4 Online Colleges With Free iPads for Students 2027

If you're comparing programs and hoping to cut costs on classroom tech, tracking down online colleges that offer free laptops or even iPads can be a smart place to start. A handful of schools build a tablet directly into the online student experience, saving you the cost of buying one separately while giving you a device that's already set up for coursework, textbooks, and staying connected with instructors.

Below, we'll highlight online colleges with confirmed, documented iPad programs available to distance learners and online students specifically. 

Do Online Colleges Offer Free iPads?

Some online colleges do offer free iPads or provide ways for students to get a free iPad for college, but it's a benefit tied to a small number of specific schools and programs rather than something available everywhere. Many "free laptop" lists lump on-campus and online programs together, so it's worth confirming that a program actually extends the perk to fully online students before counting on it.

It's also worth understanding how "free" a program really is. Some schools cover the full cost of the device with no separate charge, while others bundle it into a mandatory technology or mobile device fee that's part of your overall costs either way. Neither approach means you're being tricked, but knowing which model a school uses can help you understand what you're actually paying for. 

Online Colleges With Free iPads for Students

Each of the schools below has a documented iPad program available to at least some online students, not just those learning on campus. Details on eligibility and what’s included vary, so it’s worth reading the fine print for any program you’re considering.

1. Hiram College

Located in Hiram, Ohio, Hiram College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and offers online undergraduate and graduate programs designed for adult learners. The college’s small class sizes and liberal arts foundation carry over into its online programs, giving remote students close interaction with faculty. It’s one of the best STEM colleges in Ohio.

Through Hiram’s 1:1 Device Program, students, faculty, and staff receive an Apple iPad, Folio Keyboard, Apple Pencil, and charging accessories. Students who withdraw from the college must return their device, while those on an approved leave of absence may keep their iPad for one semester. Online students should confirm eligibility with Hiram’s Online Programs office before enrolling, since the program has historically been tied to the traditional undergraduate college.

2. University of Kentucky 

The University of Kentucky, based in Lexington, is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and offers more than 100 fully online undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates through UK Online. Degrees earned online are conferred by the University of Kentucky, just like their on-campus counterparts.

Through the university’s Smart Campus initiative, full-time, degree-seeking first-year students and incoming transfer students, including UK Online transfer students, are eligible to receive an iPad kit. UK Online students in 100% online programs are contacted directly to arrange delivery. The current kit includes an 11-inch iPad Air, an Apple Pencil Pro, and a Logitech Folio Touch Case, backed by a three-year AppleCare warranty. Ownership transfers to the student at graduation, while students who withdraw or transfer must return the kit or buy it at its depreciated value. Graduate students and teaching assistants are not eligible.

3. University of Rochester School of Nursing

The University of Rochester, located in Rochester, New York, is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), and its School of Nursing offers a 100% online RN to BS program for working registered nurses. Students can finish in as little as 16 months, with coursework focused on leadership, evidence-based practice, and population health.

Through the school’s iROC Initiative, RN to BS students receive an iPad loaded with the reading materials and interactive activities used throughout the program. The device and course materials are covered by a mobile device fee ($191 per semester for five semesters in 2026–27) rather than billed as a separate purchase. Students who already own a qualifying iPad (iOS 17 or later, at least 128GB of storage, model A2229 or newer) can opt out, though they must grant the school remote management access to configure the device for coursework.

4. Lynn University

Based in Boca Raton, Florida, Lynn University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and offers fully online bachelor’s degrees in fields like business administration, psychology, criminal justice, aviation management, and education, along with online graduate programs. Online undergraduate courses run in accelerated 8-week terms and are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus.

Lynn’s iPad-powered curriculum extends to online students, who can either use their own iPad or receive a new one from the university. Devices for online students are shipped to a U.S. address before the first day of the semester, and the cost is covered by a one-time instructional materials fee rather than included free. Students who bring their own iPad aren’t charged the fee. Online students can keep their iPad after completing their degree, and students outside the U.S. must supply their own device.

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 program-level details published by each university. From there, we narrow our selections based on a few key factors that matter most to online students considering a school with a free iPad program.

