For students pursuing an online degree, finding a school that provides a laptop as part of enrollment can ease both financial and logistical burdens. Several institutions bundle technology directly into their programs, and knowing where to look makes the difference.
Why Technology Access Matters for Online Learners
Completing coursework online demands reliable, capable hardware—yet not every student enters a program already equipped with a suitable device. A 2023–24 survey of approximately 28,000 students found that more than 30% reported experiencing learning difficulties because they lacked an appropriate device (source). That figure highlights a real and widespread gap between enrollment intentions and the practical tools students need to succeed.
When a school folds a laptop directly into the cost of attendance or offers one at no additional charge, students can redirect their financial energy toward tuition, housing, and course materials. This type of benefit is especially valuable for online programs, where students often work remotely and may not have easy access to campus computer labs or libraries.
Schools That Provide Laptops to Enrolled Students
Several institutions with online degree programs provide laptops directly to qualifying students, although the terms differ considerably.
University of Arkansas Grantham
The fully online university provides a new Lenovo laptop at no additional cost to new and returning students who enroll in an eligible degree program, with the device issued after classes begin (source). Certificate and non-degree students are excluded, so applicants should confirm that their intended program qualifies before enrolling.
Full Sail University
Full Sail University also provides technology to students through Project LaunchBox. The university states that all students receive a laptop along with software and, depending on the degree, additional hardware customised to the program. The package is included in tuition, and Full Sail specifically confirms that its online students participate in the program (source). The exact computer varies by course of study, with current packages using either Apple MacBook or MSI laptop models.
Strayer University
Strayer University offers another option for students pursuing bachelor’s degrees, including programs that can be completed online. Eligible bachelor’s students receive a new laptop after enrolling, and the device becomes theirs to keep after they successfully complete their first three quarters of classes (source). Because eligibility restrictions apply, prospective students should verify the current laptop terms for their specific program before treating the device as a guaranteed enrollment benefit.
What Students Typically Need to Qualify
Not every enrolled student automatically receives a laptop from these institutions. Eligibility often hinges on a set of conditions that differ from school to school. In many cases, students must enroll in a qualifying degree program, submit required financial or enrollment forms, and—depending on the institution—demonstrate financial need, such as being eligible for a Pell Grant (source).
Prospective students should contact the admissions or financial aid office of any school they are considering to ask specifically about technology benefits. Asking directly is the most reliable way to confirm current availability, since program offerings can change from one academic year to the next. Some institutions may also distinguish between full-time and part-time enrollment status when determining eligibility.
How to Find Online Schools That Really Include a Laptop
Start by confirming that the school and the specific degree program are actually available online, then check the institution’s own technology or student-benefits page rather than relying only on third-party lists. The U.S. Department of Education provides tools for checking whether a college is accredited and for comparing institutions by programs, costs, admissions, and other characteristics (source). Once a school passes that basic check, look for current language stating that online students qualify for the laptop offer.
Next, read the laptop policy closely before applying. Verify whether the device is without fees, included in tuition, loaned for the duration of enrollment, or offered at a discount. Also check whether eligibility depends on full-time status, degree level, financial need, or completing a certain number of classes. Because technology programs can change between academic years, prospective students should confirm the terms directly with admissions or student services before treating a laptop offer as part of the financial value of enrolling.
Other Avenues for Obtaining a Laptop
For students whose target school does not offer a device as part of enrollment, alternative pathways exist. Nonprofit organizations and government-funded programs sometimes provide no-fee or reduced-cost laptops to qualifying students, particularly those who meet low-income thresholds (source). Additionally, some schools offer discounted laptop programs even when they do not provide devices outright, allowing students to purchase a computer at a lower institutional rate.
It is also worth checking whether financial aid awards can be applied toward technology purchases. Many students do not realize that certain forms of aid, once disbursed, can cover approved educational expenses beyond tuition—and a laptop may qualify depending on the institution’s cost-of-attendance calculation.
Learn More About Schools That Include Laptops With Enrollment
Choosing an online school that includes a laptop with enrollment can meaningfully reduce the financial strain on students before their first class even begins. Some top institutions demonstrate that technology-inclusive enrollment is a realistic and growing option in higher education.
Understanding the eligibility requirements, the type of device offered, and whether the laptop becomes the student’s permanent property are all critical factors worth investigating. Students who take the time to compare these benefits alongside academic program quality and tuition costs are better positioned to make an informed enrollment decision that serves both their educational and financial goals.