10 Colleges in New York That Provide Laptops for Online Students

If you're planning to study online in New York, you'll find more device support here than in most states. Many SUNY and CUNY campuses are schools with laptop programs, and a few will put a computer in the mail so you never have to visit campus to get one.

Two programs stand out for fully online learners. SUNY Empire State University ships devices to its students, and the CUNY School of Professional Studies mails short-term emergency loaners with a prepaid return label. The rest of the list covers CUNY and SUNY colleges that let you borrow a laptop for a semester or longer through campus pickup, which works well if you live in or near one of the state's major metro areas.

How Do College Laptop Programs Work?

A college laptop program lets enrolled students use a school-provided computer for coursework. In New York, most programs are free loans: you borrow a device for a semester, a set number of days, or the length of your enrollment, then return it when the loan ends. A few schools also sell low-cost devices to new students, which gives you a laptop of your own without paying full retail price.

Each college sets its own rules, even within the same university system. A CUNY senior college might let you keep a loaner until you graduate, while a CUNY community college across the borough lends by the semester. Eligibility can depend on enrollment status, financial need, full-time or part-time status, and how many devices are available when you apply.

10 Colleges in New York That Provide Laptops for Online Students

The two schools that ship devices come first, followed by colleges with long-term or semester loans through campus pickup. Each entry explains how the program works and what to confirm before you rely on it.

1. SUNY Empire State University

SUNY Empire State University was built for adult and online learners, and its device support reflects that. Students who enrolled before the Spring 2025 term can apply for a laptop loan that the university ships to them, with shipping covered in both directions. You can keep the laptop for your entire time at SUNY Empire as long as you stay enrolled, and priority goes to Pell and TAP recipients, students with lower incomes on the FAFSA, and members of the university's opportunity programs.

Newer students have a different option. Since Spring 2025, first-term students can purchase a Chromebook for $100 through a pilot program, and the university has shipped more than 1,600 devices so far. SUNY Empire offers online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees with flexible scheduling, and it's known for awarding credit for work experience. The university holds accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), and you can email its laptop loan office to confirm which program you qualify for.

2. CUNY School of Professional Studies

The CUNY School of Professional Studies (CUNY SPS) handles device emergencies entirely by mail. If your own computer breaks or you're between devices, you can request a loaner by emailing a signed liability agreement, your current shipping address, and a short description of your situation to Student Services. Devices ship by UPS at no cost, with a prepaid return label included.

Loans last up to 30 days, so this program is designed as a bridge rather than a semester-long solution. Most students receive a Dell Chromebook, but you can request a Dell laptop if your course requires software like SPSS, Tableau, or the CUNY Virtual Desktop. CUNY SPS offers fully online bachelor's degrees in fields such as business, psychology, and health information management, plus master's programs in areas like data analytics and disability studies.

3. New York City College of Technology (City Tech)

Brooklyn's New York City College of Technology (City Tech) offers one of the most generous loan periods in the CUNY system. Currently enrolled students without access to a computer or internet can borrow a device for the full duration of their enrollment. You apply through a Device Request Form, and the Student Help Desk can answer questions about availability.

City Tech focuses on technology, engineering, health, and applied fields, with associate and bachelor's degree programs that include online and hybrid course options. Because the loan lasts as long as you're enrolled, you won't need to reapply each semester. Contact the Student Help Desk to confirm how and where devices are distributed before your first term.

4. Brooklyn College

Brooklyn College also lets students keep a loaner for as long as they're enrolled, returning it only after graduating or leaving the college. You can request a device through the CUNY Student Technology Needs Survey, the CUNYfirst survey portal, or by email, and you'll typically hear back within 24 to 48 hours with an online loan agreement to sign. Once you've signed, the college prepares the device for pickup at the West End Building computer lab.

Supply is very limited, so submit your request as early as possible. Brooklyn College offers a range of bachelor's and master's programs with online and hybrid course options, and its location makes it a convenient choice if you live in Brooklyn or nearby. If you're comparing options across the five boroughs, the best online colleges in New York City are worth reviewing alongside it.

5. Borough of Manhattan Community College

At Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), registered students can borrow a laptop for the semester and renew it in person for the next term. You reserve a device online with your CUNY account, then pick it up at 199 Chambers Street once you receive an email that it's ready. Reservations are canceled if you don't pick up your laptop within five business days, so plan your trip as soon as you get the notice.

BMCC offers online associate degree programs through BMCC Online, along with many hybrid courses, and it's one of the largest community colleges in the CUNY system. Renewals require you to bring the laptop, charger, and proof of registration for the new term. If you qualify, BMCC can also be part of a plan to attend one of the free online community colleges in New York.

6. Lehman College

Lehman College runs its laptop and tablet loans through the Office of Digital Inclusion rather than the library. You schedule an appointment through the college's QLess system to pick up a device, and students who need more time and plan to remain registered can call to request an extension. That flexibility makes Lehman a solid option if your course load changes from one semester to the next.