• Accreditation: Each school holds institutional accreditation from a regional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, such as the HLC, SACSCOC, or MSCHE, ensuring the quality and transferability of its programs.
• Confirmed Online Eligibility: Every school on this list has a documented iPad program that explicitly extends to online students, not just those learning on campus.
• Online Program Variety: We prioritized schools offering a solid range of fully online degrees and certificates, giving students options beyond a single program tied to the device benefit.
• Program Transparency: Each school clearly outlines what the iPad program includes, such as eligibility requirements and whether the device is fully free or built into a mandatory technology fee.

Learn more about our ranking methodology. 

How to Choose an Online College With a Free iPad Program

A free iPad is a nice perk, but it shouldn't be the deciding factor in choosing an online college. Weighing a few key details alongside the device benefit can help you find a program that actually fits your goals.

• Start with accreditation and program fit. Make sure the school offers your intended degree and holds accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education before considering any added perks.
• Confirm the device program applies to your specific enrollment. Some schools limit free iPad programs to certain degree levels, majors, or class years, so verify eligibility for your exact program rather than assuming it applies campus-wide.
• Compare overall program cost, not just the device. A free iPad won't offset a program that costs significantly more than comparable options, so look at total tuition and fees together.
• Check how the program fits your learning style. An iPad-based curriculum may suit some online students better than others, depending on how much of your coursework involves reading, writing, or hands-on assignments.

What to Know Before Enrolling in a Free iPad Program 

Once you've found a school with a free iPad program that fits your goals, it helps to understand exactly how the program works before you enroll. A few details can vary significantly from school to school.

• Whether it's truly free or fee-based. Some programs cover the device at no extra cost, while others build it into a mandatory technology or mobile device fee included in your overall costs.
• What's included with the device. Programs differ in whether they provide accessories like a case, keyboard, or Apple Pencil, along with protection like AppleCare or a manufacturer warranty.
• Whether you keep the iPad after graduation. Some schools let students keep the device permanently, while others require it to be returned if you withdraw, transfer, or take a leave of absence.
• Eligibility limits tied to your enrollment. Confirm whether the program applies to incoming students only, specific programs, or all currently enrolled online students, since requirements vary widely.  

FAQs About Online Colleges With Free iPads for Students

Still have questions about how these programs work? Here are answers to some of the most common ones students ask.

Do All Online Students at These Schools Qualify for a Free iPad?

Eligibility depends on the specific school and program, since some free iPad programs are limited to certain degree levels, majors, or class years rather than every online student. It's worth confirming eligibility for your exact program before enrolling with the device benefit in mind.

Is the iPad Really Free, or Is It Built Into Tuition?

It depends on the school. Some cover the device at no extra charge, while others include it in a required technology or mobile device fee, so check the school’s fee schedule to see which model applies.

Can I Keep the iPad After I Graduate?

In many cases, yes, though policies vary by school. Some programs let students keep the device permanently after graduation, while others require it to be returned if a student withdraws, transfers, or takes a leave of absence before completing their degree.

What if I'm Not Eligible for My School's iPad Program?

If you don't qualify for a free iPad through your school, you may still be able to lower the cost of a device through Apple's education pricing or other retail student discounts. 

Are There Other Ways to Get a Free or Discounted iPad if My School Doesn't Offer One?

Beyond school-specific programs, options like Apple's Education Store pricing, seasonal student promotions, and putting a financial aid refund check toward the purchase can all help lower the cost. Comparing these alternatives can be worthwhile if a free device program isn't part of your school's offerings.

What Happens to My iPad if I Withdraw or Take a Leave?

Policies vary, but most schools require you to return the device if you withdraw. Some offer alternatives: the University of Kentucky lets withdrawing students buy the iPad at its depreciated value, and Hiram College lets students on an approved leave keep their device for one semester.

Can I Use My Own iPad Instead?

Sometimes. At the University of Rochester, RN to BS students can opt out of the school-provided device if their own iPad meets the program’s technical requirements. Students who opt out typically still need to let the school configure the device for coursework, so check the opt-out requirements before deciding.

Find Your Perfect Online Program

A free iPad can be a genuine perk of enrolling in the right online program, but it's worth treating it as a bonus rather than the main reason to choose a school. If you're still exploring your options, take a look at more resources on Learn.org to compare schools, understand financial aid, and find the programs that best fit your goals.