Disclosure: While this webpage mentions the possibility of free or discounted laptop programs offered by educational institutions, inclusion on this list does not guarantee that schools will offer or provide students with free or discounted laptops. Availability and terms of such programs vary by institution and are subject to change. Students should consult with institutions directly to receive the most accurate information about free or discounted laptop programs.Â
Access to reliable, high-quality technology is essential to success in an online degree program. Yet studies show that as many as 19% of college students don’t have adequate hardware or internet access.
Many online colleges offer perks to help close these gaps and ensure students have what they need to fully participate in online courses, such as free or discounted laptops, regular software updates, and tech support. Intelligent.com compiled this list of the top online colleges that provide laptop perks and provides additional tips for saving money on technology for college.
Top 38 Colleges That Provide Laptop Perks
| School Name | Laptop Type | Laptop Perks | Eligibility |
| Alabama State University | MacBook | Laptop loan (semester) | College of Business and Administration students |
| Amridge University | Chromebook | Discount; includes a 1-year warranty and free Microsoft Office 365 software | All students |
| Auburn University | Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo | Discount | All students |
| Bethel University | Windows-based computers, Mac, Chromebook | Free | All undergraduates |
| California State University, Bakersfield | PC, Mac | Laptop loan program | Students with demonstrated financial need |
| California State University, East Bay | Windows-based computers, Mac | Laptop loan (semester) | All students (first come, first served) |
| California State University, Fullerton | PC, Mac | Laptop loan (semester) | All students (first come, first served) |
| Dakota State University | Dell | Free | All full-time first-year students |
| Davenport University | Lenovo, Surface laptops, Mac | Discounts | All students |
| Drexel University | Dell, Lenovo, Mac | Discounts | All students |
| Harvard University | Dell, Mac | Discounts | All students |
| Indiana State University | Windows-based computers, Mac | Laptop loan | Commuter students |
| Moravian University | MacBook Pro, iPad, Apple Pencil, Apple Watch | Free | All first-year students |
| Northwest Missouri State University | HP | Laptop loan (semester) | All students |
| Oklahoma State University | Mac, Dell, Surface | Discounts | All students |
| Park University | Dell | Discounts | All students |
| Saint Leo University | Windows-based computers, Mac | Laptop loan ($250 deposit) | All students (first come, first served) |
| San Diego State University | Macbook, Dell, Chromebooks | Laptop loan (semester) | All students (first come, first served) |
| Seattle Pacific University | Macbook, Chromebooks | Discounts on refurbished computers | All students (first come, first served) |
| Seattle University | Dell | Discounts | School of Law students |
| Seton Hall University | Lenovo | Free | All undergraduates |
| Southern Nazarene University | Dell | Discounts | All undergraduates |
| St. John’s University | Lenovo, Mac | Discounts | All students |
| Stony Brook University | Dell | Discounts | All students |
| University of Arkansas, Grantham | Lenovo | Free | All students |
| University of California, Berkeley | Mac, HP, Dell, Lenovo | Discounted | All students |
| University of California, Davis | Mac | Discounts | All continuing and professional education students |
| University of California, Irvine | Mac, HP, Dell, Lenovo | Discounts | All students |
| University of Central Florida | Mac, Dell | Discounts | All students |
| University of Michigan | Mac, Dell, Lenovo | Discounts | All students |
| University of Minnesota, Crookston | HP | Free | All on-campus students |
| University of Nevada, Las Vegas | Apple, Lenovo, Dell | Discounts | All students |
| University of Texas at Austin | Dell | Discounts | All students |
| University of Texas at Dallas | Dell | Discounts | All students |
| University of Texas at Tyler | Dell | Discounts | All students |
| Wake Forest University | Mac, Dell, Lenovo | Discounts | Undergraduate students |
| Washington State University | Mac | Discounts | All students |
| Western Washington University | Mac, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft | Discounts | All students |
What Type of Laptop Perks Do Online Colleges Provide?
Each college determines what type of laptop perks, if any, they’ll provide. For the most accurate information about laptop perks at a particular online college, contact the school’s admissions office or tech department to learn more.
In general, laptop and technology perks come in the following forms:
- Providing a laptop and other equipment for free or at a discount: Many schools ensure that students have reliable laptops and other hardware by giving this equipment directly to them when they enroll in a program. Colleges send laptops directly to students, often with any required software pre-loaded. Depending on the school and program, all students may receive the same type of laptop or get a specific model based on what is needed for their particular area of study.
- Offering retailer partnerships for discounts: Online colleges may offer students the ability to buy their own laptops and other hardware directly from a retailer at a discounted rate. Schools may partner with tech companies like Apple, Dell, and Lenovo or retailers like Best Buy or Amazon to give students discounts on the equipment and software they need for their programs.
- Providing tech support: Regardless of whether students have their own laptop or a school-issued device, most colleges have a tech support department to help online students troubleshoot hardware and software issues. This perk helps ensure students’ schoolwork isn’t derailed if they run into technical issues. Tech support at colleges may also provide regular updates to software and virus protection programs, so students have the most up-to-date programs on their computers.
- Including warranties and insurance on school-issued devices: Most schools that issue laptops or other equipment to students will ensure that warranties are up-to-date and devices are insured against damage or theft. When receiving a school-issued laptop, students should carefully read the fine print to understand what type of warranty and insurance they have, and what, if anything, they’ll be responsible for in the event of damage or loss.
