In the last few years, people have been working and studying from home more, so the demand for computers has shot up. Laptops and other portable devices have become more essential than ever for homes, offices, and schools. And now, we even have free laptops for students from the government, charities, and schools.
College students often find it hard to afford new laptops because they can be quite expensive. Thankfully, there are methods to get a laptop for college without spending any money. These include winning scholarships, receiving gifts from charities, and getting student discounts on laptops from leading brands. This is making technology more available to students.
What Does a Free Laptop Program Mean?
A free laptop program is all about giving students a laptop without any cost. How does this work? Well, universities, educational charities, and top tech companies provide funds for these programs. The goal is to equip students with the technology they need to do well in school and their future careers.
But remember: You usually need to be enrolled in an accredited four-year degree program to qualify for most free laptop programs.
Free Laptops for Students from the Government
So, in order for you to become a PC owner without spending money, we carefully compiled the best free laptop opportunities out there. Some of which are free laptops for students from the government.
1. World Computer Exchange
The World Computer Exchange (WCE) is a platform that provides low-cost desktop and laptop computers loaded with educational content to organizations in developing countries. They also offer free peripherals, network gear, and online capacity building training. The number of computers an organization can order is flexible, with options to ship in containers that hold either 350 or 700 desktop computers.
Also, the cost involves a non-refundable down-payment deposit of $5 per computer requested, up to a maximum of $250. Discounts are available under certain conditions. Partners are expected to handle demurrage, customs, and costs related to clearance from the port, among other responsibilities.
Unfortunately, WCE does not ship individual computers or to groups in the USA.
| Key Information | |
|---|---|
| Application Process | Fill out the form on the website |
| Number of Computers | Any quantity needed |
| Cost | $5 per computer requested (up to $250) |
| Additional Benefits | Free peripherals, network gear, and online training |
| Responsibilities | Handle demurrage, customs, clearance costs, etc. |
| Availability | Not available for individual or groups in the USA |
Source: World Computer Exchange
2. MDRC Laptop Program
You can get a free laptops for students from the government from the MDRC’s Los Angeles College Promise Program, which aims to increase college access and success among students in the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD). The goal is to offer on-campus support services and a scholarship that fully covers students’ tuition and fees during their first two years.
The program operates across all nine LACCD community colleges, serving over 200,000 students, and is available to all high school graduates in the Los Angeles Unified School District. The program has established a cycle of continual program improvement using tools and insights from the field of behavioral science and involving the students themselves.
| Key Information | |
|---|---|
| Program | Los Angeles College Promise Program |
| Services | On-campus support services, tuition, and fee coverage for two years |
| Beneficiaries | All high school graduates in the Los Angeles Unified School District |
| Improvement Strategy | Continual program improvement using behavioral science insights |
| Student Involvement | Students are involved in the improvement process |
Source: MDRC
3. The On It Foundation Computer Donation
The On It Foundation is a non-profit organization (so, not one of the free laptops for students from the government) that accepts computer donations to help provide technology to low-income families with students in grades K-12.
They accept both desktop and laptop systems, with specific requirements for each. For desktop systems, they require a CPU speed of 1.6 Ghz – 4.0 Ghz, RAM between 512 MB – 16 GB, and a hard drive between 74 GB – 2 TB. For laptop systems, they require a CPU speed of 1.5 Ghz – 4.0 Ghz, RAM of 256 MB – 4.5 GB or more, and a hard drive of 40 GB – 1 TB or larger. They also accept monitors with a video display of 14 inch Color – 21 inch Color. For more details, visit their website.
| Key Information | |
|---|---|
| Organization | The On It Foundation |
| Donations Accepted | Desktop and Laptop Systems, Monitors |
| Desktop System Requirements | CPU speed: 1.6 Ghz – 4.0 Ghz, RAM: 512 MB – 16 GB, Hard Drive: 74 GB – 2 TB |
| Laptop System Requirements | CPU speed: 1.5 Ghz – 4.0 Ghz, RAM: 256 MB – 4.5 GB or more, Hard Drive: 40 GB – 1 TB or larger |
| Monitor Requirements | Video Display: 14 inch Color – 21 inch Color |
Source: The On It Foundation
4. AFTRR Map for Laptop Distributors
The Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse (AFTRR) provides a map locator that lists various organizations involved in computer refurbishing and distribution. With this locator, you can find free laptops for students from the government nearest to you.
