When does the college student discount for Mac's start?

You're probably referring to the "Back to School" promotion. If so, it usually starts by the end of May each year for North America and lasts until early September. As a poster mentionned, Apple can choose not to offer it this year, but this is highly unlikely (for example, Australia has already started their Apple Back to School promotion as they do every year).

Until 3 years ago, you got a free iPod ($229 or $249 off an iPod I believe in 2010). Since then, it's become a lot less appealing: $100 iTunes gift card. The amount could vary depending on the config, and the Mac Mini is usually excluded. Let's hope for something better this year, but the Australian promotion is the iTunes card so chances are not good...

Student (Education) pricing is year round. Go to Apple.com and select "Store" tab at the top of the page. There you will see to the mid right side of the page a list to include "MOre Stores" and there should be a listing for Education Store. There you will have the opportunity to complete your education details for a discount.

Good Luck and happy shopping. 🙂

If you are affiliated with a college, you can select the "Apple store for education" at any time, and enter the college information to see the current prices and place your order. This will give you a modest discount that varies by product, but ends up being about enough on a MacBook to get AppleCare included for about the regular retail price of the Hardware alone.

Some colleges MAY require your Mac be reserved for later delivery (or on-campus pick-up) to get the discount price. Some of the more savvy Retail Stores can give you the same discount, but training on this can be spotty, so it may not work at your local Retail store. Proof of affiliation (like a student ID) is required.

Later in the summer, Apple has often run additional package discounts that have included Mac App Store gift cards, iPods, iTunes gift cards, free printers, or other goodies you may want as well. They are under no obligation to do so, and you may hate this year's promotion, if there is one. It has historically been offered in August back-to-school month.