Laptop Funding

Goucher provides a number of strategies for students or families for whom the laptop requirement might pose a financial hardship. These include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Our Financial Aid Office may offer to help through a one-time increase in the amount of the loan for which the student or family is qualified.
  • The Financial Aid Office can also direct students to outside resources to which the student can apply for additional assistance.

Please contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.

Students will be responsible for purchasing their own laptop computer. Before purchasing a laptop, please review our recommendations.

Can I receive extra grants or scholarships from Goucher for my computer purchase?

Goucher will not increase institutional grants or scholarships, however we recommend looking for outside resources (see below).

Are there any outside grants and scholarships to apply for?

Students are encouraged to apply for outside grants and scholarships which can be used toward your cost of attendance (which includes miscellaneous expenses such as a computer). Our website lists scholarship search engines and resource websites for students. This list will continue to be updated as we become aware of other resources. Students who are residents of the state of Maryland should consider applying for legislative scholarships.

How do I go about asking for a one-time increase in loan borrowing?  

The Financial Aid Office will increase your Cost of Attendance one-time to borrow additional loans. If you have maxed out your federal loan limits for the academic year, you will need to borrow a private alternative loan. Alternatively, if qualified, a parent can borrow a PLUS loan. Please contact the Financial Aid Office to ask for a Cost of Attendance Increase Request.

How do I go about receiving the loan to purchase my computer?  

Loans are credited to your student account approximately two weeks after classes begin. You can request a refund if the loan (plus other financial aid you are receiving) exceeds your billable costs. You must PLAN AHEAD, as refunds will not be available until mid-September.