Well depending on the specific printers and kits offered it may or may not be a good deal.
A top quality kit is under the $600 in credits it would cost you.
Couple of thoughts:
1. If it is a kit verify when they will get delivered. Most kits only require a few hours to assemble but can require quite a bit of time to calibrate. It does not look like you will get them before the build season starts. You will have failed prints and it can take some time to learn how to get the best quality.
2. Make sure you get a printer that can print ABS. PLA will be too brittle for any major robotic items.
3. Maximize the build area and make sure you get a heated bed.
4. Safety, Safety, Safety - 3d printers use a lot of heat (ABS prints at 210-225 centagrade) you should never leave them printing unattended. This can be a problem. Some large prints can take hours. I had one part of a robotic hand that took 6+ hours. Also, ABS fumes are not the best for you - make sure you use in a well ventilated area. Also, if you use ABS you are likely to want to use acetone to finish parts, glue parts, or as a bed adhesive. It is flammable and fumes are bad. Skin contact should be avoided. Wear gloves (just make sure the Acetone does not dissolve the gloves), well ventilated area, no flames.
5. Spend a little more on better filament. While the cheap stuff is $5-$8 a roll less you will waste a lot of time on curled prints and jams.
For those in the Northern Virginia area I will be doing a session on 3d printing on Dec 7th at the DC FRC workshop. See
http://dc-first.org/ for information and
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8PTYNW3 to register.
Also, if you want to get a jump on the rush the US STEM foundation in cooperation with Team 1885 will be doing a 3D printer camp Dec 16-20 in Mclean, Va. The cost is $750 and includes a Prusa I3 printer and spool of filament. We make sure you walk out with a working 3D printer. See the attached for more details and you can register at:
https://www.fundaround.com/ustem/201...camp-dec-2013/