These organizations are spread across the country and include entities like 2nd Chance Computer Refurbishing, A+ Tutoring Services, Inc., Assistive Technology of Ohio, and many others. Each organization has its own set of services and programs aimed at providing technology access to those in need. For more information and to find a distributor near you, visit their website.
| Key Information | |
|---|---|
| Organization | Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse (AFTRR) |
| Services | Map locator for computer refurbishing and distribution organizations |
| Examples of Listed Organizations | 2nd Chance Computer Refurbishing, A+ Tutoring Services, Inc., Assistive Technology of Ohio |
Source: AFTRR
5. Computers with Causes Computer Request
Computers with Causes is a charitable organization that invites individuals and nonprofits in need of a working computer to apply for one. They focus on assisting students, teachers, parents, the elderly, foster homes, shelters, disabled US veterans, struggling military families, and like-minded nonprofit organizations.
Computers with Causes also conducts a strict need assessment, background, and reference check to ensure the assistance goes to those truly in need. The application process involves filling out a form detailing why the applicant is a candidate for a gifted computer.
Note that receiving assistance may affect or terminate current benefits from sources like TANF, SSI, SSDI, Welfare, Food Stamps, etc. For more information, visit their website.
| Key Information | |
|---|---|
| Organization | Computers with Causes |
| Application Process | Fill out the form on the website |
| Beneficiaries | Students, teachers, parents, the elderly, foster homes, shelters, disabled US veterans, struggling military families, and like-minded nonprofit organizations |
| Assessment | Strict need assessment, background, and reference check |
6. Laptops 4 Learning
Laptops 4 Learning is an organization that provides laptops to students in need. They offer three types of devices: a refurbished Chromebook, a refurbished Windows laptop, and a new Dell Latitude 3120. The refurbished Chromebook comes with 4GB RAM, 16GB SSD, and a 90-day warranty for $145 plus $18 for delivery and handling.
The refurbished Windows laptop has a 3rd Gen Core i3 or Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD, and a 90-day warranty for $285 plus $18 for delivery and handling. The new Dell Latitude 3120 comes with an Intel Celeron N5100 Processor, 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC Hard Drive, and a 90-day warranty plus 6 months Accidental Damage Service for $385 plus $18 for delivery and handling. Visit their website.
| Key Information | |
|---|---|
| Organization | Laptops 4 Learning |
| Available Devices | Refurbished Chromebook, Refurbished Windows Laptop, New Dell Latitude 3120 |
| Cost | $145 – $385 plus $18 for delivery and handling |
| Warranty | 90-day warranty, with an additional 6 months Accidental Damage Service for the new laptop |
7. Apple Education Store
You can use the Apple Education Store to get special pricing on Macs and iPads for current and newly accepted college students and their parents, as well as teachers and staff at all levels.
Apple offers a range of products from MacBook Air with M1 chip starting at $899 to Mac Pro starting at $6599. iPads are also available with prices starting from $309 for the 9th generation iPad to $749 for the iPad Pro. All prices are subject to market fluctuations and the devices come with a 90-day warranty. Additionally, Apple offers a trade-in program where you can trade in your eligible computer and get credit toward a new Mac. For more details, visit their website.
| Key Information | |
|---|---|
| Organization | Apple Education Store |
| Available Devices | Range of Macs and iPads |
| Cost | Varies depending on the product |
| Eligibility | Current and newly accepted college students and their parents, teachers, and staff at all levels |
| Trade-in Program | Available for eligible devices |
Source: Apple Education Store
8. Samsung Education Offers Program
How about the Samsung Education Offers Program? They currently provide special discounts for students, teachers, parents, and educators. The program offers a range of discounts on various Samsung products, including TVs, phones, and more.
Some of the latest offers include up to $1,200 off select Bespoke Refrigerators, pre-order deals on the new Galaxy Z Fold5, Galaxy Z Flip5, and Galaxy Tab S9 Series with free storage upgrades and exclusive discounts. The program also offers up to $200 off the Galaxy S23 Series and $600 off a 55″ rotating Odyssey Ark Screen.
You can access these special prices by signing up with an eligible email ID (typically student email address) and complete the ID.me verification process. For more details, visit their website.
| Key Information | |
|---|---|
| Organization | Samsung Education Offers Program |
| Available Devices | Range of Samsung products |
| Cost | Varies depending on the product and offer |
| Eligibility | Students, teachers, parents, and educators |
| Sign Up | Required with an eligible email ID and ID.me verification |
Source: Samsung Education Offers Program
9. Notebooks for Students Discount Laptops/School Sales
Notebooks for Students (NFS) is a nonprofit organization that offers discounted laptops to students attending primary, high school, college, homeschool, and virtual schooling. They offer a range of laptops, including Lenovo ThinkPad, HP EliteBook, Dell Latitude, and Apple MacBook Pro.
