Carolina Computing Initiative
Customer Service
Need Tech Help? Visit Help.unc.edu

Payment Options

1. Cash, Check, or Credit Card

UNC Students Stores accepts Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Checks should be made out to "UNC Student Stores", and mailed to the UNC RAM Shop. Include PID number on the check, please.

2. Low-Interest CFI Loan

Regardless of eligibility for financial aid, all students are pre-approved for a low-interest CCI loan through the College Foundation, Inc. This loan will allow you to purchase a computer, printer, educational software, and basic accessories, such as a backpack, mouse and network cables. You may borrow up to $3,500 for a one-time purchase of your computer equipment. CFI computer loans require that you begin repayment one month after the date of your purchase. You need to make sure that you will have sufficient monthly income to make the payments. If you default on your loan, you will not be able to register for classes or receive your diploma.

A laptop grant from the University can be combined with a CFI loan if you wish to purchase the more expensive ThinkPad model and/or add a printer, backpack or other accessories to your initial purchase.

If you don't have access to the internet, call CFI toll-free at 1-888-234-6400, identify yourself as a UNC-Chapel Hill student and ask for assistance in applying for a computer loan. Once you have applied by phone, contact the RAM Shop at (919) 962-8534 to place your order by phone.

Steps to apply for a CFI computer loan via the Web:

  1. Go to the CFI Web site at http://www.cfnc.org.
  2. Click Create My CFNC on the left side of the page.
  3. Enter information for the student that will be receiving the laptop, and click Submit.
  4. Click on the My CFNC tab at the top of the page.
  5. On the left side of the page, click My Profile.
  6. Scroll to the bottom of the page, and enter the student's Social Security Number. Click Submit. Log out.
  7. Click here to return to the CFNC page.
  8. Click on the "apply for a computer loan click here" link. Enter your newly created CFNC username and password, and complete the application. A CFI agent will contact you in several days to confirm this loan.
  9. Follow the links on the left to purchase your IBM laptop or desktop.
  10. Contact the UNC RAM Shop by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or calling (919)962-0058 to receive an estimated arrival date for your CCI machine.

If you don't have access to the internet, call CFI toll-free at 1-888-234-6400, identify yourself as an incoming UNC-Chapel Hill student and ask for assistance in applying for a computer loan. Onceyou have applied by phone, contact the RAM Shop at (919)962-8534 to place your order by phone.

3. University Laptop Grant (Incoming Students Only)

If you wish to be considered for a computer grant you must complete the CSS Profile application. You should complete this online at www.collegeboard.com. The application must be submitted by March 1. The University must have this information to make a determination of eligibility for a laptop grant. You should submit this form even if you think you may not qualify for financial aid, as some students will qualify for a laptop grant who do not qualify for regular forms of financial aid. Students submitting only the FAFSA will not be considered for laptop grants. Students who submit the CSS Profile application by March 1 will hear about laptop grant eligibility by April 15 in time to meet laptop ordering deadlines.

The University has committed funds to make sure that undergraduate students with no prior degree who are enrolling at Carolina for the first-time and who have applied for financial aid by the deadline, are eligible to be considered for a CCI laptop grant. The CSS PROFILE, used to apply for financial aid, also serves as your application for a laptop grant. The amount of the grant will vary depending upon an individual student's documented need, but every student with financial need will receive help in purchasing the standard level laptop package.* Many will qualify to receive a full grant, making this package absolutely free. Those who qualify for a laptop grant will be notified by late April or after being admitted. Laptop grants will be awarded in the form of a credit valid only at UNC Student Stores for the standard ThinkPad R package, that includes software, security lock, and four years of insurance coverage. No cash will be given. You are responsible for the cost of any optional accessories, such as a printer, backpack, or external mouse.

While a laptop grant from the University can be combined with additional funds to purchase the more expensive student laptop model(s), please be aware that should you leave the University prior to graduation, you will be required to either pay back the grant and keep the laptop or return the laptop and lose your additional investment.