Online Colleges That Offer Free Laptops & Tech Benefits

Whether you're an incoming student or currently enrolled, if you're taking courses online, you'll need a computer. For most students, a laptop works best, thanks to the portability of these devices.

However, laptops can be expensive, especially for low-income students. To help, some schools loan laptops to students or even give students laptops to keep. Keep reading to discover online colleges that offer laptops.

Are There Any Online Colleges That Provide Free Laptops?

Yes, some online colleges provide laptops to students either as long-term loans or as part of a required technology program. In some cases, students may keep the device after meeting certain enrollment requirements, while other programs operate as semester-based or need-based loans.

Availability varies by institution and may depend on factors such as FAFSA completion, enrollment status, or participation in a specific degree program. Some colleges bundle the cost into tuition or charge a technology fee, while others fund laptop programs through equity or student support initiatives.

How To Get a Free Laptop for College

A few different options are available for students looking to attend college. These include:

• College and university programs: As mentioned, some schools offer loaner laptops or even laptops to keep. These laptop programs may be sponsored by the school or wrapped into tuition.
• Federal aid: If you have federal aid, such as the Pell Grant or funds from a state-run program, left over after you pay your tuition, you can use those funds to cover the cost of a laptop. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility.
• Nonprofit organizations and charities: Multiple nonprofits and charities offer laptops, often refurbished ones, to students. These include the Dell Scholars program, Computers with Causes, and Laptops 4 Learning.
• Tech company partnerships: Sometimes, tech companies will partner with schools to offer discounts or even free laptops to qualifying students.
• Student discounts: Several tech companies, including Apple, Dell, and Lenovo, offer student discounts for products.
• Scholarships and grants: Like with federal aid, you may be able to use excess scholarships and grants to cover the cost of your laptop. There are also scholarship programs, like the Dell Scholars program, that offer scholarships that include a laptop.
• 529 plans: Students can use 529 plans, which are savings plans designed to help families save money for education. You can use funds from these plans to purchase college supplies, including laptops.

What Other Tech Benefits Do Online Colleges Offer?

Most online colleges, whether they offer a free laptop or not, offer tech benefits to students. These may include:

• technical support
• equipment rental
• free software
• hardware troubleshooting

Best Affordable Online Colleges With Laptops and Tech Benefits

Online students need computers to do their work. Below, we've highlighted some of the most affordable online colleges that offer free laptops.

1. University of Arkansas at Grantham

The University of Arkansas at Grantham is an online campus in the public University of Arkansas system. It is based in Little Rock, AR, and offers online associate, bachelor's, master's, and certificate programs.

The university offers a new Lenovo laptop to students after they begin class. Students get to keep the laptops so long as they complete their first two terms. The laptops come with Windows 11 pre-installed and access to Microsoft Office 365 through the student portal.

• Estimated tuition cost: $305 per credit
• Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

2. California State University, East Bay

At California State University, East Bay (CSUEB), students can earn bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees on campus, online, or in a hybrid format. The school loans Windows laptops to students that come with apps like Adobe Reader DC and Office 365.

CSUEB also offers a $500 voucher toward a laptop bundle through the campus bookstore. However, eligibility is limited to students matriculated in a state-supported degree program. Many self-support or University Extension programs, which often include fully online degrees, may not qualify. Loaner laptops are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Estimated tuition cost: $333.04 per credit
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

3. The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University (OSU) offers undergraduate and graduate degrees online and on campus. OSU is a public research university in Columbus, OH.

While OSU previously provided iPads to all incoming students through its Digital Flagship initiative, the university now operates a need-based Student Technology Loan Program (STLP). Students must complete the FAFSA and demonstrate financial need to qualify. Devices such as iPads or Microsoft Surface tablets may be available as short- or long-term loans depending on individual circumstances. These devices are loaned, not given permanently.

• Estimated tuition cost: $334 per credit
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Dakota State University

Associate through doctoral degrees are available in person and online through Dakota State University (DSU). As part of DSU's Wireless Mobile Computing Initiative (WMCI), full-time freshmen receive a new Dell Latitude 2-in-1 laptop, while other students may receive refurbished devices.

The laptops come with licensed software pre-installed, warranty protection, and replacement batteries. Students also receive access to on-campus Help Desk support and repair services to assist with technical issues throughout their enrollment.

• Estimated tuition cost: $365 to $480 per credit
• Accreditation: HLC

5. California State University, Bakersfield

California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) is a public university in Bakersfield, CA. It offers online bachelor's and master's degrees as well as the Student Technology Equity Program (STEP) program.

Through the STEP program, eligible students can access free loaner laptops, tablets, and Wi-Fi hotspots. Students can also apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program, which reduces the cost of high-speed internet by $30 per month. The CalGrant covers tuition at CSUB as well.

• Estimated tuition cost: $370 per credit
• Accreditation: WSCUC

6. California State University, Fullerton

Students at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) can earn bachelor's and master's degrees online. Technology support is now administered through the Center for Equitable Digital Access (CEDA), which replaced the former CSUCCESS program.

