Answered By: Kali Van Nimwegen
Last Updated: Nov 17, 2025     Views: 103

There are several options to help you access Adobe programs, such as Photoshop and Illustrator, as a student.

Additionally, there are free, open-source alternatives to many Adobe programs that might meet your needs. Always check with your instructor to determine if an Adobe product is required for your course or if an open-source alternative is an acceptable option. 

Accessing Adobe Creative Cloud:

Option 1: Discounted Subscription (19.99/mo)

Maricopa students have access to a discounted Adobe Creative Cloud Subscription through OnTheHub in Student Technology Resources. The discounted subscription is $19.99/month, and you can pay monthly or yearly.

Option 2: PC Computer Lab (Free!)

Adobe Creative Cloud is available on campus at the computer lab in Fannin Library. 

Option 3: Remote Computing (Free!)

You can access several programs using Close2Home. 

Phoenix College offers access to 80 remote computers (40 Windows and 40 Macs) specifically designed for remote use by students.  These can be accessed from any device with a web browser, including tablets and Chromebooks, allowing students to work from any device they have available.

To access this service, just visit the Close2Home website. You can search for available software or click on the Software List to see all of the options, including Creative Cloud. 

Adobe Alternatives

If Adobe isn't a requirement, there are a number of open-source free editing programs that will help you accomplish many of the same results. 

The following open source packages are no-cost alternatives to Adobe products.

  • GIMP [Photoshop]: a suitable image manipulation substitute for Photoshop. UI can be difficult to navigate, but there is plenty of documentation online. 

  • darktable [Lightroom]: a good option for photograph work with a similar workflow to Adobe Lightroom.

  • Inkscape [Illustrator]: Free, open source vector graphics editor. Simple UI with lots of functionality.

  • Krita [Photoshop]: Rated the best free painting software by TechCrunch and the UI is much better than Gimp.

  • Natron [After Effects]: Open Source Compositing Software For VFX and Motion Graphics.

  • OpenShot [Premiere]: Open source video editor alternative to Premiere.

  • Synfig [Animate]: A free and open-source 2D animation software.

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