Free Laptop for College: How to Get, Qualification Criteria & More

Now that everything is shifting toward digitalization, devices like laptops, computers, mobile phones, and tablets have become extremely important. From shopkeepers and corporate workers to students, everyone needs a laptop to perform their tasks. It is especially important for college and school students for doing assignments, homework, prepare for exams, etc. 

But it can be really difficult for all the students to afford a laptop. But do you know that you can also get a laptop for free? Yes, you heard it right. There are various programs that provide free laptops for college students from the government. In this article, we will tell you how you can get a laptop for free. Along with this, we will also cover the colleges and organizations that provide free laptops for students. So without any further delay, let us just jump on to the main topic. 

What is a Free Laptop for College Program?

Free laptops for college are basically those programs or government schemes where students get a laptop without paying any cost for it. It can be a part of the government benefits program, laptop company program, or college or NGO-funded program. 

These programs are specially for those students, who are good at studying but cannot afford a laptop due to their bad financial conditions. To help these students, the government and colleges take the initiative and provide free laptops for college students. Although these programs also come with special qualification criteria, only those students get laptops, who meet the qualification criteria for them. 

Where Can I Get a Free Laptop for College?

Now that you know what a free laptop for the college program is, in this section, we are going to tell you you can get a free laptop.  There are 4 different ways how you can get a free laptop for college.

1. Benefit Program from the Government

There are various benefit programs that offer free laptops for college students from the government. But these schemes are only available for students who come from low-income households. So if you are someone whose total household income is 135% or below the poverty line decided by the U.S. government then you can qualify for these benefit programs. 

2. College Funded Laptop 

Many colleges provide free laptops for students as an education aid. You can check for the colleges that provide free laptops and then get admission to that college. Some colleges provide this facility for all the students, whereas some only provide it to students who are facing financial issues. To find out if your college provides free laptops or not, you can talk to the management or IT department in your college. 

3. Special NGOs and Organizations

NGOs are basically those non-governmental organizations that help people in need. For example, some NGOs provide free phones for seniors. These organizations are called non-governmental because they are not funded by the government. You can easily find various non-governmental organizations in your area that provide educational aid for students. You can contact any of these organizations or NGOs and ask them if they provide free laptops for college students. 

4. Laptop Manufacturing Companies 

Various laptop manufacturing companies provide discounted and free laptops to students. For example, Under the ConnectED program initiated by Apple, Apple provides free iPads and laptops for college and school students. Moreover, they also offer 10% discounts on all the devices that are purchased by students or any other school staff. 

Similarly, Dell, the famous laptop manufacturing company provides free refurbished laptops for students. Along with this, you can also find other local brands that offer free laptops as education aid for students. 

Eligibility Criteria

Are you wondering how to get a free laptop for college? Well, in order to get a free laptop, you need to meet the qualification criteria. Here are the qualification criteria for the free laptop: 

1. You must be a citizen of the U.S.A. 
2. You must be a college student. 
3. You must have low-income proof. 

If you fulfill all these requirements, then you have a high chance of getting a free laptop. However, whether you will get the laptop or not, totally depends on the complete discretion of the laptop provider. 

Organizations That Offer Free Laptops for Students

As we told you, there are various organizations in the U.S. that provide free laptops to college students. Now in this section, we will tell you about some of the organizations, that provide free laptops for college students. 

1. Computers with Causes 

Computers with Causes is a non-profit organization that provides computers and other technology-related resources to individuals, families, and organizations in need. They also collect donations of used computers, laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices from individuals and businesses. Later on, these donated items are then refurbished, repaired, and distributed to individuals or organizations that may not have the means to acquire them on their own. If you are a student, you can connect to Computers with Causes and they will definitely help you with the electronic device that you need. 

2. The World Computer Exchange 

The next organization on our list is World Computer Exchange. It was founded in 2000 by Timothy Anderson, who recognized the growing disparity in access to technology and its potential impact on education and development. Since its inception, the organization has expanded its reach to over 70 countries, helping to bridge the digital divide and promote digital inclusion worldwide.

