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Free Laptops For College Students

Written by: Jody Adams
Last updated: January 31, 2024

Whether you're a college student or a high school student, you're probably aware of the benefits of having your laptop for personal use and exam preparation. Laptops are expensive, and purchasing one is a huge undertaking for students who cannot afford a PC. As a student, you should have a reliable device throughout your academic career.

Free broken laptops for college students program can help low-income or needy students advance their careers or take advantage of available opportunities. Many philanthropic organizations, institutes, and colleges provide free laptops to underprivileged college and high school students. 

You have more control over when and where you accomplish schoolwork if you have your own laptop. You will no longer need to rush home, go to the library, or seek a computer with internet access to finish your online tasks. Furthermore, a personal laptop assures that your data is secure on your device rather than risking your security on a shared public PC.

How to Get Free Laptops for College Students

There are several ways you can obtain a free computer for college student to fulfill their personal and academic needs.

Scholarships 

Apply for educational scholarships if you're seeking a means to receive free laptops for college students from the government. While most scholarships are for tuition, others allow students to pay for necessities such as computers. Microsoft, for example, offers scholarships that are designed to assist students in receiving laptops and other technology-related tools. 

Contests 

Another option to get a chance to win free computer for college student is to enter contests. It is simple to look on the internet for competitions that award laptops as prizes. Some competitions may ask for a name and email address, while others may ask for an essay or a creative concept to be considered. Even if a laptop isn't the reward, many contests offer cash that you can use to purchase one. Burger King, for example, offers financial incentives to high school students who have a 2.5 GPA or above and plan to attend college or vocational school through their scholarship program.

Craigslist 

Look for free computer for college student offers or stores in the classified ads in newspapers or on the internet. You can find a free laptop by looking through classified ads in the newspaper or Craigslist websites. Some people have old notebooks they don't use anymore and are prepared to give away. They might be interested in a trade if they don't want to give the notebook away for free. See whether the person is interested in negotiating by calling or emailing them. Keep an eye out for lists that have been posted around your college or campus, as other students may be looking for ways to support laptop purchases as well.

School Grants for Free Laptops

Inquire with someone from your school's financial aid office about any free computer for college student opportunities. Some colleges, such as Wake Forest and Stevens-Henager, offer free laptop rentals for the semester. Visit the financial assistance office at your school to see if a counselor can steer you on the right route. K-12 kids should inquire at their school’s front desk if they have any free notebook options or if the staff can assist them in obtaining free government laptops for college students.

A basic laptop can cost hundreds of dollars, making it difficult for most students to afford. Laptops have become a fundamental component of their educational experience. Many students connect with teachers and peers using email, take notes on word processing programs, and check grades and assignments using educational tools such as a whiteboard. 

Unlike other laptops, online college computers are pre-configured for each curriculum. You can get the most up-to-date course outlines, evaluations, and lecture materials on the laptop. The Online Schools Administration provides instructions on the software composition of the laptop. While most online organizations that provide free laptops for college students from the government allow students to keep them after graduation, some colleges require them to be returned.

Scholarships And Grants For Free Laptops For Students

Scholarships are available at some colleges to assist students in obtaining a free laptop. We've compiled a list of scholarships that can assist students in receiving free laptops for college students from the government.

Chickasaw Nation Higher Education

The Chickasaw Nation's scholarship program provides qualified students with ready-to-use laptops. Qualified students may get a notebook with a 250-gigabyte hard disc, Windows Vista operating system, 8x speed DVD/RW drive, built-in WLAN card, and 2 megabytes of RAM as of 2010. However, students must be Chickasaw Nation members and plan to attend college full-time. The award for a notebook is only given to selected students during their undergraduate years. 

Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation (MCWTF)

The Michigan Technology Foundation's Council of Women offers a scholarship program for qualifying women. The applicants must be Michigan citizens with a minimum GPA of 2.8. The council grants three scholarships every year to cover the costs of a notebook, printer, and other necessary applications for each student. Students must study information systems, graphic design, computer science, or software engineering. Include a letter of recommendation and a statement or summary of relevant professional experience in the application package.

