In 1990, it would have been somewhat rare for a college student to own a computer, but there were computer labs everywhere on campus and you had an email address, so it was clear they a part of modern life. They were priced in the 'used car' range so it wasn't impossible to own one.
(edit this was for a 'real' PC compatible or Mac, you could probably find C64s and etc at the flea market.)
(edit this was for a 'real' PC compatible or Mac, you could probably find C64s and etc at the flea market.)