Education has changed quite a bit over the years. With new-age computing and digital tools, traditional on-campus education has steadily transitioned into online education and distance education. Both teachers and students have gradually embraced technology in education and have come to live with this change rather comfortably. The COVID-19 pandemic has of course given the use of technology in online college education, a shot in the arm. Today, college students require only an internet connection and a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop, to learn and pursue their online education.
On that note, it is worth pointing out that some colleges that have a laptop program give out laptops to their online students for free, while some others offer them at discounted prices. This guide covers everything there is to know about free laptops, how to pick the right one, and a walk-through of online colleges with free laptops or tablets.
Online Colleges with Free Laptops or Tablets
Here is a list of online colleges with free laptops or tablets:
- Bethel University
- Dakota State University
- Drexel University
- Full Sail University
- Independence University
- Indiana State University
- Northwest Missouri State University
- Ohio State University
- Princeton University
- Saint Leo University
- Seton Hill
- St. John’s University
- University of Minnesota, Crookston
- University of North Carolina, Pembroke
- Wake Forest University
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Choosing the Right Laptop for Online College
Since a computer is arguably the medium through which, going ahead, a student will learn, it is important to choose the right laptop for online college education. College students will do well to understand what their personal needs are, what the program requires, how long the laptop should be of service (minimum duration), and other such relevant factors, before picking a suitable laptop.
There are many types of laptops and tablets available in the market – MacBook, Surface (Microsoft), Chromebook, and traditional Windows-based laptops. All of these come from different vendors with different software and hardware configurations. Although some schools provide detailed guidelines about what kind of laptops their online programs require, this in-depth guide provides comprehensive information to make picking the right one for higher education easy. Here is a quick look at the different types of laptops available in the market today:
| Common Name | Form Factor | Manufacturer | Operating System |
|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook (Air/Pro) | Laptop | Apple | macOS |
| Surface | Laptop/Tablet | Microsoft | Windows |
| Chromebook | Laptop | Chrome OS | |
| Laptop (Generic) | Laptop | Lenovo, HP, Acer, Dell, etc. | Windows |
| iPad (Air/Pro) | Tablet | Apple | iPadOS |
The Laptop: Dissected
Choosing the right laptop can be quite confusing and frustrating. There are hundreds of models to choose from and a host of specifications that may not be easy to understand at first glance. Here are some key components and specifications to look for in personal computers, along with a brief description of each one:
Main Components/Factors:
| Component | Description | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | The Processor, also known as the CPU or Central Processing Unit, is the brain behind the machine. It handles all computing tasks – billions of operations per second – which is why the faster the processor, the faster the machine (Note: the processor directly has a bearing on long battery life.) | At least: 10th generation Intel Core i3 | AMD Ryzen 5 3600 and above | M1 for Macs. Ideal: 11th generation Core i5 | AMD Ryzen 5 5600G | M1 for Macs. |
| Memory | Memory, also known as RAM or Random Access Memory, is what helps the processor compute with ease and enables multitasking (the running of more than one software at a time). | At least: 4GB of DDR4 RAM. Ideal: 8GB to 16GB for Windows Laptops & Chromebooks | 8GB for Macs. |
| Storage | Storage, also known as HDD or Hard Disk Drive, is what stores all the software and data on the computer. While Hard Disk Drives are mechanical with platters and a head for read-write operations, the relatively new SSD or Solid-State Drive is microprocessor-based and is several times faster, but more expensive than HDDs. | At least*: 500GB in case of HDD | 240GB in case of SSD. Ideal*: 1TB in case of HDD | 240GB in case of SSD. *Amount of storage required ultimately depends on individual space requirements. |
| Display | All modern laptops are based on TFT (Thin-Film-Transistor) technology and are LED (Light Emitting Diode) backlit. Some laptop displays are touch-enabled as well. | At least: A resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, with a brightness of 250 nits. Ideal: A resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, with a brightness of 350 nits. |
| Graphics | Every laptop comes with a built-in graphics processor that handles all visual-related tasks. While these processors are good enough for most uses, graphics-intensive software may require a separate graphics processor, known as ‘discrete graphics’, which will have its own memory as well. | At least: Intel HD Graphics | AMD Ryzen Radeon Graphics | M1 for Macs. Ideal*: Any nVidia or Radeon Graphics with 4GB DDR5 RAM | M1 for Macs. *for power users |
Other Components/Factors:
Along with the processor, memory, storage, and display, there are other crucial components and factors that need to be considered when choosing the right laptop. Some of these are:
Size:
Laptops come in several sizes – 13 inches, 14 inches, 15.6 inches, 16 inches, and 17 inches, to name a few. These are largely the size of the display and will determine the device’s portability, weight, and battery power.
