Online Colleges that Offer Laptops

best online colleges with free laptops

Attending college – even if you don’t go to school online – requires constant use of a computer. However, not all students can get themselves a computer that is adequate for a college education. Luckily, some colleges know this and provide free (or mostly free) laptops to their students.

While many schools have done away with their free laptop programs, we wanted to highlight a few schools who still have this policy. Don’t worry – ground campus students as well as students getting online degrees can have access to this policy.

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 between institutions. For the most accurate information, please consult with schools directly.

Read on for some of the best schools for free laptops:

15 Colleges that Offer Free Laptops

1. Bethel University

Located in: St. Paul, Minnesota

Their policy allows for each undergraduate student to get a free laptop while attending Bethel. Students will get either a laptop or a Chromebook as a part of this program. Students must pick this up before the start of school or they will forfeit their claim to a Bethel device.

2. California State University, Bakersfield

Located in: Bakersfield, California

California State University offers a free loaner laptop, tablet, or WiFi hotspot through their Student Technology Equity Program (STEP). Students who are interested will need to fill out an application, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. They also have an Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) which reduces the cost of high-speed internet by $30/month.

3. Chatham University

Located in: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Chatham University has an Undergraduate 1:1 Program, where each student receives a 13-inch MacBook Air laptop, a backpack and protective case. Chatham also includes a 4-year AppleCare Warranty, accidental damage protection, and repair. After graduation, the ownership of the laptop transfers to the student.

4. Dakota State University

Located in: Madison, South Dakota

Dakota State University gives each full-time freshman the latest Dell Latitude 7440, which is a 2-in-1 laptop, giving students the ability to write on the professor’s digital presentation, receive and submit assignments electronically, access and organize digital notes and more. If you join Dakota State after freshman year, you’ll get a refurbished laptop.

5. Full Sail University

Located in: Winter Park, Florida

Full Sail University provides students with a LaunchBox that works for their respective area of study. Students in the Sports Marketing and Media program receive a laptop, software and accessories including a DSLR camera, while students in the 3D Arts or Online Animation Degree Program get a laptop plus animation software and a drawing tablet.

6. Indiana State University

Located in: Terre Haute, Indiana

Indiana State University has a laptop lending service so students can have a laptop to use whether they forgot it for the day or they don’t have one at all. Students may check out laptops for four hours at a time, so this may not be a long-term solution for full-time students as they may need more regular access.

7. Northwest Missouri State University

Located in: Maryville, Missouri

Northwest Missouri State University loans all students a free wireless-ready laptop while they are attending. Makes and models may vary, and students must return the laptops every summer and after graduation or withdrawal or will face fines.

8. Moravian University

Located in: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Moravian University believes in providing an accessible education for all by providing students with the technology they need to succeed. Every student gets an Apple MacBook Pro, an iPad, and an Apple Pencil. This access to technology allows teachers to create innovative curriculum and projects.

9. Saint Leo University

Located in: St. Leo, Florida

Saint Leo University provides the opportunity for students who are enrolled at least part-time to rent a laptop, free of charge, while attending Saint Leo. Laptops come on a first come, first serve basis, and require a deposit of $250 to ensure you keep the laptop safe.

10. San Diego State University

Located in: San Diego, California

San Diego State University allows loanable technology through its library. Items you can loan include laptops and tablets, laptop and tablet accessories, cameras, audio equipment, calculators and more. SDSU has Apple MacBook Pro laptops, Dell Windows laptops, Chromebooks, iPads, and iPad minis. If you need a webcam, don’t worry – you can get one of these on loan too. You can check out a laptop for the whole semester, or they have a seven-day option if yours is out of commission temporarily. There are overdue fines if you are late to return anything, and you should make sure you reserve for the appropriate amount of time since there are no back-to-back renewals.

11. Seton Hall University

Located in: South Orange, New Jersey

Seton Hall University has a free laptop program through their Mobile Computing Program. All students receive a laptop before Fall semester starts. From the student website, the models available for graduating classes 2024-2027 are Lenovo ThinkPads. All students are required to pick up their laptop in person before classes start and to participate in the Mobile Computing Program.

12. St. John’s University

Located in: Queens, New York

St. John’s University offers an Academic Computing Initiative where students can pay a laptop usage fee and receive either an Apple computer or a Lenovo computer. Depending on your program, you may have certain laptop recommendations, so be sure to check for the most updated recommendations. Currently, Computer Science and Business students should choose a Windows (Lenovo) laptop, and Fine Arts and Mass Communications students should choose Apple. SJU provides support, repair, and other services during the time you have your laptop.

13. University of Arkansas, Grantham

Located in: Little Rock, Arkansas

The University of Arkansas, Grantham offers all new or returning students a free Lenovo laptop. There is no additional cost to this laptop, and to qualify, you must complete the admissions process, start classes, and get the laptop sent to your home. The only caveat is the length of time before you get the laptop, so make sure you make alternate arrangements. Laptop orders may be placed the second week of school, and then you must wait 2-4 weeks for your laptop to arrive. If you are on a full scholarship or you are enrolled in a certificate program, you are not eligible.

14. University of Minnesota, Crookston

Located in: Crookston, MN

The University of Minnesota Crookston campus praises itself as the original ‘Laptop U,’ offering laptops to their students since 1993! Not only do they provide laptops to all degree-seeking students, but they also give laptops to their faculty in hopes that everyone has access to what they need for success. In addition, by providing all students and faculty with the same laptop and software, every person at University of Minnesota Crookston has the same opportunity.

Getting Started

As a student, you should look for scholarships and financial aid to pay for school, but a school with a laptop program takes another financial pressure off. If you see a school we’ve left off, let us know!