Prices range from $175 for an HP Chromebook 11 G6 to $1,350 for an Apple MacBook Pro 16in i7. NFS provides a free 4-year warranty that covers hardware repair, virus removal, printer support, online curriculum support, software installation, internet connections, file recovery, and DVD curriculum support.
| Key Information | |
|---|---|
| Organization | Notebooks for Students |
| Available Devices | Range of laptops including Lenovo, HP, Dell, and Apple |
| Cost | Varies depending on the product |
| Warranty | Free 4-year warranty covering a range of services |
Source application website: Notebooks for Students
10. Connect All Low-Cost Technology for Low-Income
Connect All is an organization that offers low-cost technology to underserved communities. They offer a range of refurbished products, including Lenovo T460s with Core i7-6600U CPU @ 2.60GHz, 20GB RAM, 500GB SSD for $274, and Lenovo T470 with Core i5-6300U CPU @ 2.40GHz, 16GB RAM, 250GB SSD for $214.
Purchasing from Connect All not only helps under-served communities gain access to technology but is also environmentally friendly as reusing working computers is up to 20 times more energy efficient than recycling them. Moreover, a refurbished computer is generally 30 percent less expensive than a comparable new one.
| Key Information | |
|---|---|
| Organization | Connect All |
| Available Devices | Range of refurbished products |
| Cost | Varies depending on the product |
| Benefits | Helps under-served communities, environmentally friendly, cost-effective |
Source free laptops for students from the government application: Connect All
11. Microsoft Student Discount
Microsoft offers a student discount program where students, parents, teachers, and military can save 5-10% on select products from the Microsoft Store. This includes up to 10% off eligible computers and accessories, 5% off Surface Go, and free Office 365. The best price—your student discount or a sale price—will automatically be applied to your cart.
The discount may not be combinable with other offers. To check your eligibility, you need to enter the email address you use with your personal Microsoft account. If you’re eligible, you’ll be approved right away.
| Key Information | |
|---|---|
| Organization | Microsoft |
| Available Discounts | 5-10% off on select products, Free Office 365 |
| Eligibility | Students, parents, teachers, and military |
Source application: Microsoft Student Discount
12. PCS for People
PCS for People is a non-profit organization focused on providing low-cost technology and internet solutions to individuals who need it most. indirectly, they give free laptops for students from the government since they also source laptops from the government.
To shop with them, customers must be currently participating in a government-based assistance program or have a qualifying household income (less than 200% of federal poverty guidelines or 60% of area median income). They require photo identification and income documentation to ensure that customers meet their eligibility criteria. Acceptable documents for income eligibility fall into two categories: qualifying income-based assistance programs OR qualifying income documentation.
| Key Information | |
|---|---|
| Organization | PCS for People |
| Eligibility | Participating in a government-based assistance program or have a qualifying household income |
| Required Documents | Photo identification, Documentation of Income |
Source: PCS for People
Now, we mentioned some of the opportunities for free laptops for students from the government. You should also consider some of the colleges that give free laptops to students. If you are preparing for college, perhaps, you want to study here to get a free laptop.
13. Chatham University Undergraduate Program
Chatham University offers an Undergraduate 1:1 Laptop Program where all incoming first-year undergraduate students receive a 13-inch MacBook Air laptop. The package also includes a backpack and case to protect the laptop.
Depending on the number of credits transferring, transfer students will receive a 13-inch MacBook or MacBook Air.
The program covers a 4-year AppleCare Warranty, SafeWare Accidental Damage Protection, SafeWare Theft Protection, and Helpdesk Repair Services. The costs for the computer and services are covered by the Technology Fee. Upon graduation, ownership of the equipment is transferred to the student.
| Key Information | |
|---|---|
| University | Chatham University |
| Program | Undergraduate 1:1 Laptop Program |
| Equipment | 13-inch MacBook Air, backpack, case |
| Services | 4-year AppleCare Warranty, SafeWare Accidental Damage Protection, SafeWare Theft Protection, Helpdesk Repair Services |
| Costs | Covered by the Technology Fee |
| Ownership | Transferred to the student upon graduation |
Source: Chatham University
14. Wake Forest University Wake Ware
Wake Forest University offers the WakeWare program, a student computing initiative that recommends highly configured, insured, and supported personal computing devices at a negotiated price for undergraduate students.
The program offers Apple MacBook and Microsoft Laptop options. Each device comes with a four-year extended warranty, accidental damage, and theft protection through Safeware.
Also, the university’s on-campus Service Desk provides full support for students, including loaner laptops when your laptop is being repaired at their Tech Shop. The devices are tested to connect seamlessly to WFU wireless and classroom multimedia equipment.
| Key Information | |
|---|---|
| University | Wake Forest University |
| Program | WakeWare |
| Available Devices | Apple MacBook and Microsoft Laptop |
| Services | Four-year extended warranty, accidental damage, and theft protection |
| Support | On-campus Service Desk, including loaner laptops |
Source: Wake Forest University Wake Ware
15. Moravian University Apple Technology
Moravian University provides every incoming undergraduate student with an Apple MacBook Pro computer, an iPad, and an Apple Pencil after they accept their offer of admission. This technology is theirs to keep throughout their education at Moravian and beyond. The university has been recognized as an Apple Distinguished School since 2018, a title given to centers of innovation, leadership, and educational excellence that use technology to inspire creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking.