Battery Life:
Manufacturers typically do not specify battery capacities but instead mention the amount of time one can use the laptop on a full charge. A bigger laptop may not necessarily provide more hours of usage because certain components (such as the display) will naturally require more power in a larger laptop. That said, a minimum of 4 hours of continuous use from a full charge should suffice in most cases.
Camera, Speakers & Microphone:
Perhaps one of the most important but less talked about components is the laptop’s camera, speakers, and microphone. Since many college programs involve online lectures through video, it is essential to have a good camera that can relay video footage with good clarity. Speakers that belt out balanced sound and microphone/s that capture voice well enough while drowning out ambient noise, are essential to make for a good overall experience when taking online courses via video.
Wi-Fi:
In today’s technology-driven world, having access to information at the tip of one’s fingers is important. Being unable to link up with the internet can arguably label any laptop as “dumb”, which is why reliable Wi-Fi connectivity should be looked for. Current Wi-Fi standards are 802.11n and 802.11ac, with the recent addition of 802.11ax, also known as Wi-Fi 6.
Operating System:
The operating system is a sort of interpreter and enabler between the hardware of the laptop and the user (you). It also hosts and runs all the additional software one would need. The two popular operating systems today are Windows and macOS, with the relatively new third one being Chrome OS. Students should always check their program requirements – what software is required to be installed, and of course, also consider their personal needs and preferences as well (some software do not work on certain operating systems).
Warranty & Repairability:
Warranty is another crucial factor because repairs to most laptops can otherwise run into hundreds of dollars. While in the case of Microsoft, Windows and Chrome-based laptops the period of warranty varies by manufacturer, Apple laptops typically come with a 1-year warranty that is extendable for an additional fee. It is worth pointing out that Windows laptops cost considerably less to service or repair than their Apple counterparts, but Apple laptops are less prone to failure and are generally considered to be more durable.
Ecosystem:
Comparing platforms and operating systems are not as easy as comparing apples to apples. Each operating system has its strengths and limitations, and there is no sure-shot winner. In the end, ease of use, compatibility with peripherals and accessories, stability, the user interface and experience, availability of third-party software, upgradability, personal preferences, etc. are all determinants in choosing the right laptop. All operating systems have their independent ecosystems and the ultimate choice of which one to opt for, solely depends on the user.
(Note: Apple fans can check to see if the college they wish to enroll in is an Apple Distinguished School.)
Things to Consider Before Choosing a Laptop
Now that the laptop has been thoroughly examined, here are a few questions one must ask oneself before choosing which laptop to loan or own:
- What is the speed of the processor? (This will largely determine how fast the laptop runs.)
- How much memory (RAM) and storage (HDD/SSD)) does the laptop have? (More the better but can drive the cost up.)
- How good are the webcam, speakers, and microphone?
- How compatible is the laptop with external gadgets, and what kind of connectivity does the laptop provide?
- What is the battery life?
- What is the size and weight of the laptop?
- What software comes pre-installed with the laptop? (Having pre-installed software can potentially save the user a lot of money.)
- Does the laptop have a warranty? (This is important as electronic items can break quickly, and warranties help.)
- Does the vendor of the laptop provide student discounts?
