The question to me would be how effectively do those apps use the GPU.
You might want to see if you can find benchmarks for your specific usages.
This suggests that some things in PS are significantly impacted by the GPU, while others aren't.
https://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/ar...nchmarkResults
Similar with 3DS Max
https://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/ar...chmarkGraphics
That suggests to me like it's not like you'll be sitting in class for 5 minutes while everyone else's is done in 30 seconds.
Then again I'm a teacher's pet, I would get whatever they told me