Free laptops for college students 2022
Page Content Show
Online Colleges with Free LaptopsEducation has changed quite a bit over the years. With new-age computing and digital tools, traditional on-campus education has steadily transitioned into online education and distance education. Both teachers and students have gradually embraced technology in education and have come to live with this change rather comfortably. The COVID-19 pandemic has of course given the use of technology in online college education, a shot in the arm. Today, college students require only an internet connection and a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop, to learn and pursue their online education. On that note, it is worth pointing out that some colleges that have a laptop program give out laptops to their online students for free, while some others offer them at discounted prices. This guide covers everything there is to know about free laptops, how to pick the right one, and a walk-through of online colleges with free laptops or tablets. Online Colleges that Offer Free Laptops or TabletsHere is a list of colleges that have a laptop program and offer free laptops or tablets to their online students:
Featured Online ProgramsSouthern New Hampshire UniversityOnline Masters Degrees Visit Website Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 3,000 on-campus students and over 60,000 online students, making us one of the fastest-growing universities in the country. Founded in 1932, weve been relentlessly reinventing higher education ever since and have gained national recognition for our dedication to helping students transform their lives and the lives of those around them. Were proud to provide affordable, accessible education that students can pursue on our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH, over our innovative online platform or at our regional centers in Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth and Salem, NH, and Brunswick, ME. SNHU has earned the GetEducated.com Best Buy and Best of Business Best Online Degree awards and is consistently ranked as a top Military Friendly® School by G.I Jobs®. Get More Info Choosing the Right Laptop for CollegeSince a computer is arguably the medium through which, going ahead, a student will learn, it is important to choose the right laptop for online college education. College students will do well to understand what their personal needs are, what the program requires, how long the laptop should be of service (minimum duration), and other such relevant factors, before picking a suitable laptop. There are many types of laptops and tablets available in the market MacBook, Surface (Microsoft), Chromebook, and traditional Windows-based laptops. All of these come from different vendors with different software and hardware configurations. Although some schools provide detailed guidelines about what kind of laptops their online programs require, this in-depth guide provides comprehensive information to make picking the right one for higher education easy. Here is a quick look at the different types of laptops available in the market today:
The Laptop: DissectedChoosing the right laptop can be quite confusing and frustrating. There are hundreds of models to choose from and a host of specifications that may not be easy to understand at first glance. Here are some key components and specifications to look for in personal computers, along with a brief description of each one: Main Components/Factors:
Other Components/Factors:Along with the processor, memory, storage, and display, there are other crucial components and factors that need to be considered when choosing the right laptop. Some of these are: Size: Laptops come in several sizes 13 inches, 14 inches, 15.6 inches, 16 inches, and 17 inches, to name a few. These are largely the size of the display and will determine the devices portability, weight, and battery power. Battery Life: Manufacturers typically do not specify battery capacities but instead mention the amount of time one can use the laptop on a full charge. A bigger laptop may not necessarily provide more hours of usage because certain components (such as the display) will naturally require more power in a larger laptop. That said, a minimum of 4 hours of continuous use from a full charge should suffice in most cases. Camera, Speakers & Microphone: Perhaps one of the most important but less talked about components is the laptops camera, speakers, and microphone. Since many college programs involve online lectures through video, it is essential to have a good camera that can relay video footage with good clarity. Speakers that belt out balanced sound and microphone/s that capture voice well enough while drowning out ambient noise, are essential to make for a good overall experience when taking online courses via video. Wi-Fi: In todays technology-driven world, having access to information at the tip of ones fingers is important. Being unable to link up with the internet can arguably label any laptop as dumb, which is why reliable Wi-Fi connectivity should be looked for. Current Wi-Fi standards are 802.11n and 802.11ac, with the recent addition of 802.11ax, also known as Wi-Fi 6. Operating System: The operating system is a sort of interpreter and enabler between the hardware of the laptop and the user (you). It also hosts and runs all the additional software one would need. The two popular operating systems today are Windows and macOS, with the relatively new third one being Chrome OS. Students should always check their program requirements what software is required to be