Online Colleges with Free Laptops – FAQs
| Q: Do all online colleges offer free laptops? |
| A: No, not all online colleges offer free laptops, only some of them do. In most cases, a free laptop is given to new students who enroll in free laptop programs. |
| Q: What kinds of laptops do colleges offer for free? |
| A: Colleges that offer free laptops or laptops at a discount, usually have models that meet the requirements of their online college programs. It is not uncommon for larger colleges to work with manufacturers or retailers for some specific models that cater to these requirements. |
| Q: Who is eligible for a free laptop? |
| A: In general, colleges provide laptops to enrolled students of online programs. However, in certain cases, transfer students and on-campus students too are eligible. |
| Q: Are these laptops new? |
| A: In most cases, yes. But some online colleges that offer free laptops provide refurbished laptops at a lower price, while other schools provide used laptops at deeply discounted prices. |
| Q: Do I get to choose what laptop I get? |
| A: Where online colleges offer their students laptops at discounted prices, they usually allow the student to pick a laptop of their choice (but not from too many options). In cases where colleges give their students laptops for free, choosing one is usually not permitted. |
| Q: Can I upgrade my free laptop without seeking permission from the college? |
| A: If the laptop has been given to the student for free, it technically is the property of the college, at least until the student graduates. However, some colleges may deem it to be the property of the student, in which case he/she is free to upgrade the laptop. It is worth noting that user upgrades to free laptops or discounted ones may void the warranty. |
| Q: What happens if the laptop is not functioning as it should? |
| A: While some colleges also run a loaner laptop program, wherein a student can temporarily get a loaner laptop until theirs is fixed, others will ask the student to directly contact the manufacturer’s tech support or request for on site tech support. |
| Q: When graduating or dropping out, does the college require students to return the laptop? |
| A: The answer to this question entirely depends on the college and the laptop program. Most online colleges that offer laptops have a rule that if you drop out, you must return the free laptop. Some colleges, on the other hand, may allow students to buy the laptop at a discounted price. College students should therefore always check with the college to understand their terms and conditions, and policies. |
| Q: Do online schools offer free laptop programs for undergraduate students? |
| A: Yes, it is not uncommon for an online school to provide free laptops or offer student discounts on laptops for students who enroll in online bachelor’s programs. However, all of this depends on the school’s laptop program. |
| Q: Are there any hidden costs associated with free laptops? |
| A: Generally, no. But some colleges provide laptops against a technology fee. |
| Q: Which are the colleges that offer laptops for free? |
| A: Across the United States, several colleges offer free laptops. Some also offer laptops at discounted prices, while others run ‘rent to own’ programs. A list of colleges that offer laptops for flexible online learning is provided in this article. |
Online Colleges with Free Laptops or Tablets – Details
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To push technology in education, several online schools today offer free laptops to students who enroll in their online programs. Some colleges may either offer laptops for free or at a discounted price. Below are the details of colleges that have a laptop program and offer free laptops or laptops at discounted prices to college students, ordered alphabetically.
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Source– Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available
Additional Resources for Online College Students
There is more to a master’s degree than choosing a program that offers a free laptop. Students who run through a school search are often lost looking for the right and relevant information. OMC has a wealth of resources for graduate students to use, which can go a long way in making the right decisions. Here are a few to get started:
- Best Financial Aid Guide Learn all there is to know about college funding, from scholarships to grants, FAFSA, and more. This financial aid guide walks students through all aspects of financial aid.
- Student Notebooks This site helps students pick the right laptop for their educational needs.
- Common App The Common App enables students to apply for multiple colleges in one go. Read through this guide to find out how that process works.
- Best Buy Best Buy often offers ‘Back to School’ deals, through which students can buy laptops and tablets at discounted prices.
FAQs
Do online colleges give you a laptop? ›
Many accredited online colleges offer free laptops and other perks like technology discounts, IT help, and free or discounted software. These perks may apply to all enrolled students or only those who meet certain eligibility requirements, depending on the school.
Do colleges give free laptops? ›A: In general, colleges provide laptops to enrolled students of online programs. However, in certain cases, transfer students and on-campus students too are eligible.
What college gives you a free iPad? ›Dakota State University
Dakota State University's tablet program, part of the Wireless Mobile Computing Initiative (which launched in 2004), provides all incoming freshmen with a free tablet or iPad.
Each incoming first-year student receives a MacBook Air with a warranty, theft and damage protection, and guaranteed free repair services.
Does free online college exist? ›University of the People
UoPeople is the first free accredited online university. This school offers free online degree programs in Computer Science as well as Health Science. You can complete a 2-year associate's degree, 4-year Bachelor's degree, or an MBA, all online.
Federal Pell Grants can also be used to purchase laptops (in a roundabout way). These grants are paid directly to your school to cover tuition and fees, but if there's money left over you may be issued a refund check. This can then be used to purchase educational supplies such as a laptop.
How can I get a laptop for free of cost? ›There are many other organizations such as Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse (ATRR), PCs for people, Freecycle, etc. You can search their sites for more information. There are also various government schemes in which the students get laptops for free. To learn more about these schemes Google gov.
How can I get a laptop with financial aid? ›Federal Pell Grants may be used to purchase laptops, however, you may get the funds in a roundabout way. Pell Grants are paid directly to your school for tuition and fees. If there is money left over, you may be issued a refund check, which you can then use to purchase educational supplies, including a computer.
Do colleges give you laptops? ›Some campus-based and online colleges give their students laptops. Some do this through laptop loaner programs. Others include laptops in the cost of tuition, and some charge a “technology” fee. Many colleges with online degree programs provide students with technology assistance, including free or discounted laptops.
