Loaner laptops are available for Spring Semester students

Students who are registered for Spring 2023 classes can request a laptop computer from the College at no cost, or renew their use of a previously-borrowed computer, by following these steps:

• First, the student must log into MyCState
• Then, the student can complete the “Student Technology Loaner Program” eForm
• After the student’s request is confirmed (by email), equipment can be picked up on Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (pick-up location will be in the student’s confirmation email)

During Fall Semester 2022, more than 650 students requested a loaner laptop, which was an increase from previous semesters:

• Summer 2022 – 327 laptops requested
• Spring 2022 – 558 laptops requested
• Fall 2021 – 474 laptops requested

Students who borrowed a laptop in a previous semester and want to continue using it for Spring classes must renew their loan request, using the eForm steps above. Students must be registered for Spring classes before requesting renewal of their computer loan.

Students with a previously-borrowed laptop who are not enrolled for Spring classes must return the computer as soon as possible to avoid a $1,000 charge on their Cincinnati State account.

Loaned Wi-Fi Hotspot program ended in Summer 2022 but FCC Affordable Connectivity Program provides help

The College discontinued providing Wi-Fi hotspots for loan to students in September 2022.

Wi-Fi connections are available on all Cincinnati State campuses. Off-campus public locations that provide free Wi-Fi include all branches of the Cincinnati Public Library and free public Wi-Fi hotspots provided by AltaFiber (formerly Cincinnati Bell).

The Affordable Connectivity Program sponsored by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) helps eligible households support the cost of internet connections used for school, work, and more.

This program provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households, as well as a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

Students who received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year are eligible for the program.

For more information, visit https://www.fcc.gov/acp.

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.