3. On It Foundation 

The On It Foundation is quite famous in the U.S.A. The organization’s mission is to promote digital inclusion and ensure that all children have equal opportunities to succeed in education and beyond. They offer free or heavily discounted computers, laptops, and related equipment to eligible families. The organization also provides digital literacy training and support to help families maximize the benefits of the technology they receive.

4. Technology For The Future 

Technology For The Future is one of the organizations that understand the importance of technology. They do understand that if someone wants to become successful in the current time, they need to take the help of technology. This is why, they offer free and discounted electronic devices to people in need. It is one of the most student-friendly organizations in the U.S.A. If you are a student and you need a free laptop then you can surely turn to Technology For The Future. 

5. Laptops 4 Learning

Laptops 4 Learning is a leading organization that offers free electronic devices for people in need. They also offer free X mobile for army veterans. The main aim of this organization is to support students who may not have access to the necessary technology for their educational needs. By providing laptops, it enables students to engage in online learning, access digital resources, complete assignments, and participate in remote classes.

Colleges That Offer Free Laptops 

Here is a list of colleges that offer free laptops for students. If you want to have a laptop but cannot afford it, then you can think of getting into any of these colleges that provide the course that you want to pursue. Here is the list of colleges that offer free laptops: 

1. St. John’s University
2. Seton Hill University
3. Stevens Henager College
4. Moravian College
5. Wake Forest University
6. Rochester University
7. Chatham University

Alternative Options 

If you do not qualify for any of the programs and organizations given above, then here are some alternative options for you on how to get a free laptop for college. 

1. Accelerated School Program

Accelerated School Program is a mind-blowing program initiated by the U.S. government to provide laptops for college students free. Under this program, you just need to deposit $100 and you can take a laptop home and use it. You can keep the laptop for as much time as you need it. Later, whenever you return the laptop, you can get your $100 back. Basically, the $100 amount acts as security for the laptop that you got. 

2. Smartriverside

Smartriverside, also known as the SmartRiverside Digital Inclusion Initiative, is a technology-focused program aimed at promoting digital literacy and bridging the digital divide in Riverside, California, United States. So if you are from Riverside, you can take advantage of this initiative. The primary objective of Smartriverside is to provide access to technology and digital resources to underserved populations, empowering them with the skills and tools needed to thrive in the digital age.

3. Dell Scholars Program 

The Dell Scholars Program is a scholarship and college completion program established by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. It is designed to support low-income, first-generation college students in their pursuit of higher education and ensure their success in completing their degrees.

The Dell Scholars Program aims to empower students from underserved backgrounds to obtain college degrees and achieve their full potential. By offering financial support and comprehensive resources, the program seeks to increase college access, persistence, and graduation rates for its scholars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How to get a college laptop for free?

There are various ways to get a college laptop for free: 

1. Benefits program from the government
2. College funded laptop 
3. NGOs and other organizations
4. Laptop Manufacturing Companies 

Q2. Where can I get a free laptop for college?

You can get a free laptop from the government. You can contact device-providing services like SafeLink or Sky Devices and see if they can provide you with a laptop. You can also ask your college’s management or IT department if they provide laptops.  

Q3. Which colleges and organizations offer free laptops for students?

Here are the colleges that offer free laptops: 

• St. John’s University
• Seton Hill University
• Stevens Henager College
• Moravian College
• Wake Forest University
• Rochester University
• Chatham University

Now here is the list of organizations that provide free laptops: 

• Computers with Causes
• The World Computer Exchange
• On It Foundation
• Technology For The Future 
• Laptops 4 Learning

Conclusion 

At last, these days, it is quite easy to get a free laptop for college. There are various options where you can turn to, like government benefit programs, laptop-providing organizations, NGOs, colleges, and laptop manufacturing companies. However, each option comes with its own eligibility criteria. You will only get the laptop if you meet the eligibility requirements.