Which laptop is up government giving to students? ›Features of the UP Muft laptop Yojana
A merit list will be generated, based on which students who applied will be given the laptops. For this scheme, the government is providing a budget allocation of INR 1800 crore. The academic performance of the student will decide the securing of the laptop.
Does SNHU give free laptops? ›
Does SNHU provide laptops for students? SNHU doesn't offer students free laptops, but you can purchase a laptop from any location/reseller and take advantage of some discounts from Dell and Apple.
Which college gives out Apple products? ›At Moravian University, we believe in providing an accessible and engaging education for all—and that begins with our technology. As an incoming undergraduate student, you'll receive an Apple MacBook Pro® computer and an iPad® device after you accept your offer of admission.
Does Apple give free laptops to students? ›Apple is known for its educational discounts for students and parents, faculty and staff and even homeschool teachers. Shopping with a verified email address and institutional affiliation can save students up to $100 on Apple products including iMac, MacBook Pro, Macbook Air and iPads.
Does Apple give free stuff to college students? ›If you're 16 or older and are enrolled in further or higher education (like college or university) and you have a valid student ID, then you're eligible for the Apple student discount – yep, it's seriously that simple. As soon as you enrol at your sixth form, college or university, you can sign up to get the discount.
What is the price of Apple laptop for students? ›The price of the MacBook Air M1 starts from 89,999 Indian rupees, which is nearly Rs 10,000 cheaper than the initial cost of Rs 99,900. Although this is an older variant, this Apple laptop is more than capable of handling the needs of a university student due to its M1 chip.
Do you get a free iPhone if you work at Apple? ›Apple does not give its employees a free iPhone every year. That's just a pesky rumor. But if you work your employee discount right, you could get a free one every two years, anyways. Let's take a look at the iPhone 13 mini.
Is it worth it to get an iPad for college? ›So, is the iPad Pro good for college? Sure. It will do everything you need it to do. But for the average student's budget and daily use cases — note taking, reading, video calls, watching lectures (and Netflix) — we think the extra bells and whistles aren't worth the price.
What state has free college? ›Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Promise covers up to the full cost of tuition at public two-year colleges after other aid has been applied. Students must have a household-adjusted gross income of less than $60,000 to qualify and be able to demonstrate good citizenship and strong academics while in high school.
Which free online school is the best? ›- 1) Coursera.
- 2) Udemy.
- 3) Udacity.
- 4) Edx.
- 5) LinkedIn Learning.
- 6) Skillshare.
- 7) Memrise.
The University of the People (UoPeople) is a free authorised online university that is also known as the world's first tuition-free, online academic institution which boasts national accreditation by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
Who qualifies for fafsa grants? ›
Our general eligibility requirements include that you have financial need, are a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, and are enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program at your college or career school.
Can I spend my fafsa money on anything? ›Anything pertaining to your schooling is an appropriate use of financial aid. School supplies, a computer, travel costs to and from campus, books, tuition, childcare expenses (if applicable), and tutoring are all reasonable purchases for a serious student.
Will financial aid pay for my computer? ›Federal student aid from ED covers such expenses as tuition and fees, housing and food, books and supplies, and transportation. Aid can also help pay for other related expenses, such as a computer and dependent care.
How to get a computer for cheap or free? ›- Freecycle.org. Source: Freecycle. ...
- The On It Foundation. Source: On It. ...
- Computers with Causes. Source: Computers with Causes. ...
- Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse. Source: Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse. ...
- EveryoneOn. Source: EveryoneOn.
They can be used for more than just tuition
While many people assume that Pell Grants are just for paying tuition, the funds can be used for much more. Any school-related costs, from room and board, to a new laptop, to travel expenses to and from school can be covered with Pell Grant funds.
The Pell Grant is the largest federal grant program offered to undergraduates and is designed to assist students from low-income households. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid, except under certain circumstances.
How do I get a Pell Grant? ›To apply for a Pell Grant, you should start by submitting a FAFSA® form. You will have to fill out the FAFSA form every year you're in school and demonstrate financial need to stay eligible for federal student aid.
How to get money from the government? ›To search or apply for grants, use the free, official website, Grants.gov. Commercial sites may charge a fee for grant information or application forms. Grants.gov centralizes information from more than 1,000 government grant programs. It's designed to help states and organizations find and apply for grants.
