9 Colleges in Pennsylvania That Provide Laptops for Online Students

Online classes give you flexibility, but they also assume you have a computer that can handle video lectures, discussion boards, and online exams. If a new laptop is a stretch right now, Pennsylvania has a handful of colleges that provide laptops through loan programs, partnerships, and low-cost purchase options.

The programs here vary more than you might expect. Harcum College and Penn State can send devices to your home, the Community College of Philadelphia offers refurbished laptops you keep for as little as $25, and several other schools lend devices through campus libraries or IT offices. You'll find the eligibility rules, loan lengths, and pickup details for each one below, so you can tell which programs will actually work for you.

What Is a College Laptop Program?

A college laptop program helps enrolled students get a working computer through their school. Most Pennsylvania programs are loans: you borrow a device for a set period, such as a few weeks or a full semester, and return it when the loan ends or you stop taking classes. A few schools take a different approach, either selling discounted refurbished laptops or providing devices that students keep.

Who can borrow depends on the school. Some programs are open to anyone enrolled in at least one credit, while others limit loans to students with financial need or a temporary emergency, like a broken personal laptop. Loan lengths range from a couple of weeks to the entire time you're enrolled, so it's worth comparing the details closely.

9 Colleges in Pennsylvania That Provide Laptops for Online Students

Schools that can deliver devices to your home appear first, followed by programs with long-term loans, low-cost purchases, and shorter campus-based checkouts. Each entry explains how the program works and what to confirm before you count on it.

1. Harcum College

Harcum College stands out in Pennsylvania because it will mail a loaner laptop to your home address or to a Harcum partnership site. Actively enrolled students can request a device using their Harcum email address, and the college recommends getting approval from your program director first. If you'd rather pick it up, laptops are also available at the Charles H. Trout Library in Bryn Mawr.

Loans run through the end of the semester, and you can ask for an extension as long as you request it before the term ends. Harcum is a private college focused on health sciences and career programs, and a sizable share of its students take courses fully online. It holds accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), and it's a practical choice if you're comparing the best online colleges in Philadelphia and nearby suburbs.

2. Penn State

Penn State IT keeps a limited supply of loaner laptops for actively enrolled students who can't get the technology their coursework requires. You apply through the Mobile Technology Request Form with your Penn State ID, and approved equipment is shipped to your location with a return label. Loans last for the current semester, and you'll need to return or renew the device when the term ends.

Penn State World Campus offers one of the largest online catalogs in the country, with bachelor's, master's, and certificate programs across business, education, engineering, and health fields. The main campus is more selective than most schools on this list, but World Campus and Penn State's Commonwealth campuses are more accessible. Penn State's lending details have changed over time, so confirm current availability and World Campus eligibility with Penn State IT before you apply. Equipment can't be shipped internationally.

3. Community College of Allegheny County

The Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) lets you keep a loaner laptop for as long as you're enrolled, as long as you renew it each semester. To qualify, you need to be registered for at least one credit course, be in good academic and financial standing, and be at least 18 or have parental consent. Summer counts as a term, so plan your renewal or return accordingly.

The main requirement for online students is location. You'll need to pick up, return, and bring the laptop in for repairs at one of CCAC's four main campuses in the Pittsburgh area: Allegheny, Boyce, North, or South. Pickup appointments are scheduled through Calendly and take about 30 minutes. CCAC offers online associate degrees and certificates, and it's among the top online community colleges in Pennsylvania.

4. Community College of Philadelphia

Instead of lending laptops, the Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) helps students buy one to keep. Through a partnership with the nonprofit PCs for People, students who receive a Federal Pell Grant can purchase a refurbished laptop for $25, and other students can buy one for $50 using a coupon code. Each laptop comes with a year of technical support for its original hardware and software.

If even $25 is out of reach, CCP's Single Stop office can connect you with additional help. Because you own the device, you won't have to worry about return dates or renewals. CCP offers online associate degrees and certificates with open admission, and it's one of several online colleges without admissions requirements in Pennsylvania. Many of its students also qualify for aid at online colleges that accept Pell Grants in Pennsylvania.

5. Cheyney University of Pennsylvania

In 2022, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, the nation's oldest HBCU, provided Dell Latitude laptops to every enrolled student using federal relief funds. The university described the program as an ongoing commitment, with new students receiving laptops once they're registered and enrolled. Confirm with Cheyney that the program is still running before you plan around it.

Cheyney's online offerings are limited compared with other schools here. Most students take a mix of on-campus and online courses rather than a fully online degree, so this option fits best if you live near the Delaware County campus and want hybrid flexibility. Cheyney offers bachelor's degrees in fields such as business, psychology, and liberal studies, and it's part of Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education.

6. Delaware County Community College

Delaware County Community College (DCCC) lends laptops and Chromebooks through its Learning Commons, both for in-library use and for semester-long loans off campus. You request a semester loan by booking an appointment through the Learning Commons scheduling page. Borrowers are responsible for any damage or loss during the loan.

