For students on a tight budget, a laptop can make or break college dreams. Consider these online colleges with free laptops and other tech perks.
When looking for the right college, one of the factors to consider is the type of technology available to you.
With the right college and laptop program, students benefit from access to up-to-date technology and the ability to stay connected with classmates and faculty.
Many accredited online colleges provide free laptops, discounted laptops, and technology to students who meet certain requirements.
Some schools partner with specific stores and companies to offer free laptops to enrolled students, while others may include computer costs in student fees. Additionally, some institutions may require students to enroll full-time in order to qualify for a free laptop. For those who receive a laptop from the college, ownership usually transfers to the student permanently once they graduate or earn a certain number of credits. If the student chooses to withdraw from the school, they may be required to return or buy the laptop they received.
If free laptops are not an option at your college, there are still ways to save on laptop expenses. Consider using your tax refund or financial aid packages to buy a more affordable laptop. You may also try to borrow a laptop from friends or family, or see if you qualify for a free laptop from a nonprofit organization.
Impactful used EDsmart.org’s list of online colleges that offer laptops along with school websites to find the best colleges offering free, loaner, or rental laptops.
Here are the best accredited online colleges that offer laptops to their students.
Accredited Online colleges that offer laptops
For online students, many accredited colleges and universities offer various technology perks. These may include laptops, tablets, academic software, and virtual IT assistance.
Rules and eligibility for these perks can vary from school to school. Before registering for your degree program, make sure to review your chosen college’s technology policies and programs.
Below are some of the top online colleges and universities that provide free laptops, software, and other technology services for online students. Explore the information below to learn more about online colleges offering free laptops and other laptop programs.
American National University
- Free laptops and software for all domestic students
- Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
- Net Price: $21,500
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 32%
- Median Earnings: $24,951
- Retention Rate: N/A
- Employed 2 Years After Graduation: 78%
- Percentage Earning More Than a High School Graduate: 28%
California State University, Bakersfield, East Bay, Fullerton
- Free loaner laptops through STEP Program for students with demonstrated financial need (Bakersfield)
- Free loaner laptops can be checked out every semester (all students) (East Bay, Fullerton)
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
- Net Price: $7,454
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Median Earnings: $52,606
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Employed 2 Years After Graduation: 89%
- Percentage Earning More Than a High School Graduate: 65%
*Data is for Bakersfield campus only
University of California, Irvine
- A one-time budget increase of $2,000 can be requested for a new laptop for undergraduate students receiving financial aid
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
- Net Price: $12,209
- Acceptance Rate: 30%
- Graduation Rate: 87%
- Median Earnings: $71,961
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Employed 2 Years After Graduation: 90%
- Percentage Earning More Than a High School Graduate: 77%
Moravian University
- Free MacBook Pro laptops and iPads for first-year students
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Net Price: $27,801
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Median Earnings: $61,264
- Retention Rate: 83%
- Employed 2 Years After Graduation: 93%
- Percentage Earning More Than a High School Graduate: 77%
San Diego State University
- Free loaner laptops can be checked out from the library
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
- Net Price: $13,845
- Acceptance Rate: 37%
- Graduation Rate: 79%
- Median Earnings: $59,027
- Retention Rate: 89%
- Employed 2 Years After Graduation: 92%
- Percentage Earning More Than a High School Graduate: 74%
Northwest Missouri State University
- Free laptop that must be returned upon graduation for all students
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Net Price: $12,925
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Median Earnings: $43,505
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Employed 2 Years After Graduation: 95%
- Percentage Earning More Than a High School Graduate: 65%
Bethel University-Tennessee
- Laptop or Google Chromebook
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Net Price: $15,717
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Median Earnings: $40,767
- Retention Rate: 62%
- Employed 2 Years After Graduation: 90%
- Percentage Earning More Than a High School Graduate: 62%
Strayer University – Online
- Free laptops with Microsoft software for new and readmitted bachelor’s students
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Net Price: $21,585
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 50%
- Median Earnings: $43,590
- Retention Rate: 52%
- Employed 2 Years After Graduation: 85%
- Percentage Earning More Than a High School Graduate: 49%
Full Sail University
- Apple MacBook Pro or MSI gaming laptop (depends on major) and degree-specific software
- Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
- Net Price: $27,454
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Graduation Rate: 33%
- Median Earnings: $44,344
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Employed 2 Years After Graduation: 87%
- Percentage Earning More Than a High School Graduate: 45%
Indiana State University
- Microsoft Surface Laptop Go via Sycamore Technology Award for freshmen who are admitted and are Pell-eligible as determined by the FAFSA
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Net Price: $14,270
- Acceptance Rate: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Median Earnings: $42,877
- Retention Rate: 67%
- Employed 2 Years After Graduation: 93%
- Percentage Earning More Than a High School Graduate: 62%
Must Read: Get Paid to Go to School Online?
