Key takeaways
- Several colleges offer free laptops to enrolled students to help offset college costs.
- Some schools let you keep the laptop, while others use a rental or loaner model.
- Eligibility usually depends on your financial need, your major, or whether you are a full-time student.
- Always check for hidden technology fees before choosing a school with a laptop program.
Over the last decade, a laptop has become just as important as a notebook and pen. From attending online classes to turning in research papers, technology is a big part of college life. However, the rising cost of college can make it hard for students to afford a good computer on top of everything else.
The good news is that many colleges across the United States offer free or discounted laptops for students. These programs make sure every student has the tools they need to succeed inside the classroom.
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Colleges with free laptops and discounted programs
Several universities are well-known for giving students access to computers. Here are some of the top colleges with laptops for students and how their programs work:
- Valley City State University: All full-time students receive a MacBook Air or an HP ZBook Firefly G10 laptop, which is factored into their technology fees.
- Northwest Missouri State University: This school has a long-running rental program that saves students money by providing both laptops and textbooks.
- University of Arkansas Grantham: This online school offers a Lenovo laptop to students in degree programs at no extra cost.
- Moravian University: New students are provided both a MacBook Pro and an iPad for their coursework.
- Full Sail University: Through their Project LaunchBox program, students in almost every degree receive a powerful laptop loaded with software for their major.
- Rasmussen University: New students in select programs receive a brand-new Lenovo laptop. Complete at least three quarters of your program, and it is yours to keep.
- Berea College: All incoming first-year students receive a free Dell laptop that they get to keep after graduating.
- Seton Hall University: All full-time undergraduates receive a free laptop and the software they need, covered as part of their enrollment.
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor: Eligible incoming students are contacted by the school and receive a free MacBook Air, which they own after their first semester.
- University of Texas at Austin: Full-time Pell Grant students who entered UT Austin as first-time freshmen between Fall 2020 and Fall 2025 received a free laptop through the UT for Me program. Details for future incoming classes are still being finalized.
- Dakota State University: Incoming freshmen receive a brand-new Dell laptop, while other students can borrow a refurbished loaner throughout their studies.
- UNC Chapel Hill: First-year and transfer students with financial need can apply for a grant that covers up to the full cost of a laptop.
- University of California, Santa Barbara: Students can apply for a $500 Technology Subsidy Grant to use toward buying or repairing a laptop, desktop, or tablet.
- Delaware State University: Full-time freshmen receive a new Dell Latitude 2-in-1 laptop. If you stay enrolled for four consecutive years, the laptop is yours to keep for free.
- Bethel University: They provide laptops to each of their full-time undergraduate students as a core part of their learning model.
- Grove City College: Every incoming freshman is provided with a brand-new laptop. The cost is bundled into tuition, and students get to keep the device after they graduate.
- John’s University: New full-time undergraduate students who are eligible for the Academic Computing Initiative are given a laptop that they keep after graduation.
- Alabama State University: Students in the College of Business and Administration can receive a free loaner MacBook Pro through the school’s Apple Loan Program.
- California State University: Many CSU schools offer free semester-long loaner laptops to students who demonstrate financial need.
- University of Minnesota, Crookston: All on-campus, degree-seeking students are issued a Lenovo ThinkPad to use while they are enrolled.
- Duke University: Through the DukeLIFE program, first-generation and low-income students can receive a high-end loaner laptop to use for all four years of their education.
- Auburn University: Students get discounts from Apple, Dell, HP, and IBM, making it easier to find a laptop that fits their budget.
- Harvard University: Students can take advantage of discounts on Apple and Dell products through the school’s IT perks program.
- University of California, Berkeley: Berkeley students enjoy deals at Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft, Best Buy, Amazon Prime Student, and more.
- Ohio State University: Ohio State’s on-campus Tech Hub offers students discounted pricing on laptops and other tech gear.
- University of Pennsylvania: UPenn students can get discounts on Apple, Dell, and Lenovo products.
How to apply and qualify
For most schools, getting your laptop is part of the regular enrollment process. However, some programs have extra requirements:
- Financial need: You may need to file the FAFSA to qualify for certain technology grants.
- Enrollment status: Most free laptop offers are for full-time students only.
- Academic program: Some perks are limited to online students or specific majors like nursing or education.
The benefits of college laptop programs
When a college provides a laptop, it does more than hand you a gadget. It levels the playing field for all students.
- Increased access: You can reach your student portal and library resources from anywhere, whether you are in a dorm or a coffee shop.
- Academic success: Students with reliable technology tend to have better attendance and higher grades.
- Seamless learning: When everyone uses the same device, it is easier for professors to share classwork and resources and for tech support to solve problems quickly.
Types of laptops you might receive
Not every school offers the same computer. The model you get often depends on your major or the school’s dealings with tech companies.
- Standard models: Many schools provide laptops like the Lenovo ThinkPad or Dell Latitude. These are great for everyday coursework and have a long battery life.
- Advanced options: Students in graphic design or film may receive an Apple MacBook Pro or MacBook Air.
- Versatile devices: Some programs focused on digital art or note-taking provide Microsoft Surface devices or an iPad Pro.
How to choose a school with a laptop perk
If getting a free or discounted computer is important to you, keep these tips in mind when researching colleges with laptops for students:
- Check the ownership: Ask an admissions rep if the laptop is yours to keep or if you must return it.
- Review the technology fee: Some schools charge a mandatory fee each semester to cover the cost of the laptop and tech support.
- Look at the specs: Make sure the laptop can handle what you need for your program. Engineering students may need a powerful processor, while business majors can usually get by with a basic model.
How to afford a laptop if my school doesn’t offer a free or discounted laptop program
If your chosen college doesn’t have a specific laptop perk, there are still options to avoid paying full price. First, check with your school’s financial aid office. You can often request a cost of attendance adjustment to increase your student loan or grant amount to cover a computer purchase.
Non-profit organizations like PCs for People or Human-I-T provide low-cost computers to students. Additionally, most students with a .edu email address can get year-round discounts at Apple, Dell, and Best Buy.
On-campus computer labs and libraries provide free access to high-speed internet, printing services, and sometimes the specialized software needed for your classes.
Using your laptop for success
A laptop is only useful if you make the most of it.
- Use cloud storage to back up your work so you never lose an important paper.
- Take advantage of your school’s online library, virtual tutoring, and digital study tools.
- Staying organized with apps and digital calendars can also help you manage deadlines and keep your grades up.
Choosing from the many colleges with laptops for students can take a weight off your shoulders. It means having a reliable computer from your first semester to your last. Just make sure to read the fine print on fees and ownership before you commit.
Ready to find a school that fits your tech needs? Use our College Match tool for FREE to compare colleges with laptops for students and find the perfect campus for your goals today!