installed, and of course, also consider their personal needs and preferences as well (some software do not work on certain operating systems). Warranty & Repairability: Warranty is another crucial factor because repairs to most laptops can otherwise run into hundreds of dollars. While in the case of Microsoft, Windows and Chrome-based laptops the period of warranty varies by manufacturer, Apple laptops typically come with a 1-year warranty that is extendable for an additional fee. It is worth pointing out that Windows laptops cost considerably less to service or repair than their Apple counterparts, but Apple laptops are less prone to failure and are generally considered to be more durable. Ecosystem: Comparing platforms and operating systems are not as easy as comparing apples to apples. Each operating system has its strengths and limitations, and there is no sure-shot winner. In the end, ease of use, compatibility with peripherals and accessories, stability, the user interface and experience, availability of third-party software, upgradability, personal preferences, etc. are all determinants in choosing the right laptop. All operating systems have their independent ecosystems and the ultimate choice of which one to opt for, solely depends on the user. (Note: Apple fans can check to see if the college they wish to enroll in is an Apple Distinguished School.) Things to Consider Before Choosing a LaptopNow that the laptop has been thoroughly examined, here are a few questions one must ask oneself before choosing which laptop to loan or own:
Online Colleges with Free Laptops FAQs
Online Colleges that offer Free Laptops or TabletsDownload Seal See Schools To push technology in education, several online schools today offer free laptops to students who enroll in their online programs. Some colleges may either offer laptops for free or at a discounted price. Below are the details of colleges that have a laptop program and offer free laptops or laptops at discounted prices to college students, ordered alphabetically. Link to this PageBethel UniversityBethel University is a private university out of Minnesota. Established in 1871, Bethel has more than 6000 students and offers many on-campus and online higher education programs. Students that are enrolled as first-year students get a Google Chromebook laptop. Students are expected to collect these laptops via mail before the first day. If students did not receive the laptop before the start date of the semester, they should contact the support lines.
Colorado Technical UniversityColorado Technical University (CTU) is a for-profit university based out of Colorado Springs. CTU hosts more than 23,000 students and offers many undergraduate, graduate, and online courses. CTU established a scholarship program in 2008 called the CTU Patriot Scholarship for U.S Armed Forces personnel whose lives have been altered due to injury while serving. The scholarship provides full-tuition for recipients that are enrolled in a regular on-campus or online program at CTU. The scholarship also includes a new laptop.
Dakota State UniversityDakota State University (DSU) is a public university out of Madison, South Dakota. DSU was founded in 1881 and hosts more than 3,000 students. DSU offers many on-campus and online programs. DSU believes in using technology to the fullest extent possible and provides a new laptop to full-time incoming first-year students. Students get a Fujitsu T Series laptop that comes with pre-installed software.
Drexel UniversityDrexel University is a private research university out of Philadelphia, PA and founded in 1891. Drexel has more than 24,000 students and offers many on-campus and online programs. Drexel is famous for its online graduate programs, especially in the areas of software engineering and technology programs. Drexel provides deed discounts for students that are looking to purchase laptops and software.
Full Sail UniversityFull Sail University is a private and for-profit university out of Winter Park, Florida. Full Sail is was established in 1979 and offers many on-campus and online educational programs. Full Sail is very famous for its on technical educational programs, along with game development and other computer science programs. Full Sail provides a MacBook Pro laptop for incoming students at a discounted price. Students that are pursuing a game development and other software development programs receive an H.P. laptop.
Independence UniversityIndependence University (I.U.) is an online university out of Salt Lake City, Utah. I.U. offers plenty of online educational programs at undergraduate and graduate levels. I.U. offers these programs at affordable tuition fees. I.U. believes in providing a positive online learning experience to its students and provides students with a tablet and a laptop to use while students are enrolled in the program. After students graduate from I.U., they get to keep both the devices. For students that drop-out, they have to return the devices.
Indiana State UniversityIndiana State University (ISU) is a public university based in Terre Haute, Indiana. ISU was founded in 1865 with over 12,000 students. ISU offers nearly 200 undergraduate and graduate-level educational programs that include on-campus and online programs. ISU offers these programs at very affordable tuition fees. ISU administers an award program called Sycamore Technology Award for students that are enrolled on a full-time basis. All incoming freshmen at ISU are automatically considered for this award program, and a separate application is not needed. Winners of this award will receive a laptop.
