Online Colleges That Offer Free Laptops
Key Takeaways
- Some online colleges offer free or loaned laptops, hotspots, or tablets to students; eligibility often depends on enrollment status and financial need.
- Programs like Full Sail’s Project Launchbox or Mercy University’s Laptop and Hotspot Program give students laptops they can keep after graduation.
- Each school has different tech policies, including device return conditions, software restrictions, and potential replacement fees for loss or damage.
Disclosure: This webpage may mention the possibility of free laptop programs offered by various educational institutions. However, please note that the inclusion of any school on this page does not guarantee or imply a free laptop offer. The availability and terms of free laptop programs are subject to change and may vary among institutions. For the most accurate information, please consult with schools directly.
Accredited online colleges offer students a flexible and rigorous educational experience. However, learners must have the right technology to view lectures, access course materials, complete coursework, and interact with instructors and peers. Picking a laptop for school can pose challenges, especially if you lack experience with online learning.
Online colleges that offer free laptops remove the guesswork from picking the right technology. Feel confident going into school with a laptop that you can use in school and after graduation.
Colleges That Offer Free, Discounted, or Loaned Tech
As you review the following online colleges that offer free laptops, compare their technology policies. Some schools give laptops only to select students, while others assign the same make and model to all learners. The latter can pose problems, especially if you have experience with only one type of operating system.
Visit each school’s website to review the latest requirements for receiving a free laptop. Enrollment counselors can also answer your questions.
Full Sail University
- Institution Type: Private for-profit, four-year
- Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
- Policy: MacBook or PC laptops for all students
- Eligibility: Available to all students
Project Launchbox at Full Sail University provides students with the specialized equipment they need for their programs. In addition to a laptop for their college courses, students receive media creation software relevant to their degree program to help them throughout their studies, the costs of which are included in their tuition.
Most students receive a MacBook, but learners in code-based programs may receive a PC laptop. Full Sail typically sends the laptops to students during their second year, and they do not need to return the devices after graduation.
Normandale Community College
- Institution Type: Public, two-year
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Policy: Free Lenovo laptops for select students
- Eligibility: Available to students with financial need who are taking at least one course
The Free Laptop Program at Normandale Community College provides free laptops for select students. Students must take at least one course at Normandale and demonstrate financial need to qualify. Since supply is limited, not all eligible students will receive a laptop.
The program offers Lenovo laptops that come with a two-year warranty. Students can keep the laptops after they complete their programs.
Piedmont Community College
- Institution Type: Public, two-year
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Policy: Free laptops for select students
- Eligibility: Available to new students taking at least nine credits in each of two back-to-back semesters
At Piedmont Community College, the Free PCC Laptop program awards Lenovo IdeaPads with Windows 11 to the first 300 eligible students who register. Only new students qualify, and they must enroll in at least nine credits in the fall and spring semesters.
While students can keep the laptops after they graduate, they must return the devices and pay $350 to PCC if they become ineligible or do not satisfy the terms of the agreement.
University of Arkansas Grantham
- Institution Type: Public, four-year
- Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
- Policy: Free Lenovo laptops for qualifying students
- Eligibility: Available to all students enrolled in a degree program
At the University of Arkansas Grantham, all eligible students can receive a new Lenovo laptop with Windows 11 when they start their programs. The school sends laptops to students after they complete their first semester and enroll in a second semester, though learners on a full scholarship may not qualify.
UA Grantham mails the laptops to students and allows them to keep their laptops after they complete two full semesters. If they do not complete the agreement terms, students must return the laptops or pay an estimated $450.
Can You Rent a Laptop for College?
Yes, many colleges offer a technology loan program through their library. Typical eligibility requirements include maintaining good grades and paying tuition on time. You must also return the laptop at the end of the semester, even if you plan to take courses the following semester.
When you check out a laptop, you agree to pay for any intentional or accidental damage. The loan contract you sign should describe what counts as damage and how much you may need to pay back.
As most college and university libraries loan laptops on a first-come, first-served basis, visit the library soon after enrolling. If your library no longer has laptops, speak with a librarian to discuss other options:
- State-sponsored technology grants for college students
- Technology discounts from hardware manufacturers
Institutional technology grants for low-income learners
How Do Student Technology Policies Work at Online Colleges?
Technology is essential for online college, as most programs require a fast internet connection and a computer. If you plan to take advantage of a free or loaned laptop program, there are a few policies you need to understand.
Getting a Laptop
Some accredited online schools mail technology packages before classes begin. These packages typically contain laptops and required software licenses. In-person programs may provide free or loaned laptops when you arrive on campus. Some institutions transfer permanent laptop ownership to enrollees once they earn a certain number of credits.
Software and Hardware Updates
Many accredited schools with laptop loaner programs don’t allow you to download media on your borrowed device. You also usually can’t upgrade the hardware or software on your own, meaning you must work with the campus information technology department to perform updates.
Damages and Theft
Many college tech perk programs include warranties or insurance for school-provided devices. These protections typically include IT assistance with hardware or software malfunctions. While some schools include damage and theft protection, others require students who lose or break their devices to pay for them.
Student Status
Some accredited online colleges only provide technology packages to first-year students. Depending on the institution, transfer students can also qualify for free college laptop programs, but this is less common.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not only do most college students need a laptop to complete coursework (e.g., performing research, writing papers, etc.), many have to buy one because their college requires it. Fortunately, many colleges partner with major software companies such as Microsoft to provide all students with free or heavily discounted productivity tools and other discounts.