Computing Initiative Carolina

The Carolina Computing Initiative is an affiliate program of the University of North Carolina (UNC). New UNC students who show financial need may be eligible for a college scholarship right away. In addition to the College Board CSS profile, applicants must fill out a FAFSA form. Students who have attended UNC before or have a bachelor's degree are ineligible.

There is no cash prize; instead, selected pupils have two buying alternatives. They can choose from the standard laptop currently offered to grant winners, including four years of insurance and a safety lock. Students who want to buy more expensive laptops may be eligible for a discount, but they must pay the rest of the bill with conventional payment methods such as cash or credit cards. 

Online Universities That Offers Free Laptops 

Online institutions that offer laptops and financial aid are becoming more common, which can help reduce the expense of owning a computer. Many online institutions offer low-cost or no-cost laptops to new students. This list of institutions that offer laptop programs is an excellent place to start your research. 

Full Sail University Free Laptops 

Full Sail University has teamed up with Apple to provide students with the latest MacBook Pro laptops and the tools they need to succeed. Game creation, software development, visualization, and simulation are the only programs that use an HP laptop instead of a MacBook Pro.

Widener University Free Laptop

Widener University is regarded as one of the greatest universities in the country. It provides free laptops to outstanding technology students. Eligible students must have a combined SAT math and critical reading score of 1310 or above, or a composite ACT score of 28 or higher, with a 3.5 or higher GPA (on a 4.0 scale).

University of Minnesota Crookston Free Laptop

Every student at Crookston University receives a laptop from the start. According to US News, the faculty was recognized as the 36th Midwest Regional College and the next top public college in 2019. 

Centenary College Free Laptops

Students have the option of choosing between Toshiba and MacBook Pro. Fundamentally, all students arriving on campus may choose between a 55kg Toshiba Satellite C5.3 with a 15.6-inch or 4.5-pound screen and a 13.3-inch MacBook Pro. After graduation, this institution enables students to keep their notebooks. Centenary College accepts applications online and provides bachelor's and master's degree programs.

Bethel University Free Laptops

Bethel University, which ranks 22nd in America's Finest Colleges, 11th in Best Colleges for Veterans and Best Undergraduate Teaching, and 17th in Midwest Colleges, offers deserving students with Chromebooks. For students, graduates, and seminars, Bethel offers 35-degree programs online. 

St. John's University Free Laptops

St. John's University students have three laptop options: Apple MacBook Pro, Lenovo ThinkPad L380, and Lenovo ThinkPad L380 Yoga. St. John's University is a significant private Catholic university in Queens, New York. If a student has a bachelor's degree, they can keep their laptops. 

Wake Forest University Free Laptops

Wake Forest University is a small private university ranked 27th by US News Best Colleges in 2019. At the end of the course, students must return the complimentary laptop. 

South Nazarene University

Southern Nazarene University is a private Christian university that allows you to choose between three notebooks: the Dell Latitude 3380, the 13-inch MacBook Pro, and the 15-inch MacBook Pro. 

Getting Free Laptops For Students During COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a particularly negative impact on education. As a result, thousands of students are compelled to purchase a computer. Many institutions have already constructed courses around laptops and tablets, following the upheaval generated by COVID-19. However, a major issue was overlooked: not all students have access to the internet or to a computer or tablet that can be used to study remotely. 

This implies that parents can procure the required equipment, prevent it from breaking down, keep the Wi-Fi up and running, and guarantee that their children do not waste time online. Unfortunately, with the stagnating economy, many families can't afford a new laptop or a high-speed internet connection.

Computers With Causes 

Computers With Causes started a program to distribute computers to low-income pupils. This program intends to provide computers, laptops, or tablets to high school and college students who cannot afford to continue their education. Computers With Causes relies on donations from the general public to stay afloat. 

How To Get A Free Laptop From Computers With Causes

Fill out the organization's registration form with the relevant information, including your name, school, email address, and the equipment you require. You must also include a photo of your legal ID and evidence of registration. The organization stated that there is now a waiting list. They can't guarantee delivery of the equipment to all applicants because they operate on a donation basis. 

How Can You Donate To Computers With Causes?

