Looking for online colleges that provide laptops? Check out our list of the best 10 online colleges that offer free or discounted laptops to their students. Learn about the benefits, eligibility, and requirements of these programs.
Online learning is a convenient and flexible option for many students, especially in the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, online learning also requires access to technology, and a laptop is one of the most important tools for online students. A laptop can be a significant expense for some students, and not everyone can afford one.
Luckily, there are some online colleges that offer laptops to their students, either for free or at a low cost. These colleges may also offer other tech benefits, such as software, IT support, and internet access. In this article, we will rank the top 10 online colleges that offer laptops, based on their academic quality, affordability, and technology services.
How to Choose an Online College with a Laptop Program
Before enrolling in an online college with a laptop program, you should consider some factors, such as:
- Eligibility: Some colleges may only offer laptops to certain students, such as incoming freshmen, full-time students, or low-income students. You should check the eligibility criteria and application process for each college.
- Ownership: Some colleges may give you full ownership of the laptop once you receive it, while others may require you to return it or buy it at a discounted price if you withdraw or graduate from the college. You should read the terms and conditions of the laptop program carefully.
- Cost: Some colleges may offer laptops for free, while others may charge a technology fee or include the laptop cost in your tuition and fees. You should compare the total cost of attendance and financial aid options for each college.
- Quality: Some colleges may provide high-quality laptops with the latest features and software, while others may provide basic laptops with limited functionality. You should check the specifications and performance of the laptop you will receive and make sure it meets your academic needs.
The Best Online Colleges with Laptop Programs
Here are the best online colleges that offer laptops, in no particular order:
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1. Dakota State University
Dakota State University (DSU) is a public university in South Dakota that offers online degrees in computer science, cyber security, information systems, education, and business. DSU provides new laptops to full-time, first-year students through its Laptop Program. The laptops are configured with licensed software and access to secure campus networks. Students can also use the on-campus helpdesk and laptop repair services. Students can buy their laptops at market value or opt-out of the program once they reach 59 credits.
2. Full Sail University
Full Sail University is a private university in Florida that offers online degrees in entertainment, media, arts, and technology. Full Sail gives enrollees an Apple MacBook Pro through Apple’s Project LaunchBox. The laptop comes with industry-specific software and tools for each degree program. Students can also access online learning resources, career development services, and technical support.
3. Independence University
Independence University is a private university in Utah that offers online degrees in healthcare, business, technology, and graphic arts. Independence University provides a new laptop to all new students at no additional cost. The laptop is preloaded with software and applications relevant to each degree program. Students can keep their laptops as a graduation gift.
4. Seton Hill University
Seton Hill University is a private Catholic university in Pennsylvania that offers online degrees in business, education, healthcare, humanities, and social sciences. Seton Hill University provides a new MacBook Air or iPad Pro to all full-time undergraduate students through its Mobile Learning @ The Hill Program. The devices are equipped with academic software and apps, as well as AppleCare+ coverage. Students can also access wireless printing, cloud storage, tech support, and training.
5. St. John’s University
St. John’s University is a private Catholic university in New York that offers online degrees in business, liberal arts, education, healthcare, and law. St. John’s University provides a new laptop to all full-time undergraduate students through its Academic Computing Initiative. The laptop comes with Microsoft Office 365, antivirus software, and access to campus resources. Students can choose between a Lenovo ThinkPad or a MacBook Air, and they can keep their laptops after graduation.
6. Bethel University
Bethel University is a private Christian university in Tennessee that offers online degrees in business, education, criminal justice, and psychology. Bethel University provides a new iPad to all new students at no extra cost. The iPad comes with an Apple Pencil, a keyboard case, and access to e-textbooks and online courses. Students can keep their iPads after graduation.
7. Wake Forest University
Wake Forest University is a private university in North Carolina that offers online degrees in business, counseling, and public health. Wake Forest University offers a new Lenovo ThinkPad to all online MBA students through its Technology Package. The laptop comes with Windows 10, Microsoft Office 365, and antivirus software. Students can also access online learning platforms, tech support, and warranty services.
8. Northwest Missouri State University
Northwest Missouri State University is a public university in Missouri that offers online degrees in business, education, agriculture, and communication. Northwest Missouri State University offers a new laptop to all full-time undergraduate and graduate students through its Electronic Campus Program. The laptop comes with Windows 10, Microsoft Office 365, and access to campus networks and resources. Students can also use the on-campus computer labs, tech support, and repair services.
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9. Southern Nazarene University
Southern Nazarene University is a private Christian university in Oklahoma that offers online degrees in business, nursing, education, and theology. Southern Nazarene University offers a new laptop to all online students through its Laptop Program. The laptop comes with Windows 10, Microsoft Office 365, and antivirus software. Students can also access online learning platforms, tech support, and warranty services.
10. Chatham University
Chatham University is a private university in Pennsylvania that offers online degrees in business, healthcare, environmental studies, and creative writing. Chatham University offers a new MacBook Air to all full-time undergraduate students through its Apple Initiative. The laptop comes with macOS Catalina, Microsoft Office 365, and access to campus resources and software. Students can also use the on-campus computer labs, tech support, and training.
FAQs about Online Colleges that Offer Laptops
Here are some common questions about online colleges that offer laptops:
How can I get a free laptop for college?
You can get a free laptop for college by applying to an online college that offers laptops to its students, such as the ones listed above. You can also try to get a free laptop from other sources, such as nonprofit organizations, government programs, or scholarships.
What are the benefits of online colleges that offer laptops?
Online colleges that offer laptops can help you save money, access academic software and resources, and complete your coursework from anywhere. They can also enhance your learning experience and prepare you for your future career.
What are the drawbacks of online colleges that offer laptops?
Online colleges that offer laptops may have some drawbacks, such as limited choices of laptops, additional fees or costs, or strict terms and conditions. You may also have to return or buy the laptop if you withdraw or graduate
Which online colleges offer free laptops for low-income students?
Some online colleges that offer free laptops for low-income students are Independence University, The On It Foundation, and Computers With Causes. These colleges and organizations may have different eligibility criteria and application processes, so you should check their websites for more details.
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Which online colleges offer free laptops for specific majors?
Some online colleges that offer free laptops for specific majors are Full Sail University, Wake Forest University, and Seton Hill University. These colleges provide laptops with industry-specific software and tools for their online degree programs, such as entertainment, media, arts, technology, business, counseling, public health, and education.
Which online colleges offer free laptops for all students?
Some online colleges that offer free laptops for all students are Dakota State University, Bethel University, and Chatham University. These colleges provide laptops to all full-time undergraduate or graduate students, regardless of their major or income level. However, they may have different terms and conditions for laptop ownership and cost.
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