MS office and other softwares are pretty cheap for students. I bought MS office pro (for windows) last year for $65. Last week I bought MS office pro for Mac for about $17. But this time I am in a different university. Bottom line it is likely that you will get discount, which may vary from university to university. So first try to find out if you get discount from your university's computer store. Then seek other options. If you don't get it at discounted price in your university, try asking your friends who are in different university. THey might have or might get one from their university and lend you the DVD.