9 Colleges in Illinois That Provide Laptops for Online Students

Studying online can make it easier to fit college around work and family, but it only works if you have a computer you can count on. If a new laptop isn't in your budget yet, several schools with laptop programs in Illinois can help, from Chicago's community colleges to public universities downstate.

One thing to know before you start: every program on this list involves picking up the device on campus, so they work best for hybrid students and online learners who live within driving distance. Eastern Illinois University is the standout, giving qualifying students a refurbished laptop to keep. Below, you'll find how each program works, who qualifies, and what to ask before you plan your semester around a loaner.

What Is a College Laptop Program?

A college laptop program connects enrolled students with a computer for their coursework. In Illinois, most programs are free loans that last anywhere from 60 days to a full semester, and you return the device when the loan ends or you stop taking classes. A few programs go further, either letting students keep a refurbished laptop or providing devices to specific scholarship recipients.

These programs are usually run by a library, IT department, or student success office. Eligibility rules vary from school to school. Some lend to anyone enrolled in a single credit class, while others focus on students with financial need, a minimum course load, or enrollment in a particular program.

9 Colleges in Illinois That Provide Laptops for Online Students

The list starts with Eastern Illinois University's keep-your-laptop program, followed by schools with broad eligibility and longer loan periods. Programs with narrower eligibility or less published detail appear toward the end.

1. Eastern Illinois University

Eastern Illinois University (EIU) does something most schools don't: it gives students a laptop to keep. Through its Office of Student Success, currently enrolled students without reliable access to a working laptop can request a used device, previously part of the library's loaner fleet. Once you receive it, the laptop is yours, and a charger is included when one is available.

Devices are limited and distributed based on need and availability, with priority for students facing financial hardship or those who need a laptop soon for classes. Online coursework is one of the reasons a request may move up the list. EIU offers online bachelor's and master's programs, including an online degree in psychology, and holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Contact the Office of Student Success in Charleston to ask how devices are distributed.

2. City Colleges of Chicago

The seven City Colleges of Chicago run a shared laptop loaner program for credit and Adult Education students. Credit students need to be enrolled in at least six credit hours (three in summer), be active in a program plan, and have no delinquent account holds. Eligible students can keep a laptop for 60 days, and the program is free.

You request a laptop through the my.ccc.edu portal, starting one week before the semester begins. Pickup is typically at your home campus, though you can collect a laptop at any location as long as you return it to the same one. City Colleges offer many online and hybrid courses, and Chicago residents may also want to compare tuition-free colleges in Chicago when planning costs.

3. Harper College

Harper College in Palatine offers free semester-long laptop loans to any student registered in at least one credit class. That low bar makes it one of the more accessible programs in the Chicago suburbs. You'll need a HarperCard or valid photo ID and a signed Technology Borrower's Agreement.

Requests, pickup, and returns all happen in person at the library during open hours, and devices are due on the last day of the semester. Harper also lends hotspots, though semester-long hotspots can run short and may require a waitlist. The college offers online associate degrees and certificates with open admission, and it's one of many online colleges without admissions requirements in Illinois.

4. Northeastern Illinois University

On Chicago's North Side, Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) lends laptops through its library for both short and longer stretches. Long-term loans cover up to half a semester, and you can renew through the end of the term by bringing the laptop back to the Library Tech Desk before the mid-semester due date. Short-term loans last seven days with one renewal.

Pickup and drop-off are by appointment, generally on weekday afternoons. You'll need a government-issued ID and proof of current enrollment, and reservations are first-come, first-served. NEIU offers bachelor's and master's programs with online and hybrid options, and it's worth comparing alongside the best online colleges in Chicago.

5. Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIU) expanded its library laptop fleet with a donation of nearly 50 laptops, bringing its total to 117 devices available for semester-long checkout. To borrow, you show a current class schedule and sign a laptop agreement accepting responsibility for the device. Laptops are first-come, first-served, so check one out as early in the term as you can.

SIU Online offers a broad range of programs, including nationally recognized online degrees in business administration and criminology and criminal justice. The library program is most practical if you live in southern Illinois or take hybrid courses. Contact Morris Library to confirm current inventory before the semester begins.

6. Illinois State University

Illinois State University offers loaner laptops to eligible students through its TechZone, and any student can submit a request through the Laptop Loan Request Form. Some eligible new students receive a laptop offer directly from the Office of Admissions as part of their enrollment. Students who already have a loaner can contact TechZone with questions about renewals or returns.

The university doesn't publish its loan length or full eligibility criteria online, so ask TechZone for specifics before you rely on a device. Illinois State offers online and hybrid graduate programs and a growing number of online undergraduate options. If cost is your top concern, compare it with other affordable online colleges in Illinois before you decide.

