Helping Students Afford the Cost of a New PC for College

Microsoft Chip In website header

Microsoft Chip In website header

Microsoft has launched Chip In, a new Kickstarter-style crowdfunding program to help students raise money toward the cost of a new Windows PC for college. The first program of its kind, Microsoft hopes Chip In will compete with others’ back-to-school promotions (such as the $100 gift card to the Mac App Store Apple offers with the purchase of a Mac for college) while making it easy and affordable for students to purchase a new PC. Microsoft offers Chip In buyers a 10% discount.

How Chip In Works

Chip In Signup PageMicrosoft has made the crowdfunding process as simple as possible for college students. Students will:

  1. Visit Microsoft’s PC browsing page, where the 10% Chip In discount has already been shaved off listed prices
  2. Select the machine that meets their needs
  3. Create a Chip In profile to share with friends and family
  4. Once students reach their crowdfunding goal, or the price of the PC, Microsoft will send them a promotional coupon code to buy the PC

And voila: Microsoft will ship students their PC with a four-year subscription to Office 365 University included.

Who Can Buy a PC Using Chip In?

Though anyone can create a Chip In account, only students with a valid .edu college e-mail address or international student identity card (ISIC) can redeem Microsoft’s coupon to buy a computer. The Chip In program will run until September 1.

Do you know anyone who may want to use Chip In this summer?

Lauren Mobertz

By Lauren Mobertz

Lauren is the former managing editor for DashBurst. One part geek, one part urban nomad, she is constantly scouting for the latest tech and world news. In the evenings you'll find Lauren running in strange places or attempting to dance salsa.

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