- Laptops are necessary part of today’s post-secondary education.
- Despite that, laptops can be an expensive investment.
- Fortunately, some online colleges will provide students with a free laptop upon enrollment.
No matter if it’s in-person or online, computers are necessary part of today’s post-secondary education. From handing in essays to accessing online portals for the week’s lecture slides, students depend on computers — especially laptops — to help them succeed in their studies.
Despite being a worthwhile investment, a good quality laptop can be pricey. So pricey, in fact, that some students can’t afford one on top of the other expenses that come with pursuing post-secondary education.
Fortunately, some online colleges are willing to foot the bill for new students. While what is on offer will differ from college-to-college, most will provide students with a free laptop upon enrollment. So, if you’re worried about needing a laptop to be successful in college, best to look into these six colleges.
1. American National University
To help students make the transition to exclusively learning online, American National University provides free laptops to new students. The only requirement to receive a free laptop is to live in the U.S. Students that meet this requirement will receive their laptop in the mail by a week before the beginning of classes.
On top of a free laptop, American National University will provide students with necessary software free of charge. This includes Microsoft 365, which is a savings of $69.99 per year!
2. Bethel University
Despite being located in McKenzie, Tennessee, Bethel University offers robust and strongly supported online degree programs. With its ever-growing presence in online education, it only makes sense for the college to offer students a free Chromebook upon enrollment. Students can receive their free Chromebook in-person at the New Student Orientation, or get it shipped if they can’t make it.
Much like American National University, Microsoft 365 is available to students for free. In order to redeem one’s free copy, students must use their Bethel email address on the Microsoft download page.
3. Chatham University
When it comes to free laptops, Chatham University has one of the most comprehensive packages. As part of the Undergraduate 1:1 Program, all first-year students are given a 13-inch Apple MacBook Air to help them succeed in their studies. The cost of the MacBook is covered in tuition. Moreover, ownership is transferred to the students upon graduation. can keep them for as long as they remain enrolled at the school. But that’s not all.
In addition to the MacBook, students receive:
- A backpack and laptop case to store the MacBook;
- Four years of AppleCare, SafeWare Accidental Damage Protection, and SafeWare Theft Protection, and;
- Access to Helpdesk Repair Services.
First years aren’t the only students that can benefit from this program. Transfer students can receive a 13-inch MacBook or MacBook Air upon enrollment. However, that depends on the number of credits being transferred.
4. Full Sail University
Full Sail University is among the most generous colleges when it comes to giving students free laptops. In fact, the school doesn’t stop at giving out free laptops.
Through Project LaunchBox, Full Sail provides new students with all the equipment and software they need to succeed. Moreover, the contents of each LaunchBox will differ by program. For instance, those in digital cinematography will receive a camera, lighting kit, and access to Adobe Creative Cloud, while students enrolling in music production will receive a microphone, MIDI keyboard, and access to programs like Pro Tools and Logic.
In general, each LaunchBox comes with a laptop and degree-specific accessories and software, all of which students can keep upon graduation.
5. Moravian University
Moravian University stresses that they provide “accessible and engaging education for all”. In order to fulfill this promise, the school provides all undergraduate students a free Apple MacBook Pro and iPad after accepting their offer of admission. Even better, these devices come with AppleCare+.
6. Strayer University
Need a laptop? Look no further than Strayer University. This college offers brand new laptops loaded with all the Microsoft software needed to help with one’s studies. You just need to apply for one of their online bachelor’s degree programs and fill out a laptop agreement form before the eighth week of classes. Laptops start shipping three weeks before the start of classes.
In order to receive full ownership of the laptop, students must complete three of their first four quarters of classes. Failure to do so will result in needing to return the laptop or paying a fee of $350.
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