To donate to Computers With Causes, you need to fill out a registration form. Include the type of equipment you'd want to donate, and the operating system you're using, and any flaws or damage to the device. Then provide your phone number and email address and choose a location for delivery. 

Online GED Courses With Free Laptop

You may have heard that nothing in life is free. However, there are some free ways to receive a notebook for your General Educational Development (GED). Although you may not be able to take the GED test online as of 2010, you can still utilize a laptop to help you study for the exam. For your convenience, GED study aids and practice exams are available online.

How To Get A Free Laptop When You Get A GED

You can get a free laptop if you have a GED or are preparing for GED exams.

  1. Speak with your advisor about the particular programs available to GED candidates. To help you prepare for the GED test, several GED test prep organizations will supply you with a used or refurbished laptop.
  2. Consult your school counselor or teacher to see if your school has any unused laptops. Many schools have begun to participate in laptop programs, in which all pupils are provided with laptops. You can use any leftover equipment from this type of program for your GED exam preparation.
  3. Check with a friend or relative to see if they have a laptop they aren't using. Some people update their computers regularly, and you might be able to obtain an older model to use for GED testing purposes.
  4. Participate in internet polls or review sites. Many websites will offer you a notebook when you agree to evaluate a product or do a brief survey. You can utilize Free Notebook Benefits (free-laptop-rewards.com), Laptop Card (laptopreportcard.com), and Free College Laptops (freelaptopcollege.com) for this.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are there programs that provide free laptops to college students in the US?

Yes, there are various programs that provide free laptops to college students. These programs can be offered by colleges and universities themselves, non-profit organizations, or government initiatives. Some popular programs include the Technology Grant Program, Computers with Causes, and the Laptop Grant Program at specific institutions.

How can I find and apply for a free laptop program for college students?

To find and apply for a free laptop program, start by checking if your college or university offers a laptop grant or similar program. You can also research non-profit organizations or government initiatives that provide free laptops to students. Websites like the Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or your school's financial aid office may have information about available programs.

What are the eligibility requirements for free laptop programs for college students?

Eligibility requirements for free laptop programs vary depending on the specific program. Generally, applicants must be enrolled in an accredited college or university in the US, demonstrate financial need or academic merit, and meet any additional criteria specified by the program. Some programs may prioritize students from low-income backgrounds or those pursuing specific fields of study.

Can international students apply for free laptop programs?

Eligibility for international students varies depending on the program. Some free laptop programs may be open to international students, while others may be limited to US citizens or permanent residents. It is essential to review the specific eligibility requirements for each program before applying.

Do I need to return the laptop after completing my degree?

In most cases, students who receive a free laptop through a program are not required to return the laptop after completing their degree. However, some programs may have specific terms and conditions, such as requiring the laptop to be returned if the student withdraws from the school or does not meet specific academic requirements. It is important to review the program guidelines for any such conditions.

Free Laptops For Disabled Students

Due to their physical or psychological problems, disabled children may face an uphill struggle as they enter adolescence. As a result, many humanitarian organizations have sprung up to provide support and resources to disadvantaged children and their parents. You can apply for one of many organizations if your impaired child benefits from a laptop. The following are some of the organizations that help disabled people:

  • The Jim Mullen Foundation is a huge foundation that provides free computers to disadvantaged children.
  • Check with charities dedicated to assisting disadvantaged individuals so that you may obtain a free laptop or computer.
  • Check with your local library to see if they have any technology presents for students with disabilities. So you can look for a laptop or PC there.

Laptops aren't the only one you need as a college student, you need a car too. Check out our post about how to get free cars for college students to learn more.

Are you interested in learning how you can get free government grants for dental implants? Gov-Relations has many resources you can visit today to learn more!

Jody Adams
Jody Adams is an accomplished editor-in-chief with a deep understanding of social care and government benefits issues. With a background in journalism and a master's degree in Public Policy, Jody has spent her career shaping the narrative around social policies and their impact on society. She has worked with renowned publications, effectively bridging the gap between complex policy analysis and public understanding. Jody's editorial expertise ensures that vital information on social care and government benefits reaches a broad audience, empowering individuals to make informed decisions.
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