University of Minnesota-Crookston
- New and returning students are issued laptop computers at the beginning of each semester.
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Net Price: $11,593
- Acceptance Rate: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Median Earnings: $47,869
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Employed 2 Years After Graduation: 90%
- Percentage Earning More Than a High School Graduate: 79%
Saint Leo University
- Laptop rental, $250 deposit
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Net Price: $18,455
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 44%
- Median Earnings: $46,070
- Retention Rate: 66%
- Employed 2 Years After Graduation: 88%
- Percentage Earning More Than a High School Graduate: 63%
Chatham University
- Free 13-inch MacBook Air laptops, cases, and backpacks for all first-year and some transfer students
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Net Price: $27,830
- Acceptance Rate: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Median Earnings: $42,808
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Employed 2 Years After Graduation: 91%
- Percentage Earning More Than a High School Graduate: 66%
Online Colleges with Free Laptops FAQ
What is the quality of laptops offered by online colleges?
The quality of the laptops offered by online colleges can vary greatly. Some colleges may have high-end laptops with fast processors, high-resolution screens, and lots of storage and memory, while others may have more basic models. It is important to look into the specs of each college’s laptop and compare it to other models to make sure it meets the needs of the student.
Are the laptops offered to students new or refurbished?
This information can vary from college to college. Some colleges may offer new laptops to students, while others may offer refurbished models. Refurbished laptops may be more cost-effective, but they may also have a shorter lifespan or limited warranty compared to new models.
Is the laptop included in the tuition fee or is it an additional cost?
Whether the laptop is included in the tuition fee or is an additional cost also varies from college to college. Some colleges may include the laptop as part of the overall tuition fee, while others may charge an additional fee for the laptop. It is important to check with each college for their specific policies.
What is the warranty period for the laptop?
The warranty period for the laptops offered by online colleges can also vary. Some colleges may offer a one-year warranty, while others may offer a longer period of time. It is important to check the terms of the warranty to ensure that the laptop is protected against defects or malfunctions during the warranty period.
Are there any limitations on the use of the laptop, such as specific software requirements?
Some colleges may have specific software requirements or restrictions on the use of the laptop. For example, some colleges may require students to use specific operating systems, such as Windows or Mac OS, or may have specific software that must be installed on the laptop. It is important to check with each college for their specific policies and requirements.
What technical support is available for the laptop?
Technical support for the laptop is an important consideration when choosing an online college. Some colleges may offer in-person technical support, while others may offer support via phone or online. It is important to check the availability and quality of technical support before enrolling in an online college.
Are the laptops equipped with sufficient storage and memory to handle coursework and other academic needs?
The storage and memory of the laptops offered by online colleges can also vary. Some colleges may offer laptops with high-capacity hard drives and ample memory, while others may offer more basic models. It is important to consider the amount of storage and memory needed for coursework and other academic needs when choosing an online college.
What happens if the laptop is lost, damaged, or stolen?
Each college may have different policies regarding lost, damaged, or stolen laptops. Some colleges may provide replacement laptops at no cost, while others may charge a fee or require the student to purchase a replacement laptop. It is important to check with each college for their specific policies and procedures.
Is there an option to purchase or upgrade the laptop after enrolling in the online college?
Some colleges may offer students the option to purchase or upgrade their laptops after enrolling. This can be an important consideration for students who need more advanced hardware to complete their coursework. It is important to check with each college for their specific policies and procedures.
How does the college ensure the security of sensitive information stored on the laptop?
The security of sensitive information stored on the laptop is a major concern for many students. Some colleges may have specific security measures in place, such as encryption or firewalls, to protect sensitive information stored on the laptop. It is important to research the security measures implemented by each college and ensure that the laptop and its contents will be protected against cyber-attacks and data breaches. Additionally, students should be aware of their own responsibilities in terms of securing their laptops and their contents, such as using strong passwords and regularly backing up their data.
Verified: 2/2/23