As CUNY's senior college in the Bronx, Lehman offers bachelor's and master's programs with online and hybrid course options across health sciences, business, education, and the liberal arts. Contact the Office of Digital Inclusion for current availability and loan periods before the semester starts.

7. Bronx Community College

Bronx Community College (BCC) gives you two ways to borrow. Actively enrolled students can request a semester-long loaner laptop through the IT Campus Service Center by submitting an online request form, with devices distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. The library also lends laptops for one month or three hours if you only need a device for part of the term.

BCC offers associate degrees and certificates with online and hybrid course options, and its transfer pathways connect to CUNY senior colleges like Lehman. If you're starting at a community college to save money, BCC's laptop options can help you manage costs during your first semesters. Email the IT Campus Service Center if you have questions about pickup.

8. Monroe Community College

In Rochester, Monroe Community College (MCC) lends laptops for the full semester to students registered in for-credit courses. Loans are first-come, first-served at the LVG Library on the Brighton Campus, and requests and pickup happen in person. The library also offers short-term emergency loans if your personal laptop is broken or out for repair.

You'll need to return a semester loan by the last day of classes, and laptops that aren't returned on time are disabled. MCC offers online associate degrees and certificates, and eligible adults may qualify for tuition-free study through SUNY Reconnect. Email the library from your MCC account with your name and M number to check availability.

9. Corning Community College

SUNY Corning Community College keeps about 75 laptops available for semester-long loans, with a few reserve units set aside for short-term needs. Both full-time and part-time students can borrow, which isn't always the case at other schools. You sign a loan agreement and receive a laptop, charger, and sleeve at the Arthur A. Houghton Jr. Library service desk.

The program was set up with online and remote learners in mind, so Corning is a good fit if you live in the Southern Tier and take most of your classes online. The college asks that laptops come back at the end of each semester so IT can update them. Corning offers online associate degrees and certificates, and its small size can mean more personal support from staff.

10. Westchester Community College

SUNY Westchester Community College lends laptops to currently registered students who need one for academic work during the fall and spring semesters. Devices are available at the Harold L. Drimmer Library on a first-come, first-served basis, and you'll need a valid college ID to borrow. The library provides setup instructions to help you get started.

The college doesn't publish its loan length online, so check the program's terms with the library circulation desk before you plan around a device. Westchester offers online associate degrees and certificates, and its Valhalla campus is accessible from much of the Hudson Valley. If your budget is a top concern, it's also worth comparing the most affordable online colleges in New York.

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. Device lending policies were also reviewed to see how a student taking online classes could actually receive and keep a laptop.

• Accreditation: All 10 schools are accredited by MSCHE, the institutional accreditor for colleges and universities in New York.
• Online availability: Each school offers online degrees, certificates, or online and hybrid course options.
• Delivery: Schools that ship devices to students earned the top spots on the list.
• Loan length: Programs that let you keep a device for your full enrollment ranked above semester-only and short-term programs.

Learn more about our ranking methodology. Because lending terms and inventory can change each semester, confirm current details with any school before you enroll.

What to Expect When You Borrow a College Laptop

Most New York programs start with an online request, survey, or form. The school confirms your enrollment and any additional requirements, then emails you with pickup instructions or a shipping confirmation. Before you receive the device, you'll sign a loan or liability agreement that outlines the due date and your responsibilities.

Pay close attention to the fine print on data and returns. Many schools wipe loaner devices after they come back, so save your work to cloud storage rather than the laptop itself. Late or missing returns can lead to fines, disabled devices, or holds on your registration, and you may be charged for lost chargers or accessories.

What Technology Do Online Students Need?

For most online programs, you'll need a computer with a webcam, microphone, current web browser, and enough memory to handle video meetings and your course platform. A Windows laptop or MacBook with at least 8 GB of RAM handles most coursework comfortably. A reliable home internet connection matters just as much, especially for live sessions and online exams.

Some courses have specific software requirements. Statistics, data analysis, and design courses often call for programs that won't run on a Chromebook, which is why CUNY SPS offers Dell laptops for those students. Check your program's technology requirements before you choose between a Chromebook and a full laptop.

How Much Does a Laptop for College Cost?

A basic Chromebook typically costs $200 to $400, and a reliable Windows laptop for everyday coursework usually runs $500 to $900. MacBooks and performance laptops for design, programming, or media work can cost $1,000 to $2,000 or more. Plan on another $50 to $200 for accessories like a headset, case, or extended warranty.

School programs can bring that cost down considerably. SUNY Empire's $100 Chromebook option, campus bookstore discounts, and manufacturer education pricing are all worth checking. A semester with a loaner can also give you time to figure out what your program really needs before you buy.

Paying for Technology With Financial Aid

New York has strong state aid programs that can work alongside federal grants. These options can either cover technology directly or free up money for it.

