Apple has finally launched its 2011 Back to School promotion for students and faculty. For the first time Apple will include a $100 Mac App Store gift card instead of the usual free iPod touch.

When you buy a new qualifying Mac with Apple education pricing* from June 16, 2011, through September 20, 2011, you’ll get a $100 Back to School Card to use on the Mac App Store, the App Store, the iTunes Store, and the iBookstore.

The promotion begins today and goes through September 20. The credit in the Mac App Store is also good for the iTunes Music Store and iTunes App Store since all stores are tied together to the same account. Meanwhile, MacRumors is reporting that European Apple stores have also launched their deals offering 65 British Pounds in the UK and 75 Euros in Europe to the Mac App Store. 

College students and parents buying on behalf of students for college qualify for the deal. Faculty and staff at any grade level also qualify for the promotion. In addition, school board members and elected educations officials are eligible. 

Qualify computers are the iMac, MacBook, MacBook Pro and Mac Pro. The Mac Mini does not qualify. Any refurbished Apple computers do not qualify as well. 

Qualifying purchases must be made directly from Apple or at an Apple Authorized Campus Store. When buying from Apple the Back to School Card will be included with your purchase. Those who purchase at a campus store must fill out a claim and mail it to Apple after the qualifying Mac as been paid for. All claims must be made within 90 days of the purchase date.

All Macs purchased now will also get a free upgrade to Mac OS X Lion when released. See a full copy of Apple's Terms and Conditions for the 2011 Back to School promotion here.