The college doesn't publish its full eligibility rules online, so reach out to the Learning Commons by phone, email, or chat to confirm the details. DCCC offers online associate degrees and certificates and serves Delaware and Chester counties, which makes in-person pickup manageable for students in the Philadelphia suburbs. Eligible students may also be able to attend tuition-free with grant aid, like students at many free online community colleges in Pennsylvania.

7. Pennsylvania Western University

Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest), formed from the merger of California, Clarion, and Edinboro universities, lends laptops through its campus libraries. Current students can borrow a laptop for five weeks at a time from the circulation desk at any PennWest library location. That makes the program useful if you need a device while yours is being repaired or replaced.

PennWest Global Online offers a wide range of online bachelor's and master's programs, but the library's lending page doesn't say whether fully online students can borrow. If you're enrolled through Global Online, ask the library whether you qualify and whether any campus is close enough for pickup. PennWest is part of Pennsylvania's State System, which keeps tuition relatively affordable for state residents.

8. Pennsylvania College of Technology

Pennsylvania College of Technology (Penn College), an affiliate of Penn State in Williamsport, has required every student to have a laptop since fall 2024. To keep that requirement from becoming a barrier, its IT department lends temporary loaners to students whose own laptops are unavailable, at no cost to the student. You submit a Student Loaner Laptop Request through the IT services portal.

Penn College's online programs include bachelor's degrees in applied management, business administration, emergency management, dental hygiene, nursing, and healthcare leadership and administration, along with an online MSN. Because its loaners are designed for short-term needs, plan on having your own laptop for most of your program. Contact IT for current loan lengths and pickup details.

9. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology

Harrisburg University of Science and Technology offers a straightforward loaner program for students who need a device for a short period. Laptops are available on a first-come, first-served basis for up to 14 days, and you arrange a pickup time on campus. If a loaner isn't returned on time, you agree to pay $300 for the laptop and $50 for the adapter.

Harrisburg University focuses on STEM fields and offers several graduate programs online, including degrees in analytics and healthcare informatics, some in executive formats with occasional campus visits. The short loan period makes this program a bridge rather than a long-term solution. It's still worth knowing about if your laptop fails during an important stretch of the semester and you live near Harrisburg.

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. We also reviewed each school's technology policies to see how easily an online student could get a working laptop.

• Accreditation: Every school on this list holds institutional accreditation from MSCHE.
• Online access: Schools offer online degrees, certificates, or online course options that reduce time on campus.
• Device delivery: Programs that ship devices to students or let them keep a laptop were placed above campus-only checkouts.
• Loan terms: Longer loans and broad eligibility counted in a program's favor, while short-term loans ranked lower.

Learn more about our ranking methodology. Pennsylvania's lending programs change often, so verify current terms with each school before you enroll.

How Laptop Loans Work at Pennsylvania Schools

You'll usually start with an online request form, an appointment booking, or an email to the school's library or IT office. The school checks that you're enrolled and meet any other requirements, then sends pickup or shipping instructions. Before you receive the device, you'll sign an agreement covering the due date, acceptable use, and charges for damage or loss.

Replacement costs can be significant, so read that agreement carefully. CCAC lists a replacement cost of more than $1,300 for an unreturned laptop, and Harrisburg University charges a set fee for late returns. Back up your files to cloud storage as you work, since loaners are typically wiped when they come back.

What Should Your Laptop Handle for Online Classes?

Your laptop needs to run your school's learning management system smoothly, support video calls with a webcam and microphone, and keep up with whatever proctoring software your courses use. For most programs, a Windows laptop or MacBook with 8 GB of RAM and a current operating system is enough. A strong home internet connection is just as important for live classes and exams.

Technical programs can have stricter requirements. Penn College publishes laptop specifications because many of its applied technology and health programs use specialized software. If you're considering a Chromebook, make sure your courses don't depend on applications that only run on Windows or macOS.

How Much Does a Laptop for College Cost?

New Chromebooks generally cost $200 to $400, and a reliable Windows laptop for coursework usually falls between $500 and $900. MacBooks and higher-performance laptops for engineering, design, or programming can run from $1,000 to $2,000 or more. Add $50 to $200 if you want accessories like a headset, mouse, or extended warranty.

Refurbished laptops can bring that cost down dramatically. Programs like CCP's partnership with PCs for People show how far you can stretch a small budget, and many manufacturers sell certified refurbished models with warranties. Student discounts from major brands and campus stores are also worth checking before you buy.

Financial Aid for Laptops and Technology

Pennsylvania offers state aid that can work alongside federal grants to help with college costs, including technology. Your school's financial aid office can explain how each program fits your situation.

