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University WebStore Saves Students Money on Software


by Katelyn Scott, Communications Manager


Sending your child to college is a major financial investment. Tuition, room, and board add up to a pretty penny. And hidden costs, like outfitting dorm rooms and buying study tools, like books, computers, and software, enlarge the bottom line.

While your child may not yet share your concern for keeping college costs in check, as a U of I student, they do have access to a University resource that can significantly lower their technology-related costs.

Since its launch in September 2001, CITES Software WebStore has become the University's primary online software distribution source, offering students over 100 software titles for purchase or download at the lowest possible cost. Some software, including virus protection and anti-spyware, is available at no cost to students.

Through site-licensed software negotiations and volume purchase contracts, WebStore saves Illinois students as much as 90-percent off retail prices and 50-percent off software upgrades. Last year, WebStore saved the University community over $7 million dollars-an average savings of $7 for every $1 of product sold.

The next time you discuss financial responsibility with your child, encourage them to visit CITES Software WebStore (http://webstore.uiuc.edu) for the lowest prices on software essential to their studies. Placing an order is quick and easy at the secure Web site. All they need to purchase or download is their NetID/password and a valid credit card.

    Most popular Software WebStore offers for students:

  • Virus Protection (no charge)
  • Adobe Design Premium CS3($299)
  • Adobe Acrobat Pro 8 ($65)
  • Microsoft Office 2007 Enterprise Edition ($65)
  • Microsoft Office 2007 Standard ($45)
  • Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac ($65)
  • Windows Vista Ultimate Upgrade ($80)
  • Mathematica ($25)
  • EndNote (55)
  • Autodesk 2008 ($150)