Do colleges give out ipads? ›Some colleges offer them as long term loaners, while others give them away as a gift or once you graduate. Some colleges also offer heavy discounts or provide you with a choice of a laptop or iPad. Either way, all the colleges on our list provide you with an iPad to use while you're in college – and that's pretty cool!
How many schools provide laptops? ›An overwhelming majority — 94% — of public schools surveyed reported they are providing digital devices, such as laptops or tablets, to students who need them for the 2022–23 school year. Just 4% of respondents said they were not providing digital devices this school year.
How to apply for free tablet from up government? ›
To apply, the candidate has to first go to the official website www.up.gov.in and click on the option of UP Free Tablet Yojana. After clicking, a new page will open in front of you and on this page you will get the UP Free Tablet Yojana 2022 application form.
How do I get the student laptop scheme 2022? ›Student must submit his/her own CNIC, mobile number and email address during the registration process, as the provided data will be used for further processing. Submitting incorrect or fallacious data may lead to the cancellation of registration.
What is up free laptop scheme? ›UP Free Laptop Yojana 2023
The state's chief minister, Shri Yogi Adiyanath, launched the scheme as a response to the needs of academically brilliant students who lack the funds to buy the devices they need. The program's objective is to aid in the learning process of the students.
Penn Foster doesn't provide laptops or tablets to students, so having your own computer or access to a computer from a family member or friend is key.
Does Liberty university offer laptops? ›The most important technology that you will need at Liberty is a computer. Liberty's IT Marketplace offers several kinds of computers depending on what you want and need for your classes. Liberty has partnered with Dell, Lenovo, and Apple to offer students discounts on computers from all three manufacturers.
Does Strayer university give you a laptop? ›To help support your success, we provide new or readmitted bachelor's students with a brand-new laptop. Enroll in one of our online bachelor's programs and get a laptop, loaded with Microsoft software. Complete your first three quarters of classes, and the laptop is yours.
Who qualifies for Apple education? ›Higher Education - Faculty and staff of Higher Education institutions in the United States; and students attending, or accepted into a Higher Education institution in the United States are eligible to purchase. Purchases from the Apple Store for Education Individuals are not for institutional purchase or resale.
Which college does Apple hire from the most? ›- Stanford University (1,939 employees)
- University of California–Berkeley (1,749 employees)
- University of Texas–Austin (1,247 employees)
- University of Southern California (1,053 employees)
- University of California–Los Angeles (947 employees)
Total Pay Estimate & Range
The estimated base pay is $21 per hour. The estimated additional pay is $5 per hour. Additional pay could include bonus, stock, commission, profit sharing or tips.
Student discounts for all ages.
Gear up for a great school year with school supplies and technology essentials from Best Buy.
Does Apple still give free AirPods to students 2022? ›
Apple had, for a long time, given away a pair of AirPods with qualifying sales, but in the summer of 2022 Apple didn't give away AirPods to students. Instead, Apple offered gift cards with qualifying purchases.
Does Apple pay for college? ›For more formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, we'll reimburse you for certain educational expenses, including tuition.
Does Netflix have a student discount? ›Is there a Netflix student discount? Unfortunately, the streamer does not have a Netflix student discount available for its viewers. The only plans that exist for the site are the basic plan ($9.99/month), the standard plan ($15.49/month), and the premium plan ($19.99/month).
Does Disney plus have a student discount? ›15% off a 12 month membership | Disney+ Student Discounts.
Do colleges provide you with a laptop? ›Some schools offer laptop loaner programs. Participants can check out laptops for the weekend or longer. Other schools give enrollees a discounted laptop for college. Schools may include laptop costs in tuition and fees, which allows students to use financial aid funds to buy a laptop.
What kind of laptop do you need for online college? ›- Acer Chromebook Spin 713. Best overall laptop for remote learning. ...
- HP Envy 13 (2021) ...
- Google Pixelbook Go. ...
- Acer Swift 3 (AMD, 2020) ...
- MacBook Air (2020, M1) ...
- Asus Chromebook Detachable CM3. ...
- Dell XPS 13 (2020) ...
- MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020, M1)
In many cases, online graduates receive the same exact diploma as on-campus students. There's also no real need for you to reveal the online nature of your credentials on a job application, unless you just want to. If the school you attend is close to your home, it may be assumed that you attended classes in person.
Do I need a laptop for online classes? ›Computer Requirements for Online Classes
A computer - either desktop or laptop - is the most basic tool necessary for completing an online class. The computer is used to access coursework, complete and submit assignments, and interact with professors and fellow students.