How to Secure a Free Laptop for College in 2023| top 60 colleges that offer free laptops

How to Secure a Free Laptop for College in 2023

Introduction:

How to Secure a Free Laptop for College in 2023. Embarking on the journey of college life in 2023 is both thrilling and financially demanding.

Besides tuition fees one major expense students encounter is the acquisition of essential tools for learning particularly laptops.

Fortunately, various programs and opportunities are available to alleviate this financial burden.

This article explores the significance of discounted and Free Laptop for College and provides a comprehensive guide on where and how to obtain them.

The Significance of Discounted and Free Laptops for Students For many college students and their families the cost of attending higher education institutions can be overwhelming.

According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) the average total cost of attendance for full time, first time students at four-year universities varies depending on living arrangements:

• $26800 for off-campus living
•  $26000 for on-campus living
•  $15600 for living with family

These include tuition fees books supplies housing and other living expenses. 

Despite financial aid availability, numerous students must manage their expenses carefully, making free or discounted laptops valuable.

Common Eligibility Criteria for Free Student Laptops

 Organizations offering free or low-cost laptops typically have specific eligibility criteria which may include:

1. Photo identification.
2.  Student identification or proof of enrollment.
3.  Evidence that personal or family income falls within the organization’s specified requirements.
4.  Documentation demonstrating participation in government assistance programs such as the Federal Pell Grant Medicaid or housing assistance.

Colleges Offering Free Laptop for College to Bridge the Digital Divide Access to technology is indispensable for college students in today’s digital age.

However many students still face technology-related barriers that hinder their online learning experiences.

According to a 2021 Midwestern Higher Education Compact report approximately 19% of college students reported obstacles such as inadequate computer hardware or internet connections.

For online students having a high-performing laptop is crucial for effective participation in virtual learning. Fortunately many colleges now offer programs that provide free laptops to students to bridge the digital divide.

In this comprehensive guide we will explore 55 colleges that offer free or discounted laptops and other technological perks to help students overcome these barriers.

The Digital Divide: A Challenge for College Students Online education has become increasingly prevalent highlighting the growing need for accessible technology.

Unfortunately not all students have equal access to the necessary hardware and software. Many colleges have developed initiatives to address this issue ensuring students have the tools they need for academic success.

Let’s delve into the list of 55 colleges that offer free or discounted laptops:

School	Laptop Policy	Eligibility
Alabama State University	Free loaner MacBook Pro laptops through Apple Loan Program	College of Business and Administration students
American National University	Free laptops and software	All domestic students
Amridge University	Discounted laptops through Chromebook program	All students
Azusa Pacific University	Discounted laptops through CollegeBuys	All students
Auburn University	Discounted laptops through Apple, Dell, HP, and IBM	All students
Bethel University	Free laptops or Chromebook	All undergraduates
California State University, Bakersfield	Free loaner laptops through STEP Program	Students with demonstrated financial need
California State University, East Bay	Free loaner laptops can be checked out every semester	All students (first come, first served)
California State University, Fullerton	Free loaner laptops can be checked out every semester	All students (first come, first served)
Chatham University	Free 13-inch MacBook Air laptops, cases, and backpacks	All first-year students; some transfer students
Dakota State University	Free Dell laptops	All full-time first-year students
Davenport University	Discounted laptops through participating vendors	All students
Drexel University	Discounted laptops through participating vendors	All students
Eastern Kentucky University	Discounted laptops through EKU’s Barnes & Noble bookstore	All students
Harvard University	Discounted laptops through Apple and Dell	All students
Indiana State University	Free loaner laptops	Commuter students
Moravian University	Free MacBook Pro laptops and iPads	All first-year students
Northwest Missouri State University	Free laptops and laptop repairs	All students
Oklahoma State University	Discounted laptops and technology through OrangeTech	All students
Park University	Discounted laptops through participating vendors	All students
Purdue University	Discounted laptops and technology through ITaP Shopping program	All students
Saint Leo University	Free loaner laptops through Department of Information Technology	All students (first come, first served)
San Diego State University	Free loaner laptops can be checked out from the library	All students (first come, first served)
Seattle Pacific University	Discounted refurbished laptops through Computer and Information Systems	All students
Seattle University	Discounted laptops through participating vendors	All students
Seton Hall University	Free laptops and software	All undergraduates
Southern Nazarene University	Discounted laptops through Dell	All undergraduates
Southern New Hampshire University	Discounted laptops through Apple and Dell	All students
St. John’s University	Discounted laptops through Lenovo and Apple	All students
Stony Brook University	Discounted laptops through Dell	All students
Strayer University	Free laptops with Microsoft software	New and readmitted bachelor’s students
The Ohio State University	Discounted laptops and technology through Tech Hub	All students
University of Arizona	Discounted laptops and accessories through university BookStores	All students
University of Arkansas, Grantham	Free Lenovo laptops	All students
University of California, Berkeley	Discounted laptops and technology through participating vendors	All students
University of California, Davis	Discounted Apple products, including laptops, through TechHUB at campus bookstore	All continuing and professional education students
University of California, Irvine	One-time budget increase of $2,000 can be requested for a new laptop; discounted laptops also available	All undergraduate students receiving financial aid
University of Central Florida	Discounted Apple and Dell laptops through Computer Store	All students
University of Michigan	Discounted laptops through Tech Shop	All students
University of Minnesota, Crookston	Free laptops and software	All on-campus students
University of Nevada, Las Vegas	Discounted laptops through participating vendors	All students
University of Texas at Austin	Discounted laptops and technology through Campus Computer Store and HiEd Tech Store	All students
University of Texas at Dallas	Discounted laptops and technology through Student Technology Initiative and HiEd Tech Store	All students
University of Texas at San Antonio	Discounted laptops and technology through Campus Technology Store and HiEd Tech Store	All students
University of Texas at Tyler	Discounted laptops and technology through Dell and HiEd Tech Store	All students
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley	Discounted laptops and technology through HiEd Tech Store	All students
Villanova University	Discounted Apple and Dell laptops through Partner Purchase Program	All students
Wake Forest University	Discounted laptops and technology through WakeWare	Undergraduate students
Washington State University	Discounted laptops and technology through CORETECH	All students
Western Washington University	Discounted laptops and technology through participating vendors	All students

How to Secure a Free or Discounted Laptop for College

If you find yourself in need of a laptop or computer for college, there are several avenues to explore:

1. Choose a School With a Laptop Program: Many colleges offer laptop lending programs, allowing students to borrow laptops for a specific period. For instance, Santa Ana College’s Digital Dons program enables students to borrow a laptop for one term at a time.
2.  Use Scholarship, Grant, or Loan Money: Certain scholarships and grants may cover expenses beyond tuition and fees, including books and supplies like laptops or tablets. Explore your financial aid options to determine if you can use these funds to acquire a computer.
3.  Purchase From Companies That Offer Student Discounts: Numerous tech companies provide education discounts directly to students. For example, Lenovo offers a 5% discount for students and teachers who verify their ID using ID.me. Apple and Dell also offer education discounts on select laptops.
4.  Look for Used and Refurbished Tech: Another cost-effective option is to purchase a used or refurbished laptop. Websites like Craigslist, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and OfferUp allow sellers to list new or used items, including laptops, in their local markets. However, exercise caution when dealing with third-party vendors to ensure reliability.