7. University of Illinois Chicago

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) offers a long-term laptop loan to students in its President's Award Program (PAP) scholarship through the Honors College. Incoming PAP recipients may receive a new laptop to use during their time at UIC, as long as they stay in good standing. That makes this a valuable benefit, but only for a specific group of scholarship students.

UIC also ran a broader laptop and hotspot loan program that shipped devices to students' homes, but that program was tied to remote instruction, and its current status isn't confirmed. If you're a UIC student without a computer, ask the Tech Helpdesk what's available today. UIC is a large public research university in the heart of Chicago with online and hybrid graduate programs in fields like health, education, and engineering.

8. College of DuPage

College of DuPage (COD) in Glen Ellyn runs a needs-based laptop and Wi-Fi hotspot loan program for students in its Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. If you're enrolled in an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree or certificate program, you can apply to borrow a laptop for one term at a time and pick it up at the COD Library.

Because the program is limited to CTE students, transfer-track students in AA or AS programs won't qualify. COD offers many online CTE courses and programs, so this option works well if you're preparing for a career in fields like business, health, or technology. Eligible students may also be able to attend tuition-free with grant aid, like students at many free online community colleges in Illinois.

9. Waubonsee Community College

Waubonsee Community College offers needs-based technology loans for students who lack reliable access to a computer or home internet. You apply through Self Service with your student login, and applications are reviewed before devices are assigned. Both laptops and Wi-Fi hotspots are available, though supplies are limited.

Waubonsee doesn't publish its loan length or pickup details for this program, so contact the Waubonsee Libraries before the semester starts. The college also offers short-term laptop checkouts through its libraries. With campuses in Sugar Grove, Aurora, and Plano, Waubonsee serves students across the far western suburbs and offers online associate degrees and certificates.

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. Technology lending policies were also reviewed to gauge how realistically a student taking online classes could get a laptop.

• Accreditation: All nine schools hold institutional accreditation from HLC.
• Online availability: Each school offers online degrees, certificates, or online and hybrid course options.
• Device access: Programs that let students keep a laptop or borrow one for a full term ranked above shorter or narrower programs.
• Eligibility: Broad eligibility, such as enrollment in a single credit class, counted in a program's favor.

Learn more about our ranking methodology. Lending programs and inventory shift from term to term, so confirm current details with any school before you enroll.

How Laptop Loans Work in Illinois

Most programs begin with a request through a student portal, online form, or in-person visit to the library. The school checks your enrollment and any added requirements, like a minimum number of credit hours or a specific program of study, and then lets you know when and where to pick up the device. You'll sign a borrower's agreement before you leave with it.

That agreement explains your due date, how renewals work, and what you'll owe for loss or damage. Late returns can lead to fees, account holds, or losing borrowing privileges. Save your work to cloud storage throughout the loan, since most schools erase devices once they're returned.

Choosing a Laptop That Works for Online Classes

A laptop for online college should include a webcam and microphone, run a current web browser, and have enough memory to handle video calls and your learning management system at the same time. For most programs, a Windows laptop or MacBook with 8 GB of RAM works well. Pair it with a reliable internet connection, especially if your classes include live sessions or proctored exams.

Some programs have more specific requirements. Career and technical programs, design courses, and certain business classes may rely on software that won't run on a Chromebook. Check your program's technology requirements before you choose a loaner or buy a laptop of your own.

How Much Does a Laptop for College Cost?

You can expect to spend about $200 to $400 on a basic Chromebook and $500 to $900 on a dependable Windows laptop for everyday coursework. MacBooks and higher-performance laptops for programming, engineering, or design work often cost $1,000 to $2,000 or more. Accessories like a headset, mouse, or extended warranty can add $50 to $200.

Refurbished laptops, student discounts from major manufacturers, and campus bookstore deals can lower those costs. EIU's program shows how a refurbished device can cover your needs, and nonprofit refurbishers often sell laptops at a fraction of retail price to students and low-income households.

Financial Aid for Technology Costs

Illinois offers state aid that can work alongside federal grants to help you cover college costs, including technology. Your financial aid office can help you see which options apply.

