Apple Student Discount Guide: Savings for Students and Teachers

[Smigit]

Actually, yes it does hurt all others because Apple has to pass their loss on to the customers which makes their products a bit more expensive.

Apple profit margins are the highest in the industry, close to 30% across many lines. There is no loss on a 9% or so discount for purchases from the Edu store, just a lower profit margin. I don’t believe all products are even discounted but rather it’s a curated list where they can ensure the sales still profitable.

Their large profit margins have also allowed them to take the hit from current tariffs in the US across many products.

 

[msp3]

>walk into lecture hall
>MacBooks, MacBooks everywhere

 

[CarlJ]

Actually, yes it does hurt all others because Apple has to pass their loss on to the customers which makes their products a bit more expensive. And honestly, why should someone who is not a student, teacher etc get an educational discount? That‘s not really fair, other people buy it at the normal price ...

This. It's like someone saying, "how does it hurt you if I drive my gas-guzzling SUV, with just me in it, in the carpool lanes?"

 

[Flow39]

I bought my 13" Pro with the education discount, then returned it 8 days after and then bought the 16" Pro and also got the education discount. It never declined my request to purchase the new MBP, even though I already bought my limit of 1 notebook under the education discount. Maybe their system registered that I returned my 13" and then let me buy the 16" with no problem. I don't know what's going on with that. Anyone else tried to buy 2 notebooks in one year and have a problem?

 

[EmotionalSnow]

Apple profit margins are the highest in the industry, close to 30% across many lines. There is no loss on a 9% or so discount for purchases from the Edu store, just a lower profit margin. I don’t believe all products are even discounted but rather it’s a curated list where they can ensure the sales still profitable.

Their large profit margins have also allowed them to take the hit from current tariffs in the US across many products.

Apple still makes less money and just because it is profit does not mean that they don’t need it, for example to invest into assembly or whatever ... In the end Apple has less money and will have to raise prices should they need more :/

PS: I get that this is not a big problem even if we account for stolen devices & fraudsters but it’s still not fair to rip off Apple; especially because you also in a way are ripping off all of their customers

 

[Splumm1980]

How does Apple define “parent” for purposes of the education discount? I would like to purchase a MacBook Pro for a family member whom is a college student that I provide parental type advice and other support to, however that college student in the family isn’t my direct, blood related child. What kind of verification could Apple actually ask for in a verification audit if this was an acceptable definition of parent. I’m by no means this student’s sole means of support, I’m just part of the “village” trying to help a poor college student already strapped with lots of student debt that needs a new laptop!

 

[Doctor Q]

How does Apple define “parent” for purposes of the education discount? I would like to purchase a MacBook Pro for a family member whom is a college student that I provide parental type advice and other support to, however that college student in the family isn’t my direct, blood related child. What kind of verification could Apple actually ask for in a verification audit if this was an acceptable definition of parent. I’m by no means this student’s sole means of support, I’m just part of the “village” trying to help a poor college student already strapped with lots of student debt that needs a new laptop!

I'm just guessing, but I think that Apple intends the discount to be for the people who lived with and raised the student, who the student would consider to be his or her parents, and are his or her primary financial supporters. That wouldn't include the circle of people, like relatives and close friends, who help with that.

I doubt that Apple checks the relationship between purchaser and student, other than asking you to assert that you qualify, but there's a simple way to work within their rules: You could provide the funds for the student to purchase the MBP himself or herself.

 

[Lucas284]

No verification required here in the Netherlands.

 

[Splumm1980]

I'm just guessing, but I think that Apple intends the discount to be for the people who lived with and raised the student, who the student would consider to be his or her parents, and are his or her primary financial supporters. That wouldn't include the circle of people, like relatives and close friends, who help with that.

I doubt that Apple checks the relationship between purchaser and student, other than asking you to assert that you qualify, but there's a simple way to work within their rules: You could provide the funds for the student to purchase the MBP himself or herself.

Thanks, I appreciate the response. I like your idea, however the purchase is going to be a surprise to the student and also because I understand and always use leverage to my advantage. I'm going to use Apple's 18 month 0% interest financing for the purchase. The student's credit wouldn't likely qualify them for this opportunity. Thanks and Happy New Year!

 

[Splumm1980]

I'm just guessing, but I think that Apple intends the discount to be for the people who lived with and raised the student, who the student would consider to be his or her parents, and are his or her primary financial supporters. That wouldn't include the circle of people, like relatives and close friends, who help with that.

I doubt that Apple checks the relationship between purchaser and student, other than asking you to assert that you qualify, but there's a simple way to work within their rules: You could provide the funds for the student to purchase the MBP himself or herself.

Hi all, just as an update to my prior discussion: I actually decided to call Apple Education sales and question them directly about this. I explained my situation to them and they said they'd be happy to extend the education discount to me. The Apple sales rep went as far as to quote me the exact laptop I was looking to purchase and e-mail the quote to me with the education discount applied. When I asked if I'd need to do any other verification, the representative said that she completed the verification based on our discussion. That's good enough for me to feel good about purchasing using the education discount.

 

[Doctor Q]

Hi all, just as an update to my prior discussion: I actually decided to call Apple Education sales and question them directly about this. I explained my situation to them and they said they'd be happy to extend the education discount to me. The Apple sales rep went as far as to quote me the exact laptop I was looking to purchase and e-mail the quote to me with the education discount applied. When I asked if I'd need to do any other verification, the representative said that she completed the verification based on our discussion. That's good enough for me to feel good about purchasing using the education discount.

I'm glad it worked out for you. I've contacted companies for clarification or permission when their education discount rules weren't clear, or to ask if I qualify as a public school technology volunteer. They usually say yes. Sometimes I have to submit a letter from a school administrator to confirm my position, but usually not.