Through CEDA, eligible students may receive laptops and other devices as semester-long loans. These devices are not permanent leases. CSUF also provides students free access to Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, Dropbox, Qualtrics, Zoom, and other software platforms.

• Estimated tuition cost: $425 to $500 per credit
• Accreditation: WSCUC

7. University of Minnesota, Crookston

The University of Minnesota Crookston (UMN Crookston) offers several degrees online to undergraduate students. Through the school's Laptop Computer Program, students may lease Lenovo ThinkPads.

However, this program primarily serves on-campus students, and many fully online students may not be eligible or may be required to pay a separate participation fee. Online students should confirm availability before enrolling.

• Estimated tuition cost: $448 per credit
• Accreditation: HLC

8. Chatham University

On-campus and online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees are available through Chatham University. Through its 1:1 laptop program, students receive a laptop — often a MacBook — that transfers to student ownership upon graduation.

The program includes a four-year manufacturer warranty and accidental damage protection. Students pay a required technology fee (approximately $1,000 per year) while enrolled. Students who opt out of the program may pay a reduced fee.

• Estimated tuition cost: $479 per credit
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

9. San Diego State University

San Diego State University (SDSU) is a public research institution in San Diego, CA. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees online and provides a limited number of laptops and hotspots available for semester-long loans.

These student laptops are available to those with financial needs. MacBook Pro and Dell laptops are available, as well as other equipment like iPads, webcams, chargers, and more.

• Estimated tuition cost: $498 to $599 per credit
• Accreditation: WSCUC

10. Full Sail University

Through Full Sail University, students can earn online degrees at the associate, bachelor's, and master's levels. They will also receive a free laptop as part of the school's Project Launchbox; the specific laptop, operating system, and additional equipment vary by program. For example, the computer science degree gets a Windows machine, while the information technology degree programs get Apple products.

Full Sail University, a private, non-profit institution primarily focused on the arts, is located in Winter Park, FL. As of 2025, all new students who study online, regardless of their program, also receive a free iPad within the first month of school.

• Estimated tuition cost: $558 to $608 per credit
• Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with institutional policies and technology program details published by each university.

Because laptop availability varies widely, from permanent ownership models to need-based loan programs, we also evaluate how accessible and transparent each school’s technology benefits are for online students.

• Accreditation: Each institution holds regional or national accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Online availability: Schools must offer online degree pathways in addition to providing technology access.
• Technology access model: We consider whether laptops are loaned or gifted, whether FAFSA is required, and whether online students are eligible.
• Affordability: We focus on institutions with tuition rates generally under $600 per credit.

What Should You Know Before Choosing a College With a Laptop Program?

Not all “free laptop” programs are the same. Some devices are provided as emergency loans, while others are bundled into tuition through a required technology fee. In many cases, FAFSA completion and demonstrated financial need are required.

Before enrolling, ask:

• Is the laptop a loan or permanent gift?
• Is there a required technology fee?
• Are fully online students eligible?
• What happens if you withdraw early?

Understanding these policies can help you avoid unexpected costs.

Are Laptop Programs Really Free?

In some cases, yes. In others, the cost is included in tuition or a required technology fee. For example, some private universities charge an annual technology fee that supports hardware upgrades and warranty coverage. 

Public universities more commonly operate need-based loan programs funded through equity initiatives. Reading the fine print ensures you understand whether you're receiving a benefit or financing a device indirectly.

FAQs About Colleges That Provide Laptops and Tech Benefits

If you're considering an online college that offers a laptop or other technology benefits, you likely have questions about eligibility, costs, and requirements. Below, we answer common questions to help you better understand how these programs work.

Can I Buy a Laptop With Pell Grant Money?

Pell Grant funds are first applied to tuition and required fees. If money remains after those charges are covered, students may typically use the leftover funds for qualified educational expenses, including a laptop. Students should confirm eligible expenses with their financial aid office and keep documentation of purchases.

Do All Online Colleges Provide Free Laptops?

No, most online colleges do not automatically provide free laptops to all students. Many institutions offer devices only through need-based loan programs or limited technology initiatives. Eligibility often depends on FAFSA completion, enrollment status, or participation in a specific degree program.

What College Gives You a MacBook?

Some colleges provide Apple devices instead of Windows laptops. Chatham University commonly offers MacBooks through its 1:1 program, while San Diego State University may loan MacBook Pro devices based on financial need. Full Sail University also provides Apple laptops for select programs and distributes iPads to online undergraduate students early in their studies.

Do I Need a Laptop for Online College?

You need reliable access to a computer to complete online coursework and participate in virtual learning platforms. While a laptop is often preferred for portability, a desktop computer may also meet program requirements. Students should review their school’s minimum technology specifications before purchasing a device.

Does SNHU Give Free Laptops?

Southern New Hampshire University offers a wide range of online degree programs. However, SNHU does not currently provide a free laptop program for students. Prospective students should contact the university directly to confirm current technology policies.

Browse Online Colleges

Explore accredited online colleges that offer laptop programs and technology benefits on Learn.org. Compare schools, review program details, and contact admissions representatives to learn more about enrollment and financial aid options.