College expenses can quickly add up, and one essential item you may need is a laptop. The good news is that there are avenues to potentially avoid the cost of purchasing a laptop if you’re heading to college. Here’s what you need to know:
- Laptop Scholarships for College Students: Some scholarships specifically cater to covering the costs of laptops for college students. These scholarships provide financial assistance towards purchasing a laptop, easing the burden of this expense.
- Schools Offering Free Laptops: Additionally, some colleges and universities provide students with free laptops as part of their educational resources. This initiative aims to ensure that all students have access to the necessary technology for their academic endeavors.
- Utilizing Existing Financial Aid: Depending on your financial aid package, you may have funds available that can be used towards purchasing a laptop. Be sure to review your financial aid situation and explore options for allocating funds towards acquiring a device.
By exploring these opportunities, you can potentially alleviate the financial strain of purchasing a laptop for college. Whether through scholarships, school-provided laptops, or existing financial aid, there are resources available to support your technological needs as a college student.
Scholarships specifically for a laptop
If you’re in need of a laptop for college, consider applying for scholarships specifically designated for acquiring this essential tool. Here are two notable opportunities:
- Dell Scholars Program:
- Designed to assist low-income, driven students pursuing higher education.
- Benefits: Dell Scholars receive a $20,000 scholarship along with a laptop equipped with a 4-year warranty.
- Deadline: Make sure to submit your application by December 1st!
- Laptops 4 Learning Program:
- Geared towards providing laptops to low-income students engaged in online education.
- Perks: Each month, the program awards 25 refurbished laptops to eligible candidates.
- Deadline: The application season for this program is ongoing.
By applying for these specialized scholarships, you can not only secure financial assistance for your college journey but also ensure access to the necessary technology for your academic success. Don’t miss out on these valuable opportunities!
Colleges Offering Free Laptops
Looking for a college that offers tech perks like free laptops? Here’s a roundup of institutions providing students with valuable technology resources:
- Moravian College:
- Tech Perk: Students receive a MacBook Pro, iPad, and Apple pencil.
- Eligibility: Incoming undergraduate students are eligible.
- Valley City State University:
- Tech Perk: Students receive either a MacBook Pro or a Microsoft Windows laptop.
- Eligibility: Full-time students receive a free laptop, while part-time students receive discounts.
- Full Sail University:
- Tech Perk: Through “Project LaunchBox,” students receive a laptop with software and accessories relevant to their degrees.
- Eligibility: The cost of the laptop and software is included in tuition, with LaunchBox packages tailored to each degree program.
- Chatham University:
- Tech Perk: Students receive a MacBook Air during student orientation.
- Eligibility: All incoming first-year students are eligible.
- Strayer University:
- Tech Perk: Students receive a laptop with Microsoft software, which they can keep after completing their first three semesters.
- Eligibility: Students enrolled in an online bachelor’s degree program are eligible.
- Wake Forest University:
- Tech Perk: The “WakeWare” Program offers laptops to students at discounted rates, with the opportunity for those receiving institutional financial aid to get the technology grant, making the laptop free.
- Eligibility: All undergraduate students qualify for the discount program, while those receiving institutional aid can apply for the grant program.
- Bowdoin College:
- Tech Perk: All students receive a free MacBook Pro, iPad Mini, Apple Pencil, and relevant software.
- Eligibility: Every student automatically receives this perk upon enrollment.
These institutions go the extra mile to equip students with the necessary technology for their academic journey, making them stand out among their peers.
Affordable Alternatives: Discounted Laptops for Students
While not free, some colleges provide students with the opportunity to purchase laptops at discounted rates, offering a budget-friendly option for acquiring essential technology. Here’s how you can save money on a laptop:
- College Discount Programs:
- Many colleges offer laptops to students at discounted prices, allowing you to save a significant amount compared to retail prices.
- Purchasing a laptop through your school ensures compatibility with coursework and provides peace of mind.
- However, it’s essential to conduct comparison shopping to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
- Retailer Student Discounts:
- Major retailers like Apple offer student discounts, providing a flat percentage off the retail price.
- In addition to discounts, retailers may offer incentives such as free accessories like AirPods.
- As a student, you’re eligible for these discounts simply by providing proof of your student status.
By taking advantage of college discount programs and retailer student discounts, you can access quality laptops at more affordable prices, helping you stay within your budget while ensuring you have the necessary technology for your academic endeavors.
Conclusion
While acquiring a laptop may not always be free, there are numerous avenues for students to obtain one at a discounted rate. Whether through college discount programs or retailer student discounts, students can save a significant amount of money on their laptop purchases. These discounted options not only offer affordability but also provide assurance that the technology meets academic requirements. By exploring these affordable alternatives, students can equip themselves with the necessary tools for success in their academic journey without breaking the bank.