• Federal Pell Grant: Pell funds left after tuition and fees are paid are refunded to you, and you can use them for a laptop or internet service. Many online colleges in New York accept Pell Grants, including SUNY and CUNY schools.
• Tuition Assistance Program (TAP): TAP is New York's need-based grant for eligible state residents. Covering more of your tuition with TAP leaves more of your other aid available for technology.
• Excelsior Scholarship: This program helps eligible New York families cover SUNY and CUNY tuition. Students who receive it can direct other aid toward books, supplies, and a computer.
• SUNY Reconnect and CUNY Reconnect: These programs offer tuition-free community college to eligible adults ages 25 to 55 pursuing associate degrees in high-demand fields. Reducing tuition to zero can make it easier to budget for a device.
• Cost of attendance adjustments: Your school's cost of attendance can include an allowance for a computer. Ask your financial aid office whether your aid budget can reflect the cost of a laptop.
• Opportunity programs: SUNY's Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and similar CUNY programs provide financial and academic support to eligible students. Some, like SUNY Empire's laptop loan, give these students priority access to devices.

Filing the FAFSA is the first step for most of these programs. If you're still narrowing your options, it helps to know which online colleges accept FAFSA in New York, and you can also review other ways to get free college in New York.

How To Compare New York Laptop Programs

The right laptop program depends on where you live, how you study, and how long you'll need a device. Weigh these factors as you compare schools.

Shipping vs. Pickup

If you won't be on campus at all, shipping matters most. SUNY Empire and CUNY SPS both mail devices, while the other schools here require an in-person pickup. Factor travel time into your decision if you live outside the city or county where the campus is located.

Loan Length

New York programs range from 30-day emergency loans to devices you keep for your entire enrollment. Long-term loans save you from reapplying and reduce the risk of going without a computer between terms. Ask how renewals work if a school lends by the semester.

Eligibility Rules

Some programs serve any enrolled student, while others prioritize financial need or require a specific enrollment date or status. Check whether part-time students qualify if you plan to take fewer classes. If you're unsure, ask the program office before you apply.

Device Type

Chromebooks are common in loaner fleets, but they don't run every application. If your courses use specialized software, request a full laptop or confirm that the course runs in a browser. CUNY SPS is one example of a program that offers a different device for software-heavy courses.

Supply and Timing

Several schools on this list describe their inventory as limited. Submit your request as soon as you register, and ask whether the school keeps a waitlist. Early requests give you the best chance of having a device when classes begin.

Additional Tech Resources for New York Students

A laptop covers the hardware, but you'll also need connectivity and support. These resources can help fill the gaps.

• Public library lending: The New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Public Library have offered laptop and hotspot lending programs. These can supplement or replace a college loaner.
• Campus hotspot loans: SUNY Erie and several other colleges lend Wi-Fi hotspots on a semester basis. Ask your school's IT office whether hotspots are available.
• FCC Lifeline: Lifeline lowers monthly phone or internet costs for eligible low-income households. Participation in programs like SNAP or Medicaid can qualify you.
• Discounted internet plans: Several internet providers in New York offer reduced-rate plans for qualifying households. Pricing and availability vary by location.
• CUNY and SUNY software access: Both systems give students access to Microsoft 365 and other tools at no cost. Check your student portal before you buy any software.
• Virtual desktops: CUNY's Virtual Desktop lets students run specialized course software from almost any device. It can help if your laptop can't handle a required application.

FAQs About New York Colleges That Provide Laptops

New York's mix of SUNY, CUNY, and campus-specific programs can make device support confusing. These answers address some common questions online students ask.

Do I Need to Live in New York to Get a Laptop From a New York College?

Not always. SUNY Empire ships devices to eligible students, and CUNY SPS mails emergency loaners to the shipping address you provide. Most other programs require an in-person pickup, so you'll need to live close enough to campus to collect and return the device.

Do All CUNY Colleges Share the Same Laptop Program?

No. Each CUNY college runs its own lending program with its own rules, loan periods, and pickup locations. Some colleges use the CUNY Student Technology Needs Survey to collect requests, but you'll still work with your home college to receive a device.

Can I Buy a Laptop Through My College Instead of Borrowing One?

At some schools, yes. SUNY Empire's pilot program lets first-term students buy a Chromebook for $100, and many campus bookstores sell laptops at student pricing. Buying through your school can be a budget-friendly way to own a device instead of returning a loaner each term.

What Happens to My Files When I Return a Loaner Laptop?

Most schools erase all data when a device is returned, and CUNY SPS states that it isn't responsible for files left on its loaners. Save your work to cloud storage like OneDrive or Google Drive throughout the loan. That way, nothing is lost when you hand the laptop back.

Can I Get a Laptop Quickly if My Computer Breaks Mid-Semester?

Some programs are designed for exactly that. CUNY SPS ships 30-day emergency loaners, and Monroe Community College offers short-term loans for students whose laptops are being repaired. Contact your school's help desk or library as soon as your device fails so you don't fall behind.

Explore New York Online Colleges

Learn.org offers information and resources to help you compare the best online colleges in New York and the support each one provides, including flexible online colleges in New York designed for working adults. Reach out to schools directly to confirm laptop eligibility, loan terms, and whether devices can be shipped to you.