Additional Resources for Free or Discounted Laptops 

If you’re still in search of a free or discounted laptop, consider these additional resources:

• Community Computer Connections Program: This initiative refurbishes computers and provides them free of charge to low-income individuals, veterans, and families on Long Island.
•  Computers With Causes: Computers With Causes accepts donations of used or surplus computers and distributes them to students, teachers, schools, and other deserving recipients.
•  Kramden Institute: Kramden Institute refurbishes old computers and awards them to students and community members in need. The organization also offers educational programs in digital literacy and advanced coding.
•  Notebooks for Students: Notebooks for Students is a nonprofit organization offering discounted laptops to college, high school, primary, and homeschool students.
•  PCs for People: This organization sells refurbished and discounted computers, internet modems, and tech accessories for students and families in need.
•  Tech for Troops: Tech for Troops refurbishes used computers to prevent them from ending up in landfills. These refurbished computers are donated to veterans in need and their families.
•  Tech Exchange: Tech Exchange was founded to address the digital divide. The organization provides refurbished computers to low-income families free of charge.
•  Virginia Star: This after-school club teaches high school students to refurbish computers, which are then donated to school districts, organizations, and families in need.
•  With Causes: With Causes reuses and recycles computers to assist disadvantaged and underemployed individuals. The organization also supports educational programs and classrooms, including computer labs.

In conclusion, securing a free or discounted laptop for college in 2023 is feasible and crucial for students facing financial constraints. By exploring the options outlined in this article, you can ensure you have the necessary tools for your academic journey while minimizing the financial burden.

Choosing the Perfect College Laptop

Selecting the ideal laptop for your college journey is a crucial decision that can greatly impact your academic success.

Not only should your laptop meet your program’s hardware requirements, but it should also fit your budget. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when choosing a college laptop, highlight the top recommendations for various needs, and provide valuable information on how to obtain a free or discounted laptop for college.

Understanding Your College’s Requirements

Before diving into the laptop options, it’s essential to understand your college or university’s specific requirements. Different programs may have hardware and software prerequisites, such as hard drive size, processor speed, and operating system compatibility.

For instance, if you’re pursuing a computer science major, you might need a powerful laptop with specific specifications to support your coursework. Additionally, your budget should be a key consideration when choosing the right laptop.

Top 7 Laptops for College Students

To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of the top 7 laptops for college students:

1. Apple MacBook Air M1: Ideal for students seeking a lightweight design and long battery life.
2.  Acer Swift 3: A portable yet powerful laptop suitable for multitasking.
3.  Microsoft Surface Pro 8: A versatile device with a touch screen and extended battery life.
4.  Acer Chromebook Spin 713: The best Chromebook option for reliable and durable performance.
5.  Apple MacBook Pro M1 Chip: A premium Apple choice for students requiring a powerful, long-lasting laptop.
6.  Dell XPS 13: A premium Windows laptop for students looking for advanced performance and graphics.
7.  Lenovo Chromebook Duet: Ideal for budget-conscious students seeking high performance.

Where to Get Free Laptops for College

If budget constraints are a concern, there are avenues to obtain Free Laptop for College for college:

1. Your University or College: Some educational institutions offer free computers to their students, either as gifts or on loan.
2.  Computers with Causes: A charitable organization that provides computers to students, veterans with disabilities, foster homes, and others in need.
3.  Dell Scholars Program: Offers financial literacy resources, textbook support, laptops, and scholarships for low-income and first-generation students.
4.  On It Foundation: Provides free computers and computer training to low-income public school students in grades K-12 who receive free or reduced school lunches.

College Student Discounts on Laptops

If you don’t qualify for a Free Laptop for College, purchasing one at a discounted rate is still available. Government programs and nonprofit organizations can help, and many tech companies offer student discounts on laptops:

• Affordable Connectivity Program: Provides discounted internet service and a one-time credit of up to $100 to purchase a computer.
•  Connect All: Offers low-cost refurbished laptops, desktops, tablets, and other devices to eligible individuals.
•  Notebooks for Students: Provides discounted name-brand laptops to students of all ages and grade levels.
•  PCs for People: Recycles and refurbishes computers for distribution to nonprofit organizations, low-income individuals and families.

Tech Retailers, including Acer, Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Microsoft, also offer student discounts.

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