How to Save Money on Technology for College
Even if your college doesn’t provide a free or discounted laptop, there are still ways for students to save money on essential tech for school.
Use scholarships, grants, or loans to pay for equipment
In most cases, students can use financial aid to pay for things besides tuition, including laptops and other hardware or software they may need. Some scholarships and grants are specifically designed for students to use for purchasing computers. In other cases, students can use their financial aid funds to pay for any necessary education-related expenses.
Purchase used or refurbished tech
Many retailers sell used laptops that have been refurbished at a fraction of the price of a new computer. In addition to helping students save money, buying used tech also benefits the planet, leading to less electronic waste. When buying a refurbished laptop, students should ensure that they’re purchasing from a reputable company and that the device is in good or excellent condition to ensure it lasts throughout their program.
Look for retailers that offer student discounts and sales
Even if your school doesn’t specifically partner with any specific retailers or tech companies to offer discounts, many of these companies independently have student discounts for those purchasing equipment for school. In most cases, students must provide proof of enrollment, such as a valid school email address, student ID, or registration documentation. Keeping an eye out for sales around holidays or retail events like Black Friday can also help you save on your laptop.
Frequently Asked Questions About Technology for College
Do online colleges give students laptops?
Yes, some online colleges give students laptops, either to use specifically for the time they are enrolled in a program or to keep after graduation. This isn’t a universal practice at all online colleges, and some schools may have specific parameters about who receives a laptop. Before enrolling at a college, students should clarify what laptop perks the school offers and whether they qualify to receive a laptop.
Why do I need a laptop for college?
A reliable computer with internet access is essential for students enrolling in an online program. A student’s device is their connection to all of their assignments, lessons, and contact with faculty, classmates, and university staff. Although some students may try to make do with a tablet or mobile phone, having a laptop or desktop computer makes some tasks significantly easier, like writing papers, reading text, and taking quizzes and tests. While a desktop computer can fulfill all those needs, having a laptop gives students more freedom as to where they complete their schoolwork, making this device a more optimal choice.
Can I use scholarship, grant, or student loan funds to buy a laptop?
Yes, in some cases, students can use financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, or student loans to purchase a laptop and other necessary school tech. Some scholarships or grants may specifically be earmarked for students to buy equipment, while others may give students unrestricted funds to use as they see fit for their educational expenses. Students should speak to a financial aid counselor at their school to determine whether their financial aid can be used for laptops and other equipment.
What should I consider when choosing a laptop for college?
There are several factors to consider when choosing a laptop for college, especially if you’re purchasing the device for yourself instead of receiving it from your school.
First, think about price. How much can you afford to pay for a laptop? Prices can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the type of device and whether it is new or refurbished. Set a budget and watch for sales and discounts to get a device in your price range.
Consider your area of study as well, as certain majors require students to have a certain kind of laptop or specific software programs. For example, graphic design students who need to run design programs and store large files might need a computer with a more powerful processor and more storage than a student in an English degree program.
Other factors to consider include size, battery life, storage, and other technology preferences. For example, students who use other Apple products like iPhones and iPads may prefer a MacBook that can be synced with other devices.
Will I get to keep my laptop after graduation?
This depends on the terms of your school’s laptop program. In some cases, students can keep their devices after they graduate or complete a certain number of credits. Other schools may give students the option to purchase their devices at a discounted rate after they finish their program, while others mandate that students return laptops so they can be refurbished and distributed to new students. Failure to return a school-issued device as directed may result in extra charges from your college. Review your school’s laptop return policy before your final term, so you can make any necessary preparations, including buying a new device.
What happens if my school-issued laptop is damaged or stolen?
Most colleges will provide warranties and insurance for school-issued devices, which can be used if a laptop is damaged or stolen. However, students should read the fine print of these agreements to be aware of circumstances that insurance doesn’t cover or that void the warranty. Students should also ensure that their devices are always stored securely and properly and that they avoid situations that could damage the laptop’s hardware or software.
Additional Resources for Finding Free or Discounted Laptops and Tech
- Dell Scholars Program: This program selects 500 students nationwide each year to receive academic, financial, wellness, and career support from Dell, including a Dell laptop with a four-year warranty. To qualify, students must demonstrate a need for financial assistance, be eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant in their first year of college, and have a minimum 2.4 GPA.
- Computers With Causes: This non-profit organization allows anyone needing a working computer to apply for a refurbished device free of charge. Computers with Causes assesses each individual applicant based on financial need and other personal circumstances, and applicants can apply multiple times if they don’t receive a device the first time.
- Compudopt: This organization runs a number of programs to help under-resourced youth access education and technology, including computer giveaways in communities throughout the U.S.
- Notebooks for Students: Students in college, trade school, high school, or primary school can apply to purchase a new or refurbished low-cost laptop through Notebooks for School. NFS offers brands like Dell, Toshiba, Apple, and Lenovo; all laptops have a four-year warranty.
- PCs for People: This non-profit authorized Microsoft refurbisher helps students and individuals purchase used laptops at discounted rates. They also help individuals access affordable broadband internet.
- Tech for Troops: Veterans and their families can explore this option, which refurbishes and donates used computers to those in need.
Interested in a degree instead?
Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.