• Federal Pell Grant: Leftover Pell funds after tuition and fees are refunded to you and can go toward a laptop or internet service. Many online colleges in Illinois accept Pell Grants, including community colleges and public universities.
• Monetary Award Program (MAP) Grant: MAP is Illinois' need-based grant for eligible state residents attending approved colleges. It reduces your tuition costs, leaving more room in your budget for technology.
• AIM HIGH Grant: This program provides merit-based, need-informed aid to eligible Illinois residents at the state's public universities. Awards vary by school, so ask your university's financial aid office about eligibility.
• Illinois Veteran Grant: Eligible veterans can use this grant to cover tuition and certain fees at Illinois public colleges and universities. Combining it with GI Bill benefits can free up funds for a computer.
• Cost of attendance review: Your school's cost of attendance can include a computer allowance. Ask the financial aid office whether your budget can be adjusted to reflect the cost of a laptop.
• Institutional aid and emergency funds: Many Illinois colleges offer emergency grants or basic needs support for students facing unexpected expenses. These funds can help if your computer breaks mid-semester.

Filing the FAFSA is the first step for federal and Illinois state aid, so it helps to know which online colleges accept FAFSA in Illinois. You can also explore other ways to get free college in Illinois to lower your overall costs.

What To Look For in an Illinois Laptop Program

A laptop program can make your first semester much easier, but only if it fits your schedule and location. Keep these factors in mind as you compare schools.

Pickup Location and Hours

Every program on this list involves a campus visit, so check where devices are distributed and when the office is open. Some, like NEIU, work by appointment, while others require you to come during library hours. City Colleges let you pick up at any location, which adds flexibility if you live in Chicago.

Credit Hour Requirements

Some schools lend to anyone enrolled in one credit, while others require six or more. If you plan to take a lighter load, make sure you'll still qualify. Ask whether summer terms have different requirements.

Loan Length and Renewals

Illinois programs range from 60-day loans to full-semester checkouts and laptops you keep. Shorter loans may need renewals partway through the term. Find out how renewals work and whether you'll need to return the device to campus to extend it.

Program and Scholarship Restrictions

A few programs only serve students in specific programs or scholarships, like COD's CTE loans or UIC's PAP laptops. Confirm that your program qualifies before you count on a device. If you don't qualify, ask about other lending options at the same school.

Supply and Waitlists

Many programs describe their inventory as limited. Apply as early as possible and ask whether the school keeps a waitlist. Having a backup plan, like a public library loan, can keep you from falling behind if devices run out.

More Tech Resources for Illinois Online Students

A reliable laptop is only one part of a strong online learning setup. These resources can help with connectivity, software, and support.

• Public library lending: Chicago Public Library and many suburban and downstate libraries lend laptops and hotspots to cardholders. These can help if your college's supply runs out.
• Campus hotspot loans: Harper, COD, and Waubonsee are among the Illinois colleges that lend Wi-Fi hotspots. Supplies are often limited, so request one early.
• FCC Lifeline: Lifeline offers a monthly discount on phone or internet service for eligible low-income households. Participation in programs like SNAP or Medicaid can help you qualify.
• Discounted internet plans: Several internet providers offer reduced-rate plans for qualifying households. Check which providers serve your area.
• Free student software: Illinois colleges commonly provide free access to Microsoft 365 and other course tools. Check your student portal before buying software.
• Campus IT help desks: Most schools offer phone, chat, or email support for personal and school-issued devices. Remote help can save you a trip to campus.

FAQs About Illinois Colleges That Provide Laptops

Illinois laptop programs come with different rules, which can raise questions before you apply. Here are answers to some of the most common ones.

Can I Get a Laptop to Keep From an Illinois College?

At some schools, yes. Eastern Illinois University gives qualifying students a refurbished laptop that becomes theirs once they receive it. Most other Illinois programs are loans, so you'll need to return the device at the end of the loan period.

How Many Credit Hours Do I Need to Borrow a College Laptop?

It depends on the program. Harper College lends to students in just one credit class, while City Colleges of Chicago requires at least six credit hours for credit students during fall and spring. Check each school's rules if you plan to study part-time.

Can I Return a Loaner Laptop to a Different Campus?

Usually not. City Colleges of Chicago requires you to return a laptop to the same location where you picked it up, and Harper asks that devices be returned to a library employee rather than a book drop. Confirm the return rules when you check out your laptop so you don't run into late fees.

Are Laptop Programs Limited to Certain Majors?

Some are. College of DuPage limits its needs-based laptop loans to students in Career and Technical Education programs, and UIC's long-term laptop loan serves President's Award Program scholarship recipients. Most other programs on this list are open to any eligible enrolled student.

What Should I Do if I'm Placed on a Waitlist?

Ask how long the wait usually lasts and whether short-term loans are available in the meantime. Many schools, including Harper and Waubonsee, offer short checkouts that can bridge the gap. Your local public library may also lend laptops or hotspots while you wait.

Compare Illinois Online Colleges

Learn.org offers information and resources to help you compare the best online colleges in Illinois and the support each school provides. Once you've narrowed your options, contact schools directly to confirm laptop availability, eligibility, and pickup arrangements for the semester you plan to start.