For students about to begin their college journey, tuition, fees, and room and board are just the "tip of the iceberg" of university costs. Hidden expenses like books, course materials, travel, and healthcare quickly add up.
Electronic devices, though essential and costly, are not something every student can easily afford.
To promote equitable access to educational resources, more and more U.S. universities are rolling out "free laptop initiatives." These programs ensure that regardless of family resources, all students have the necessary devices to learn, helping them master the digital skills essential for the future.
Now, let's take a look with CheersYou（清柚教育） at which schools are so generous!
Category 1: Free to Keep, No Return Required
This is undoubtedly the best perk of all. Schools not only provide high-performance devices for free but also give them to students upon graduation, truly achieving "zero-cost ownership" and completely relieving the pressure of device expenses.
Moravian University
The university provides Apple devices – including a MacBook Pro, iPad, Apple Pencil, and Apple Watch – to all full-time undergraduate freshmen and transfer students. Students can keep these devices during their studies and after graduation.
Source: MU official website
Seton Hall University
Each full-time undergraduate receives a free laptop and accompanying software, with ownership transferring to the student upon graduation.
University of Arkansas Grantham
The university provides every student with a Lenovo laptop. Students can keep the device after completing two semesters of coursework.
University of Minnesota, Crookston
All degree-seeking students on campus receive a laptop and necessary software, which they can keep upon graduation. New Lenovo ThinkPads are expected to be provided for the Fall 2025 semester.
University of Texas at Austin
All incoming freshmen receive a laptop and supporting software, which becomes personal property upon graduation. Specific models are communicated via email during the summer before enrollment.
Southern Virginia University
Every full-time student receives an iPad, Apple Pencil, and keyboard, and can keep the iPad after completing their degree.
Source: SVU official website
St. John Fisher University
All undergraduate students and Pharmacy P1 students receive the latest iPad, keyboard case, and Apple Pencil, which they can keep after graduation.
Source: SJF official website
Category 2: Free to Use While Enrolled
These programs ensure students have standardized learning devices throughout their studies, along with comprehensive repair support. Although devices must be returned upon graduation, they greatly reduce the burden of purchase and maintenance.
Dakota State University
Full-time freshmen entering in the fall receive a Dell laptop with warranty and battery replacement services. Other students (spring freshmen, transfers, etc.) may borrow refurbished devices. These are only for use during the academic term.
Northwest Missouri State University
All full-time undergraduates are equipped with laptops and provided repair services; the devices are for use only while enrolled.
Source: NWmissouri official website
Category 3: Free Loaner/Rental Programs
Some schools do not universally issue devices but offer laptop loan services for students with short-term or specific needs.
Alabama State University
All business school students receive a free MacBook Pro for the entire semester.
California State University
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Bakersfield Campus: Provides free laptop/tablet loans for students with financial difficulties
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East Bay Campus and Fullerton Campus: Offer free laptop loans each semester with the option to renew for another semester; available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Saint Leo University
All undergraduate students (including transfers, part-time, and commuters) can rent a laptop with a $250 deposit.
Source: SLU official website
San Diego State University
The library offers device lending; laptops can be borrowed for 14 days and iPads for 7 days, with no renewals and must be returned on time.
Source: SDSU official website
Other Support: Student-Exclusive Discounts
Beyond the above programs, many universities offer official discounts or partner with manufacturers for student deals. While not outright giveaways, they still effectively reduce device costs:
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Harvard University: Apple, Dell discounts
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University of Michigan: Tech Shop discounts
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University of California, Berkeley: Campus tech store deals
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University of California, Davis: TechHUB Apple discounts
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Ohio State University: Tech Hub discount program
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Wake Forest University: WakeWare student purchase discounts
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Stony Brook University: Dell discounts
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From a teaching and management perspective, uniformly configured devices standardize learning tools. Instructors can design courses and assignments based on a consistent platform without worrying about compatibility issues, streamlining the teaching process.
For IT departments, unified management allows for pre-configuring necessary educational software and security settings, providing efficient, centralized technical support and maintenance, greatly enhancing operational efficiency and campus network security.
To students soon starting their college journey, after receiving those exciting acceptance letters, take the initiative to learn about your school's relevant benefit policies.
Whether it's a generous free gift, a thoughtful rental service, or a substantial student discount, make the most of these resources, travel light, and start a new chapter of studying abroad!
