There are many factors to consider when purchasing or perhaps renting a violin. First of all, the length of the student's arms will determine which size of violin is needed. For instance there are 1/2, 3/4, and 4/4 sizes. It is not a one size fits all scenario. For students who are still growing, there is no need to spend much money on a violin that they will outgrow. In this instance, renting or buying a cheap miniature violin is the best option. Also if a student is a beginner and has the stature for a full size (4/4), renting or purchasing a non-expensive violin is also the way to go. I started on a full size and my violin cost $100, however that was a long time ago. As the student progresses in ability, so will their need for a better quality instrument. I was lucky enough to be assigned a really good midrange violin when I was in the orchestra program in middle school and high school. (Therefore it was something I didn't have to pay for). Nevertheless all schools are not like that, and unfortunately many schools do not even have orchestras. If any of these obstacles are at hand, the best advice I have is to purchase or rent a midrange violin. School wise, if a student has gone through middle school and high school playing and they want to continue, then is the time to get out the big bucks and pay for a professional violin. However this should not be done until late high school, when the student is perhaps college shopping. If the student starts as an adult then obviously we will not apply a middle school and high school time line to it. We will take a different approach based on the student's increasing abilities.