10 Online Schools That Give Refund Checks and Laptops 2025

**This webpage may mention free laptop programs offered by various educational institutions. However, please note that the inclusion of any school on this page does not imply or guarantee a free laptop offer. Laptop availability, eligibility requirements, and program details can differ by institution and are subject to change. For the most reliable and current information, please verify directly with the school.**

Online education offers exciting perks. Students can learn from anywhere with an internet connection and enjoy benefits like flexible schedules, accelerated degree pathways, and generous transfer credit policies.

Some institutions provide extras like lower tuition rates and financial aid refund checks to make learning affordable. You can also find online colleges with free laptops and other savings opportunities.

Below, we'll highlight accredited online colleges that offer free laptops and financial aid refunds. We'll also answer frequently asked questions about these institutions, including where you can receive the most financial assistance.

Best Online Schools That Give Refund Checks and Laptops

Many educational institutions make online learning more affordable through financial aid and free access to learning devices. Explore the list below to discover online schools that give refund checks and laptops.

1. University of Arkansas Grantham

The University of Arkansas Grantham, accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), offers 100% online programs in computer science, criminal justice, and beyond that cost as little as $305 per credit. To increase access to online courses, the school gives associate, bachelor's, and master's students a free Lenovo laptop.

Learners receive up to the total estimated cost of attendance in financial assistance. Once a financial aid package is approved, the school receives funds for direct costs (tuition, fees, and books) and students can use the rest for indirect costs (food, housing, and other personal expenses).

2. Bethel University

At Bethel University in Tennessee, students can find reputable online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in business, nursing, education, and more. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), this school charges as little as $361 per credit hour.

In addition to affordable tuition, Bethel gives incoming undergraduate students a laptop or Chromebook in their first semester and offers financial aid to lower costs. If learners have a credit balance that requires a refund, the school will deliver funds via mail or direct deposit.

3. Dakota State University

Flexible online undergraduate and graduate programs exploring teaching, technology, math, science, and business are available at Dakota State University. This institution, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), has a free laptop program offering full-time freshmen a new Dell Latitude laptop with installed software.

Tuition for online students starts at just $354.75 per credit, and the university offers financial aid to make learning even more affordable. If learners are owed a credit balance on financial aid funds, they'll typically receive a refund in 14 days.

4. Liberty University

At Liberty University, students can choose from over 700 online degree programs at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Studying accounting, English, aviation, government, and other subjects full-time costs just $390 per credit hour for undergraduate learners and $565 per credit for graduate students.

Liberty Online enrollees receive discounts on Apple MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Dell, Lenovo, and other computers. The SACSCOC-accredited school lowers costs with financial aid and provides refunds if credits exist after all charges are paid on student accounts.

5. Moravian University

Moravian University offers dozens of undergraduate and graduate programs, including an online/hybrid master's degree in student affairs counseling. Undergraduate tuition costs $26,560 per semester; however, the school gives 100% of incoming freshmen and transfer students grants, work-study, or other aid to reduce expenses.

Moravian, accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), provides E-Refunds or paper check refunds to students with a credit balance from financial aid. Incoming students in mostly on-campus undergraduate programs also receive an Apple MacBook Pro computer, iPad, Apple Pencil, and Apple Watch.

6. Georgia Institute of Technology

Students interested in online colleges that offer laptops can find what they're looking for at the Georgia Institute of Technology. This SACSCOC-accredited school's technology equipment loan program provides enrollees with a Windows 10 loaner laptop that has Microsoft Office and other software installed.

At Georgia Tech, learners can enroll in online master's programs in analytics, computer science, cybersecurity, and beyond for as little as $195 per credit hour and reduce costs with fellowships and loans. The institute directly deposits excess financial aid disbursements into students' bank accounts.

7. Chatham University

Chatham University offers online programs in nursing (RN-to-BSN and DNP), business administration (MBA), and occupational therapy. Tuition costs start as low as $479 per credit hour with additional savings potential through a 20% discount program.

The MSCHE-accredited university provides scholarships of up to full tuition to cover school costs and gives refunds if learners have a credit balance on their student account. Enrollees needing a laptop can buy one at a discounted rate through the school's Direct Purchase Laptop Program and borrow loan funds for reimbursement if desired.

8. California State University, Fullerton

At California State University, Fullerton, which is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), students can pursue bachelor's degrees in business administration, sociology, and humanities/social sciences for just $425 to $500 per unit. To make learning more accessible, the institution offers loaner laptops, iPads, hotspots, and more that must be returned at the end of each semester.

Enrollees pursuing completion degrees can lower costs with help from a private student loan program. After the school receives its financial aid funds, students are given the remaining money as a refund.

9. San Diego State University

San Diego State University's Global Campus offers over a dozen online undergraduate and graduate degree programs in economics, public health, civil engineering, teacher leadership, and beyond. The total cost of online degrees at this WSCUC-accredited school starts as low as $16,290.

Eligible learners can lower costs with financial aid and have any funds that exceed tuition and fees refunded within 14 days of disbursement. Students who need help accessing coursework can borrow a MacBook Pro, Dell laptop, or Chromebook each semester.

10. Mercy University

New York is home to Mercy University, an MSCHE-accredited school offering dozens of online degrees that explore behavioral science, English, nursing, psychology, and more. Undergraduate students pay $11,375 per term, while graduate programs start at $1,082 per credit.

Mercy offers grants, scholarships, and other aid to lower tuition costs and typically provides a refund check when payments exceed tuition and fees charged. Full-time students demonstrating financial need can receive a free laptop with high-speed internet (via a hotspot) they can keep through enrollment and after graduating.

How We Rank Schools

Our team thoroughly vetted the institutions in this rank list to ensure they meet the following criteria for delivering high-quality education:

• Accreditation: Each school has received accreditation from a nationally recognized organization, such as the DEAC or SACSCOC.
• Reputation: The colleges and universities in this list are known for providing quality online and on-campus programs in various fields.
• Accessibility: Many institutions provide flexible learning options, generous financial aid, and other supplies to make college accessible for students with busy schedules and financial need.

FAQs About Online Colleges With Financial Aid Refunds and Laptops

Are you ready to begin applying to online colleges with financial aid refunds and laptop programs? Review the FAQs below before getting started.

What Are Refund Checks?

Refund checks are funds institutions provide to college students who have a credit balance in their student accounts from financial aid or other sources. Students owed refunds typically receive their money via the traditional paper check in the mail, or their funds are directly deposited into a checking or savings bank account in about 14 days.

What Online College Gives the Most Financial Aid?

Online schools that pay you to attend offer as much financial aid as possible to help students cover all school costs. For instance, the University of Arkansas Grantham grants up to the total estimated cost of attendance in aid.

Read More: Cheapest Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA

How Do I Get My Laptop Paid for College?

The process of obtaining a laptop varies by school. Students who meet eligibility requirements might receive devices from colleges that give free laptops or help obtain equipment in the following ways:

• delivered at no cost to eligible students with no return requirements
• loaned for the semester or entire enrollment period with return requirements
• purchased up front with reimbursement options
• purchased at a discounted rate

Find an Online Degree Program

Take steps toward a rewarding experience in higher education by exploring the degree programs on Learn.org. Contact a school directly to discover ways they can help you achieve your academic goals.