Northwest Missouri State UniversityNorthwest Missouri State University (Northwest) is a public university out of Maryville, Missouri. Northwest was founded in 1905 and has more than 7,000 students. Northwest offers more than 160 different majors and programs and provides these programs at very affordable tuition fees. Northwest provides laptops to all students regardless of whether they are full time or part-time and on-campus or online.
Ohio State UniversityOhio State University (OSU) is a public research university out of Columbus, Ohio. OSU was founded in 1870 and has more than 61,000 students. It is one of the largest universities in the U.S. in terms of student enrollment. OSU is very famous for its athletic teams. OSU offers many on-campus and online programs at very affordable tuition fees that maintain high quality. OSU provides an iPad to all incoming students.
Princeton UniversityPrinceton University is an Ivy League university out of Princeton, New Jersey. Princeton was established in 1776 and has more than 8,000 students. Princeton is 4rth oldest university in the country and famous for producing professionals that have won Nobel awards. Princeton offers many on-campus and online programs and is considered one of the premier universities in the world. Princeton provides laptops for students at a discounted price. Students get to pick the make and model of the laptop from a wide variety of choices.
Saint Leo UniversitySaint Leo University is a private university out of St. Leo, Florida. Saint Leo is established in 1889 and has more than 11,000 students. Saint Leo offers nearly 150-degree programs on-campus, online, and at its many educational centers. Saint Leo is committed to ensuring that all students have access to technology and offers rental laptops for students. Students that are enrolled in an undergraduate program at its main campus are eligible to rent these laptops.
Seton Hill UniversitySeton Hill University is a liberal arts university out of Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Seton Hill was established in 1885 and hosts nearly 1700 students. Seton Hill offers nearly 100 programs for undergraduate and graduate students. Seton Hill administers the Mobile Learning @ The Hill Program through which it issues a MacBook Air to all traditional full-time undergraduate students. And graduate students that are attending Physician Assistant, Art Therapy, Orthodontics, and Physical Therapy also get the MacBook Air.
St. Johns UniversitySt. Johns University is a private university that was established in 1870 and serves more than 21,000 students out of Queens, New York. St. Johns offers many undergraduate and graduate programs at their different campuses in the New York City area along with a robust online program. St. Johns offers a variety of laptops for students based on the area of study. Students are charged with a rental fee every semester and have to return the laptops upon graduation or when they leave the university.
University of Minnesota, CrookstonUniversity of Minnesota (UMN) is a public university out of Crookston, Minnesota. UMN has been established in 1866 and has nearly 2,000 students. UMN offers programs through four departments Agriculture and Natural Resources, Liberal Arts and Education, Business and Math, Science & Technology. UMN offers many programs through these departments in both on-campus and online formats. UMN is one of the oldest educational institutions in providing laptops for students, and they currently provide a laptop to students in the first year of the program. Students have to pay the cost of the laptop in the first two semesters, and they can keep the laptop after graduation.
University of North Carolina, PembrokeUniversity of North Carolina (UNCP) is a public university out of Pembroke, North Carolina. UNCP was established in 1887 and has nearly 8,000 students. UNCP offers 41 undergraduate programs and 12 graduate programs. UNCP administers an Honors Scholar Laptop Initiative through which they offer laptops to students for usage during their study at the university. The laptops are given to high-achieving students.
Wake Forest UniversityWake Forest is a private research university out of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Wake Forest was founded in 1834 and has more than 8,000 students. Wake Forest offers many undergraduate and graduate-level degree programs. Wake Forest requires all undergraduate students to have a laptop and offers laptops at discounted prices. Wake Forest also administers a laptop scholarship program through which they award laptops to students based on the need, merit, or athletic scholarship funds.
Source Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data Additional Resources for Online College StudentsThere is more to a masters degree than choosing a program that offers a free laptop. Students who run through a school search are often lost looking for the right and relevant information. OMC has a wealth of resources for graduate students to use, which can go a long way in making the right decisions. Here are a few to get started:
Stay up to dateBy entering my email address and clicking Sign Up I agree to be contacted by OnlineMastersColleges for any educational products or services. Note that this submission is not required to use our site. Last Updated: July 01, 2021
|