The Comenius Access to Technology program provides Apple devices to the campus community, leveling the educational playing field and giving students, faculty, and staff the opportunity for digital innovation and connectivity. For more information, visit their website.
| Key Information | |
|---|---|
| University | Moravian University |
| Program | Apple Technology |
| Available Devices | Apple MacBook Pro, iPad, and Apple Pencil |
| Recognition | Apple Distinguished School since 2018 |
| Comenius Access to Technology | Provides Apple devices to the campus community |
Source: Moravian University Apple Technology
16. Stevens-Henager College- Ogden, Utah
Stevens-Henager College, located in West Haven (Ogden), Utah, has a legacy of student success that spans over 120 years. They offer a unique laptop program for new students. Upon enrollment, students receive a laptop preloaded with all the necessary software for their program. This laptop is not just for use during the course of study but is also for the students to keep after graduation. The college provides one-on-one assistance to help students get started with their new laptops. The college offers a variety of associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs in fields such as Medical Assisting, Nursing Education, Surgical Technologist, Accounting, Business Administration, Networking and Information Systems Security, and Software and Mobile Applications Development. For more information, visit their website.
| Key Information | |
|---|---|
| Institution | Stevens-Henager College- Ogden, Utah |
| Laptop Program | New students receive a laptop preloaded with the necessary software |
| Ownership | Laptop is for students to keep after graduation |
| Degree Programs | Associate’s and Bachelor’s degree programs in various fields |
Source: Stevens-Henager College- Ogden, Utah
17. University of Rochester Incoming Students Program
The University of Rochester welcomes the Class of 2026 and new transfer students with a comprehensive academic support system. The College Center for Advising Services (CCAS) assists undergraduate students with their academic needs, providing accurate academic information, opportunities to make the most of their undergraduate years, and solutions to academic problems.
Starting from the Class of 2024 and new transfer students enrolling in fall 2020, every undergraduate student is assigned an advisor who stays with them from the summer before matriculation until graduation. The university also offers courses and workshops for first-year students, including Meliora Seminars, Methods of Inquiry, International Student Success, and Design Your Life (+Career). For more information, visit their website.
| Key Information | |
|---|---|
| Institution | University of Rochester |
| Support System | College Center for Advising Services (CCAS) |
| Advising | Every student is assigned an advisor from matriculation until graduation |
| Courses and Workshops | Meliora Seminars, Methods of Inquiry, International Student Success, Design Your Life (+Career) |
Source: University of Rochester
18. Seton Hill University Mobile Learning
Seton Hill University’s Mobile Learning @ The Hill Program provides its academic community with 24/7 access to a world of learning and the necessary tools to fully engage in it. Through this program, students, faculty, and staff are provided with Apple devices and training to integrate mobile technology resources into the academic environment.
The devices provided include MacBook Air Laptops for traditional full-time bachelor’s degree students, M.S. in Physician Assistant students, M.A. in Art Therapy students, M.S. in Orthodontics students, Doctor of Physical Therapy DPT students, full-time faculty, and full-time staff in most areas.
iPad Tablets are also provided to faculty upon request. The university also offers Apple Tech Support to all students, faculty, and staff.
| Key Information | |
|---|---|
| Institution | Seton Hill University |
| Program | Mobile Learning @ The Hill Program |
| Devices Provided | MacBook Air Laptops, iPad Tablets |
| Recipients | Students, faculty, and staff |
| Tech Support | Available to all students, faculty, and staff |
Source: Seton Hill University
19. St. John’s University Laptop Partnership
St. John’s University has partnered with Lenovo and Apple to offer the SJU community special discounts for the purchase of laptops and other accessories. Through their online WebStores, students, faculty, and staff can find laptops and accessories such as extra power cables, USB-C adapters, USB hubs, external monitors, headsets, and keyboard/mouse sets.
When purchasing a laptop, it is highly recommended to include the purchase of Accidental Damage Protection (ADP) insurance, either directly with Lenovo or through Safeware for Apple. This protection covers any physical damages to the laptop, such as accidental spills or drop damage. Please note that these are personal devices and are not eligible for repair at St. John’s Technology Center.
| Key Information | |
|---|---|
| Institution | St. John’s University |
| Partners | Lenovo and Apple |
| Discounts | Available for laptops and accessories |
| Insurance | Accidental Damage Protection (ADP) recommended |
Source: St. John’s University
Conclusion
Above, we have been able to list all legit free laptops for students from the government. Be careful with some fake websites that claim to give free laptops – lots of them are fake. Also, if anyone asks for your credit card details, PayPal, Cash App, etc., to give you a free student laptop, it is a scam – steer clear. Good luck.
