Tech Stipends 2025
Online Colleges That Provide Laptops to Students
Discover online colleges and universities that offer free laptops, technology stipends, or equipment loans to enrolled students in 2025. Compare programs and learn how to access tech assistance through FAFSA and institutional aid.
Advertisement
Online Colleges Offering Laptops or Technology Stipends 2025
Technology benefits and laptop programs change frequently. Always confirm directly with the institution's enrollment or financial aid office before making enrollment decisions based on this information.
| University | Laptop / Tech Benefit | Details | FAFSA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Sail University | ✓ Laptop Included | Program kit includes laptop, software, and hardware specific to your degree program | ✓ Yes |
| Strayer University | ✓ Laptop Provided | New students receive a laptop upon enrollment in qualifying programs | ✓ Yes |
| DeVry University | Tech Stipend | Technology scholarship/stipend available for qualifying students | ✓ Yes |
| Western Governors University | Technology Fund | WGU students may access emergency technology grants; federal aid can cover equipment | ✓ Yes |
| Southern New Hampshire Univ. | Aid for Tech | Financial aid packages can include allowances for technology purchases | ✓ Yes |
| Excelsior University | Loaner Program | Technology loaner equipment available through student services for qualifying students | ✓ Yes |
Advertisement
💡 How to Use FAFSA to Pay for a Laptop
- Federal student aid can cover the "cost of attendance" which includes technology, housing, books, and equipment — not just tuition.
- If your financial aid award exceeds your tuition, the refund check can be used for a laptop or other educational expenses.
- The CARES Act and emergency aid programs at many colleges offer direct technology grants — ask your financial aid office.
- Pell Grant recipients may qualify for additional technology assistance through the FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) for internet access discounts.
Best Laptops for Online College Students in 2025
If your school does not provide a laptop, here are the recommended specifications for online college coursework:
| Use Case | Recommended Specs | Estimated Budget |
|---|---|---|
| General Coursework (Business, Liberal Arts) | Intel Core i5 / Ryzen 5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, 8+ hr battery | $350–$600 |
| Healthcare / Nursing Programs | Intel Core i5/i7, 16GB RAM, Windows 11 (EHR software compatibility) | $600–$900 |
| Computer Science / Data Analytics | Intel Core i7 / M2 chip, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD | $800–$1,400 |
| Design / Media / Full Sail | Program-specific kit provided — check with school | Included in tuition |
Advertisement
Laptop Program FAQ
Some online colleges include a laptop in your program materials — Full Sail University and Strayer University are well-known examples. Others provide technology stipends or emergency grants. Most traditional online colleges do not provide laptops directly, but federal financial aid refunds (from FAFSA) can legally be used to purchase one.
Yes. Federal student loan disbursements that exceed your tuition (refund checks) can be used for educational expenses including computers, internet service, textbooks, and housing. The Department of Education recognizes technology as a legitimate cost of attendance component.
Most online degree programs work well with 25 Mbps download speeds. Video conferencing (Zoom, virtual labs) benefits from 50+ Mbps. Many universities provide hotspot loan programs or can connect students with subsidized internet programs like the FCC Affordable Connectivity Program.
Yes. The Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program, some state education grants, and many university emergency aid funds provide technology assistance to qualifying students. Additionally, organizations like PCs for People and Human-I-T provide refurbished laptops to qualifying low-income students.