Online Colleges That Offer Free Laptops and Other Tech Perks
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.
A laptop is an essential requirement for online college students. However, the associated cost can be an obstacle for some learners.
Several national surveys from 2020 revealed that 16%-19% of college students reported inadequate technology, including laptops and internet connectivity. Computers can cost more than $1,000, which may not fit into every student’s budget.
Fortunately, some colleges address this need by loaning out or providing free or discounted devices to students. Discover online schools that provide computer tech perks, and learn about the best budget-friendly laptops for students.
Did You Know…
- A 2018 survey at a large Midwestern university found that 20% of students did not have reliable access to functional laptops or tablets.
- A 2020 study found that 11% of students missed a remote class because of technology issues, 10% had a device that couldn’t perform the required tasks for class, and 8% missed an assignment deadline because they couldn’t access their computer or their computer wasn’t working.
- Around 72% of students try to resolve technology issues themselves instead of turning to IT or tech support.
Featured Online Schools
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Colleges That Offer Free, Discounted, or Loaned Tech
Many accredited colleges and universities offer technology services for online students. These services can include downloadable academic software and a virtual IT help desk. Certain majors may also receive special devices and software.
Eligibility criteria and program rules vary by school. Make sure to review your college’s technology policies and programs.
Explore the list below to learn more about accredited online colleges that offer free laptops and other technology perks for students.
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
Full Sail University‘s Project Launchbox 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.
Georgia Institute of Technology
- Institution Type: Public, four-year
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Policy: Loaned Windows 10 laptops and AT&T hotspots
- Eligibility: Available to Georgia Tech students, staff, faculty, and researchers
Through the Georgia Institute of Technology Technology Equipment Loan Program, you can receive a loaned Windows 10 laptop and an AT&T hotspot for internet access. Each device comes with Microsoft Office, Google Chrome, Firefox, and Adobe Acrobat.
With no loan time limits, you can keep the device until you no longer need it or no longer attend Georgia Tech. The school can even ship the loaned devices to your home.
Indiana University Bloomington
- Institution Type: Public, four-year
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Policy: Loaned Windows-based laptops
- Eligibility: Available to current students with financial need
Indiana University Bloomington offers a Loaner Laptop Program through the Student Care and Resource Center that lets you borrow a device for up to one full semester. If you need the laptop longer, the school will review your case.
The limited supply of available devices varies, but they all run Windows-based applications. You are responsible for your own storage device and will be assessed a replacement fee for damaged or misplaced items.
Mercy University
- Institution Type: Private nonprofit, four-year
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Policy: Free laptops and internet access
- Eligibility: Available to full-time students who demonstrate financial need
As part of the Internet for All initiative, Mercy University introduced the Laptop and Hotspot Program, which provides free laptops and high-speed internet access to eligible students. To qualify, students must be enrolled full-time, taking at least 12 credits per semester.
Mercy prioritizes the distribution of laptops based on financial need, and students who complete their programs at Mercy can keep their laptops.
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
Normandale Community College‘s Free Laptop Program 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 Free Laptop Program offers Lenovo laptops that come with a two-year warranty. Students can keep the laptops after they complete their programs.
Ohio State University
- Institution Type: Public, four-year
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Policy: Loaned iPads and Microsoft Surfaces
- Eligibility: Available to enrolled students with no outstanding technology fees
Ohio State University‘s Office of Technology and Digital Innovation runs the Student Technology Loan Program. As an OSU enrollee, you can receive a loaned iPad or Microsoft Surface for a semester or longer.
You must return or renew the loaned device at the end of the semester. You can only renew the device if you are enrolled in the following semester, including summer classes for summer loans. The loaners come with various accessories, including cases, charging cables, and Classroom Pens or Apple Pencils.
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.
San Diego State University
- Institution Type: Public, four-year
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
- Policy: Loaned MacBook Pros, Dell Windows laptops, iPads, and Chromebooks
- Eligibility: Available to current students
You can borrow various types of equipment from the circulation desk at the San Diego State University library, including MacBook Pros, Dell Windows laptops, iPads, and Chromebooks. The loans last until the end of the semester.
SDSU loans operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The school also loans accessories, such as chargers, webcams, headsets, and external storage devices. Some of the accessories have a maximum loan time of seven days.
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.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Institution Type: Public, four-year
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Policy: Loaned laptops or desktops
- Eligibility: Available to current liberal arts and sciences undergraduates
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ensures all liberal arts and science undergraduates can access technology with the ATLAS Share initiative. If you don’t have a computer, you can take out a laptop or desktop computer with a long-term loan.
All loaned computers include the required components and campus software, plus antivirus applications. You can also receive hardware support for as long as you have the device.
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.
- 1
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.
- 2
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.
- 3
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.
- 4
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.
What Are the Best Laptops for College?
The best laptops for college have updated software capabilities, include embedded webcams and microphones, and are budget-friendly. Manufacturers and retailers may offer discount pricing for students, so investigate these options to save as much money as you can.
Here are 2025’s top laptops for online college students.
Note: Prices are accurate as of February 2025. Costs may fluctuate.
| Model | Standard Features | Storage | Display Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple MacBook Air 13″ | Fast performance, lightweight design, long battery life, macOS | 256 GB-2 TB | 13.6 inches | From $999 |
| ASUS Vivobook 16 | High resolution, fast performance, comfortable keyboard | 512 GB-1 TB | 16 inches | From $599 |
| Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i Chromebook Plus 14″ | Lightweight and durable design, touchscreen display, Chrome OS simplicity | 128 GB | 14 inches | From $360 |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 | Fast performance, long battery life, touchscreen display | 256 GB-1 TB | 13.8 inches | From $800 |
| Acer Swift Go 14 | Lightweight, touchscreen display, long battery life, functional | 512 GB | 14 inches | From $700 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Laptops for College
Some online colleges offer free laptops. Schools may stipulate that you must be enrolled full-time to qualify for these programs. Some institutions include the cost of the laptop as part of your tuition’s technology fee.
