Answer: -First of all, if you live in the United States, most people are eligable for Financial Aid and Grants from both the State and the Federal levels. Often there is enough money left over to be able to afford a computer after tuition and fees are paid for the semester.Also, schools have many computer kiosks, so initially you can do work on campus.. especially if you do the studying a little after normal busy hours. -If you have bad credit, the best thing to do is to clean it up. For good sound financial counseling from a Christian perspective, see the website below. Dave Ramsey makes good sense. You should also listen to his radio program. -Why buy a new one. you must have a friend, relative or firm nearby who is upgrading, see if you can have their old one. failing that use the one at your local library. -Go to Walmart. I have seen computers for 300 dollars. You get what you pay for, but these systems should be enough for school. If you are going to school how are you paying for it? If you are getting a loan, then books and computers may be included in the loan. -Maybe you don't need to purchase a computer. Most libraries now have computers with internet connections that you can use for free. If you start attending a school, the school might have computers for you to use.Don't go into debt for a computer. Once you get it, you'll still need to buy software for it and pay a monthly fee for an internet connection. It will cost you more than you think, and it will have little resale value.If you must buy a computer, check a local computer shop for a deal on a used computer. It'll be cheaper than buying from a big retailer like Best Buy.