Online Colleges that Offer Laptops

Many online colleges offer free or discounted laptops to their students. Among top schools are Strayer University, CSU-Bakersfield, and NMSU. Read on to find more online schools that provide laptops for their students.

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Disclosure: This webpage may mention the possibility of free laptop programs offered by various educational institutions. However, including any school on this page does not guarantee or imply a free laptop offer. The availability and terms of free laptop programs are subject to change and may vary between institutions. For the most accurate information, please consult with schools directly.

In today’s online world, having a solid laptop is a must—but let’s face it, pricey devices can really hold students back. Learn how top online colleges are stepping up with free or discounted laptops to keep everyone connected and on track.

Many online colleges offer laptops to support virtual learning, with the following notable examples. Read further below to find more schools and get more details about each school’s offerings and tuitions.

University of Arkansas Grantham: Offers free Lenovo laptops to all degree-seeking students, shipped within the first few weeks of classes. Details at Laptop Offer.
Strayer University: Provides free laptops to new bachelor’s students after completing their first three quarters, applicable to online programs. See more at Laptop Offer.
Moravian University: Gives MacBook Pro laptops and iPads to all incoming undergraduate students, including online learners, with IT support included. Check MacBook and iPad Enrollment.
Seton Hill University: Full-time bachelor’s and select graduate students receive MacBook Air laptops, while faculty can request iPads—contrary to earlier reports of MacBook Pros for students. Details here.

Some online colleges include laptop costs in tuition or offer loan programs, making devices more accessible. Here are two examples:

Full Sail University: Includes discipline-specific laptops in tuition via Project LaunchBox, with financial aid possibly covering costs, tailored to program needs. Details are at Project LaunchBox.
Chatham University: Provides laptops covered by a technology fee for full-time undergraduates, with ownership transferring upon graduation. See at Laptop Program.

Beyond college programs, students can explore scholarships like the Dell Scholars Program, offering $20,000 aid and a free Dell laptop, or discounted refurbished options from Apple and Dell, providing cost-effective alternatives.

Online Colleges that Offer Laptops Overview

This detailed analysis examines online colleges that provide laptops, focusing on those offering free devices and those with alternative arrangements. It aims to provide a thorough, data-driven overview for prospective students, ensuring all relevant information is included for informed decision-making. The analysis is based on verified sources from official college websites, ensuring accuracy as of April 2025.

Importance of Laptops for Online Education

In the digital era, laptops are essential for online students to access course materials, participate in virtual classrooms, and complete assignments. The cost of a laptop, often exceeding $1,000, can pose a significant barrier. To address this, colleges have implemented laptop programs, either offering devices for free or integrating costs into tuition, aiming to bridge the digital divide and enhance student success. This initiative is particularly crucial given 2020 surveys indicating 16%-19% of college students reported inadequate technology access, including laptops and internet connectivity.

Our analysis draws from multiple sources, including direct browsing of college websites for program specifics. The focus is on colleges with robust online programs, ensuring relevance for distance learners.

Online Colleges Offering Free Laptops

The following table lists colleges that provide free laptops or devices to online students, with detailed program information:

Colleges With Laptop Offers
School	Laptop Policy	Eligibility
University of Arkansas Grantham	Program Details: New/returning degree-seeking students receive a free Lenovo laptop within first few weeks. Device Provided: Lenovo laptop (Windows 11, 15.6”, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) Ownership: Keep	Eligibility: All degree-seeking students (Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s) Tuition: $8,280 Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission URL: Laptop Offer
Strayer University	Program Details: New bachelor’s students receive a free laptop after completing first three quarters. Device Provided: Brand-new laptop with Microsoft software Ownership: Keep	Eligibility: New bachelor’s students, online programs, at least six courses remaining Tuition: $13,920 Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education URL: Laptop Offer
Moravian University	Program Details: All incoming undergraduate students, including online, receive devices as part of enrollment. Device Provided: MacBook Pro laptop and iPad Ownership: Keep	Eligibility: All undergraduate students, on-campus or online Tuition: $52,000 Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education URL: MacBook and iPad Enrollment
Bethel University-Tennessee	Program Details: Provides devices to all students, ensuring access to essential tools. Device Provided: Chromebook or laptop Ownership: Keep	Eligibility: All students Tuition: $18,168 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools URL: Technology Support
American National University	Program Details: Offers free laptop with software to support online learning. Device Provided: Free laptop + Microsoft Office Ownership: Keep	Eligibility: All domestic students Tuition: $10,735 Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission URL: FAQ on Online Learning
Seton Hill University	Program Details: Incoming first-year full-time students receive devices, reported by sources, though direct website confirmation pending. Device Provided: MacBook Air Ownership: Keep	Eligibility: Full-time undergraduate students, including online Tuition: $41,658 Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education URL: Technology Advantage Program
Dakota State University	Program Details: Offers free Dell laptops to all full-time first-year students. Device Provided: Dell laptop Ownership: Keep	Eligibility: Full-time freshmen Tuition: $9,633 (in-state), $12,735 (out-of-state) Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission URL: Laptop Program
Northwest Missouri State University	Program Details: Provides free laptops to all students, excluding online-only. Device Provided: Free laptop Ownership: Loan, return required	Eligibility: All students (excl. online-only) Tuition: $10,181 (in-state), $16,623 (out-of-state) Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission URL: Laptop Program

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Details: Online Colleges that Offer Free Laptops

University of Arkansas Grantham: Launched in 2021, this program has shipped over 10,000 laptops, aiming to minimize technology difficulties for online classes. Students receive ordering instructions within the first two weeks after class start, with delivery taking 2-4 weeks. This initiative is part of their commitment to accessibility, ensuring all degree-seeking students have a reliable device.
Strayer University: Known for its online programs, Strayer provides a laptop to new bachelor’s students, ensuring they have the tools needed for virtual learning. The laptop is loaded with Microsoft software, enhancing academic engagement.
Moravian University: Each incoming undergraduate student receives a MacBook Pro and iPad, with IT staff assisting setup and training integrated into courses. The devices come with pre-installed software like Office 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud, enhancing academic engagement. Given their online enrollment rate, this program likely extends to online learners, aligning with their flexible program offerings.
Bethel University-Tennessee: Offers devices to all students, including online, ensuring access to essential tools for academic success.
American National University: Provides laptops loaded with necessary software, supporting domestic students in online programs.
Seton Hill University: While multiple sources report MacBook Air provision for incoming first-year students, direct website verification was not found. This suggests potential changes, but given their emphasis on mobile learning, it remains a likely benefit for online learners.
Dakota State University: Offers free Dell laptops to full-time freshmen, which may include online learners, given their technology-focused programs.
Northwest Missouri State University: Provides free laptops to all students except online-only, which may limit access for some distance learners.

Online Colleges that Offer Laptops Through Other Arrangements

Some colleges integrate laptop costs into tuition or offer loan programs, making devices accessible without being explicitly free. The following table details these arrangements:

Colleges With Laptop Offers
School	Laptop Policy	Eligibility
Full Sail University	Program Details: Offers discipline-specific devices through Project LaunchBox, cost included in tuition. Device Provided: Laptops (varies by program, e.g., Mac for Graphic Arts) Ownership: Keep	Eligibility: Students enrolled in programs requiring devices Tuition: $26,417 Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges URL: Project LaunchBox
Chatham University	Program Details: Provides laptops covered by technology fee for full-time undergraduates. Device Provided: MacBook Air (or equivalent) Ownership: Keep	Eligibility: First-year/transfer students Tuition: $43,810 Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education URL: Laptop Program
California State University-Bakersfield	Program Details: Loaner laptops through STEP Program for students with financial need. Device Provided: Loaner laptops Ownership: Loan, return each semester	Eligibility: Financial need Tuition: $7,696 (in-state), $19,576 (out-of-state) Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission URL: STEP Program
University of Minnesota-Crookston	Program Details: Known as “Laptop U” since 1993, offers loaner laptops primarily for on-campus students. Device Provided: HP EliteBook 14″ Ownership: Loan, return required	Eligibility: New and returning students (on-campus focus) Tuition: $13,120 Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission URL: Laptop Program
Purdue University Global	Program Details: Offers discounted laptops through partnerships with tech companies. Device Provided: Discounted laptops Ownership: Purchase, keep	Eligibility: All students Tuition: $14,358 Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission URL: Student Services
Liberty University	Program Details: Provides discounted laptops for online students through partnerships. Device Provided: Discounted laptops Ownership: Purchase, keep	Eligibility: All online students Tuition: $11,700 Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools URL: Technology Resources

Full Sail University: Known for its online programs, Full Sail includes laptops in tuition via Project LaunchBox, tailored to specific disciplines. For example, Sports Marketing students receive laptops with DSLR cameras, while 3D Arts students get animation software and drawing tablets. Financial aid may cover costs, making it accessible, though not free, and aligning with their focus on practical, industry-relevant education.
Chatham University: The One-to-One Student Technology Laptop Program ensures that full-time undergraduates receive a laptop, with costs covered by a technology fee. Ownership transfers upon graduation after all fees are paid, providing long-term value.
California State University-Bakersfield: Provides loaner laptops through the STEP Program for students with demonstrated financial need, potentially applicable to online students, but confirmation is needed.
University of Minnesota-Crookston: Notes loaner laptops primarily for on-campus students, which may not apply to online learners, requiring further verification.
Purdue University Global: Offers affordable laptop options through partnerships, supporting online students with cost-effective tech solutions.
Liberty University: Provides discounted laptops for online learners, ensuring access to necessary devices at reduced costs.

Additional Programs and Resources

Beyond college-specific offerings, students can explore external resources for laptop access:

Scholarships and Grants: Programs like the Dell Scholars Program offer $20,000 in aid, a free Dell laptop, and $2,000 textbook credit, requiring a 2.4 GPA and Pell Grant eligibility (Dell Scholars). Other options include Teradatariver Scholarship ($1,000, Teradatariver Scholarship) and Laptop Under Budget Annual Scholarship Program (variable amounts, Laptop Under Budget Scholarship).
Discounts and Refurbished Options: Colleges often partner with tech companies for discounts, such as Apple offering up to $300 savings on refurbished laptops (Apple Refurbished). Dell Refurbished provides devices with a 100-day limited warranty (Dell Refurbished).
Loan Programs: Some colleges, like Ohio State University, offer loaner laptops for enrolled students, with renewal per semester and discounted purchase options, though specific online applicability needs verification (Ohio State University Tech Loan).

Analysis and Implications

Online colleges is a strategic move to enhance accessibility and retention, particularly for students from low-income backgrounds. Data from the 2023 Time for Class surveys reveal that up to 40% of students experience stress due to unreliable access to computers and stable internet, underscoring a widespread digital divide that continues to impede effective digital learning. However, eligibility criteria, such as degree program enrollment or geographic restrictions, can limit access, requiring students to verify details directly with colleges.

For colleges like the University of Minnesota-Crookston, the restriction to on-campus students suggests potential gaps for online learners, emphasizing the need for clear communication. Similarly, colleges offering loaner laptops, like California State University-Bakersfield, may have policies that could disadvantage online students without on-campus access.

Conclusion

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of online colleges offering free laptops and those providing devices through tuition inclusion. Institutions like the University of Arkansas Grantham and Strayer University lead in free device provision, while Full Sail University offers integrated solutions. Students should explore additional resources like scholarships and discounts to maximize options. Given the dynamic nature of these programs, direct verification with colleges is recommended for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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