:
- First, log into MyCState
- Then, complete the “Student Technology Loaner Program” eForm
- The student’s request will be confirmed by email within two business days. Confirmation will include instructions on where and when to pick up equipment on Clifton Campus.
- Loaned equipment must be picked up in person by the student who requested it.
Students who borrowed a laptop in a previous semester and want to continue using it for Fall classes must renew their loan request, using the eForm steps above. Students must be registered for Fall before requesting renewal of their computer loan.
Students who previously borrowed a laptop and are not enrolled for Fall classes must return the computer as soon as possible to avoid a $1,000 charge on their Cincinnati State account.
Supply of loaner laptops increased in 2022-23 to handle demand
The College increased the supply of loaner laptops for the 2022-23 academic year, based on past usage of the loaner program.
Nearly 600 laptops were requested for use in in Fall 2022 and 546 requests were made for Spring 2023.
Students can purchase computers from College bookstore using financial aid
Students who want to use financial aid funds to purchase a laptop computer can choose from three recommended computers– at three different price points– that can be purchased through the Follett Cincinnati State Bookstore.
The three options for Dell computers are:
- Dell Inspiron 15 3000 with i3 processor – $499
- Dell Inspiron 15 3000 with i5 processor – $699
- Dell Inspiron 15 5000 with i7 processor and 2-year warranty – $1,099
The Dell computers are recommended for students in most Cincinnati State degree and certificate programs.
- Students should check with their Program Chair or Academic Advisor if they are uncertain about the type of computer needed.
- More information is on the College web page “Recommended Laptop Computers.”
Students majoring in Audio/Video Production (AVP), Graphic Design (GRD), and Web & Multimedia Design (WEBM) should visit the College web page “Laptop Computer Requirement for MID Programs” to see recommended Apple computers, which can be purchased through the Bookstore also.
Since Summer 2020, Cincinnati State has made it possible for students who are using financial aid to apply some of their financial aid funds to cover all or part of the cost of purchasing a laptop computer.
The College’s Student Technology Task Force, headed by Vice President Amy Waldbillig, developed the initial list of recommended computers, which was reviewed by the academic Program Chairs. Recommended computer options have changed over time because of supply chain issues.
Financial Aid considerations for laptop purchase
- Students using financial aid to help pay for their Cincinnati State education may be able to use some funds to cover all or part of the cost of a laptop computer and required software (if applicable).
- Students using financial aid to purchase a computer immediately must buy a “CState Recommended” computer from the College Bookstore, selecting from the Dell or Apple options described above.
- Computers purchased using financial aid cannot be returned to the Bookstore for a refund unless the package is unopened.
- Students who wait to use their refund of “excess” financial aid can purchase a computer from any store/vendor.
- Students should talk to a Financial Aid advisor for more information.