• Federal Pell Grant: Pell funds left after tuition and fees are refunded to you and can go toward a laptop or internet service. At CCP, Pell recipients also get the lowest price on refurbished laptops.
• Pennsylvania State Grant: Administered by PHEAA, this need-based grant helps eligible Pennsylvania residents pay for college. It reduces what you owe and leaves more room in your budget for a device.
• Ready to Succeed Scholarship: This state scholarship supports high-achieving Pennsylvania students with family incomes under a set limit. It's awarded in addition to the State Grant for eligible students.
• Cost of attendance review: Schools can include a personal computer allowance in your cost of attendance. Ask your financial aid office whether your budget can be adjusted if you need to buy a laptop.
• Institutional and basic needs support: Many colleges have emergency funds or basic needs offices, like CCP's Single Stop, that help students with technology costs. These resources can fill gaps that grants don't cover.
• Military and veteran benefits: GI Bill benefits can include a books and supplies stipend that you can put toward a computer. Contact your school's veterans office for details.

Filing the FAFSA is the first step for federal and state aid, so it helps to know which online colleges accept FAFSA in Pennsylvania. You can also look into tuition-free online college in Pennsylvania to lower your overall costs.

How To Pick a Pennsylvania School With a Laptop Program

The best laptop program for you depends on where you live, how you plan to study, and how long you'll need the device. Consider these factors as you compare schools.

Home Delivery or Campus Pickup

Only a few Pennsylvania programs send devices to your home. If you won't be near campus, focus on schools like Harcum and Penn State and confirm shipping before you enroll. Campus-based programs can still work if you live within driving distance.

Borrowing vs. Buying

A loan saves you money upfront but comes with due dates, renewals, and replacement charges. Buying a low-cost refurbished laptop, like the ones CCP offers, means the device is yours for the rest of your program. Think about how long you'll be enrolled when you weigh the two options.

Loan Length

Pennsylvania programs range from two-week loans to devices you keep throughout your enrollment. Short loans work as emergency backups, while semester or enrollment-length loans can carry you through your coursework. Ask how renewals and summer terms work before you commit.

Repair and Support Policies

Find out what happens if your loaner breaks. Some schools require you to bring devices to campus for repairs, which can be difficult for online students. Ask whether repairs are handled by mail and whether a replacement is available while yours is being fixed.

Program Status

Laptop programs funded by grants or relief money can change or pause from year to year. Before you choose a school based on its laptop program, confirm that the program is accepting requests for the term you plan to start. A quick email to the IT office or library can save you a surprise later.

Other Tech Support for Pennsylvania Online Students

You'll also need a reliable connection and support to make the most of a laptop. These resources can help.

• PCs for People and nonprofit refurbishers: Nonprofits like PCs for People and Computer Reach sell or donate refurbished computers to qualifying households. These can be a good fit even if your college doesn't run its own program.
• Public library lending: Many Pennsylvania public libraries lend laptops and hotspots to cardholders. Check your local library system for availability and loan terms.
• FCC Lifeline: Lifeline provides a monthly discount on phone or internet service for eligible low-income households. Participation in programs like SNAP or Medicaid can help you qualify.
• Low-cost internet plans: Several internet providers offer discounted plans for qualifying households. Pricing and availability vary by location.
• Free student software: Most Pennsylvania colleges give students free access to Microsoft 365, and some offer additional course software. Check your student portal before buying anything.
• Campus IT help desks: College help desks support students by phone, chat, or email. Remote support is especially useful if you can't easily get to campus.

FAQs About Pennsylvania Colleges That Provide Laptops

Pennsylvania's mix of loan, purchase, and campus-based programs can raise questions before you enroll. Here are answers to some common ones.

Do Any Pennsylvania Colleges Let You Keep Your Laptop?

A few do, though most aren't aimed at online students. Seton Hill University provides MacBook Air laptops that full-time traditional bachelor's students keep after graduation, and Saint Francis University offers an opt-in laptop program for new full-time undergraduates for a one-time fee. Community College of Philadelphia students can also buy a refurbished laptop to keep for $25 or $50.

Can Part-Time Students Borrow College Laptops?

At many schools, yes. CCAC requires enrollment in just one credit course, and Harcum lends to any actively enrolled student. Programs aimed at full-time students are less common for loans, but check each school's rules if you plan to study part-time.

What Should I Do if My Loaner Laptop Needs Repairs?

Contact your school's IT office right away and follow its repair process. Some schools, including CCAC, require you to bring the device to a campus for repairs rather than shipping it. Reporting problems early helps you avoid damage charges and keeps you from falling behind.

Are Refurbished Laptops a Good Option for College?

Refurbished laptops can be a smart choice if they come from a reputable source. Nonprofits like PCs for People test and restore devices, and CCP's partnership includes a year of technical support. Make sure any refurbished laptop meets your program's minimum requirements before you buy.

Can I Get a Laptop if I Live Outside Pennsylvania?

It depends on the program. Penn State IT ships loaners to students within the U.S. but not internationally, and Harcum can mail devices to a home address. Campus-based programs, like those at CCAC and PennWest, require you to live close enough to pick up and return the laptop in person.

Find the Right Pennsylvania Online College

Learn.org offers information and resources to help you compare the best online colleges in Pennsylvania and the support each school provides. Once you have a shortlist, contact schools directly to confirm laptop availability, eligibility, and delivery options for the term you plan to start.