Computer Requirment Costs
What is the Requirement?
As mentioned in the Michigan State University College of Law viewbook, newly admitted students entering the college in Fall 2006, Spring 2007 or Summer 2007 will be required to own a Windows®-based laptop computer. Additional information about the specifications and purchase of the laptop can be found at http://www.law.msu.edu/laptop/
What Financial Assistance is Available?
Incoming students can include the cost of purchasing a computer, a monitor, and peripherals in their financial aid budget, up to the recommended amount of $1400. The student must file a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to be considered for federal student loan funds.
Students who do not require assistance in their first year automatically reserve that eligibility for future years, as long as their future financial circumstance warrants and future financial aid regulations permit.
How Can Financial Assistance Be Requested?
Requests may be made in person, via email at finaid@law.msu.edu or by phone at 517-432-6811. If additional information is required to complete the request, the student will be notified. Every effort will be made to complete the requests before the first day of classes of the fall semester.
The Office of Financial Aid will begin to process requests for budget increases in June for the following fall semester.
Increases will be processed only for eligible students who have been admitted to MSU and who have a complete financial aid application on file for the proper aid year.
How Can a Computer Be Purchased from MSU?
Students may choose to purchase the computer through the MSU Computer Store (http://cstore.msu.edu/) or at an off-campus store of their choice. Students who choose to purchase through the Computer Store will be given the option of paying for the computer at the time of order or having their student account billed.
Students must order their computer through the MSU Computer Store between 6/1/06 and 7/22/06. After that, the student must pay at the time of the order. During the billing option period, students may bill up to $1300 to their student account. If the student chooses a computer package that exceeds $1300, the student must pay the difference at the time of order. If the student utilizes the billing option, the student must complete registration requirements for the ownership of the computer to be transferred.
How Will Financial Assistance Be Paid?
All financial aid funds, including increases for computer cost, are applied to the student account at the normal time of disbursement (ten days before classes begin). Only financial aid that exceeds the charges on the bill (tuition, fees, housing, etc.) will be refunded to the student. Please note that this means there will be no refund in cases where University charges equal or exceed the total financial aid.
Financial aid will be applied to the student's charges using normal payment policies. Again, note that $1400 is the amount of financial aid that will be automatically approved upon the student's request. If students choose a more expensive computer, they are expected to fund the difference themselves.
Are There Other Options?
Students who need temporary financial assistance in combination with, or instead of, the options listed above for computer purchase can apply for a limited cash advance through Rick Lameti in Room 368E of the Dean’s Suite in the Law College Building.
MSU College of Law is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution.