7 Ways To Get Free Laptop For Students

In today’s highly technology-driven world, education has become nearly impossible without access to digital devices, a laptop in particular, which is essential for all grades of students. Be it school or college, access to these devices is vital for tasks such as research, assignment completion, and meeting academic requirements. However, if you can’t afford one, there are numerous assistance programs administered by the government, nonprofits, and private entities to provide a free laptop for students. 

In this detailed analysis, we will explore all possible options available to get a free or at least significantly discounted laptop for students. 

How to Get Free Laptop for Students?

As the internet becomes an integral part of the modern education system, the need for a laptop is real. While the United States government doesn’t oversee a nationwide free laptop distribution program, there are multiple ways you can get one. 

1. Affordable Connectivity Program

ACP is an FCC-supported technology program that provides discounted internet and digital devices to financially challenged households. Each eligible participant can receive a monthly discount of $30 on broadband expenses, along with a flat $100 discount on a purchase of a tablet or laptop from the participating provider. 

Please remember that new ACP registrations have been halted due to the uncertain future of the program. However, if you are already enrolled, you can transfer your benefits to one of the ACP providers and apply for the free laptop for students. There is only one requirement – your annual household income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guideline. 

2. Non-Profit Organization

Next, you can also request a laptop from a non-profit organization. There are numerous private and non-profit entities, working to bridge the digital divide by handing out free laptops to low-income individuals and groups with limited financial means, including foster homes, nonprofits, educational institutions, community centers, shelters, and more.

Although the eligibility criteria for non-profits may vary, you can qualify for most of them by demonstrating your income statement. Additionally, on average, it takes up to 30 days to get approval for a free laptop from a non-profit organization. 

3. From Your School/College/University

Many educational institutes nowadays have technology assistance programs, through which they offer complimentary laptops to students for internet access, project development, or digital training purposes. You can explore the options you have at your college and take part in such initiatives, if available. 

Where Can I Get A Free Laptop For Students?

Here you can get free laptops for students:

1. Computers with Causes

Contact – 888-228-7320

Computers with Causes is a popular non-profit organization that accepts used machines and spare parts as donations, refurbishes them, and distributes them to students, the physically challenged, private educational institutes, shelters, teachers, and foster homes. 

• Top-notch used laptops from Apple, HP, and Lenovo 
• 2-day request processing time
• online/offline application

2. Laptops 4 Learning

Contact – 602-358-6649

Laptops 4 Learning has been working towards making technology affordable and accessible to less fortunate individuals, especially students, and veterans. Eligible applicants can receive a new or refurbished laptop for as low as $100. 

• New or refurbished Chromebook or Windows laptop
• 1-year warranty 
• Get approval in 3 weeks

3. On It Foundation

Contact – 305-244-6454

Since 1999, the On It Foundation has been supplying free laptops and digital training to K-12th grade students hailing from economically weaker families, who receive free/reduced-price lunch in an American public school. 

• Microsoft-certified refurbished laptops and desktops
• 6-month warranty
• Windows 7 with free web-based support

4. With Causes

Contact – 888-228-7320

With Causes extends support to pretty much anyone in need, including students, parents, teachers, senior citizens, foster homes, shelters, disabled, and military veterans. All you need to do is request a laptop through an offline application form. 

• Refurbishes Windows laptops 
• Get approval within 30 days 
• Free laptop for high school students

5. World Computer Exchange

Contact – Info@WorldComputerExchange.org

If you want to export large quantities of laptops and computers to other countries, WEC is the ideal solution for you. Simply visit the website, and complete an online form, explaining your budget, requirements, and intended purpose. 

• Order up to 1000 laptops or PCs
• Free network gear and peripherals
• Online training in networking, social media, troubleshooting, etc

6. PCs for People

Contact – 651-354-2552

Having distributed over 250k laptops in the last 25 years, PCs for People is among the biggest contributors, delivering affordable technology to those in dire need. All low-income households getting government benefits can apply for a free laptop for students.  

• $100 discount on all PCs and laptops through ACP
• Microsoft-certified refurbished Windows PCs and laptops
• 30-day return, 1-year hardware warranty, and lifetime free customer support

7. Computers for Kids

Contact – 208 345-0346

It’s a California-based nonprofit organization working towards equal education for all socioeconomic segments. Currently, they are giving away free laptops to K-12th grade students, smaller nonprofits, and educational groups. 

• Refurbished laptop with one year of free technical support
• Windows 10 and Microsoft Office 2010
• Certified Microsoft refurbished 

Who Is Eligible to Receive A Free Laptop For Students?

Before you begin the application process, it’s crucial to know the eligibility requirements to receive a free laptop for students. Please keep in mind that you must fulfill the basic requirements to apply from any provider/non-profit, along with the key eligibility criteria demonstrating your inability to afford a laptop. 

Let’s take a look:

1. Basic Eligibility Requirements

• The student must be an American citizen and a legal resident of the state where they are applying.  
• Students must be or below a certain age to qualify for a free government laptop. The minimum age threshold may vary depending on the program. 
• Some non-profits provide free laptops to students from certain grades only. 
• College students, caregivers, or private employees must be working for at least 30 hours a week. 
• Some organizations demand applicants to maintain a fixed amount of money in their bank accounts. 

Supporting Documents: Birth certificate, passport, Driver’s license, Government/state identity card, Foreign passport, Certificate of US citizenship, Tribal ID, recent paystub, income statement, utility bills, mortgage or lease statements. 

2. ACP Beneficiaries

If you are an active member of the Affordable Connectivity Program, you can demonstrate your participation while applying for a free laptop. Nearly all providers offer free laptops to ACP beneficiaries, given that you enrolled in the program before February 8, 2024. 

Supporting Documents: Benefit award letter, approval letter confirming participation in ACP, statement of benefits, and benefit verification letter. 

3. Students from Low-Income Households

If you belong to a low-income household and your annual income falls 200% below the Federal Poverty Guideline applicable in your state, you can qualify for a free laptop for students. 

Supporting Documents:  Pay stubs, state/Federal tax return papers from previous years, workers’ compensation records, Tribal tax documentation, unemployment benefit records, and current income statements.

4. Eligibility Through Government Assistance Programs

Lastly, you can demonstrate your eligibility through your participation in government assistance programs. Some providers verify low-income households through their participation in such support initiatives. 

Here is a list of programs:

• Pell Grant (for students)
• SNAP
• Medicaid
• Section 8
• Lifeline Assistance Program
• Adult & Child Mental Health Case Management
• Unemployment Benefits
• Foster Care Program
• The National School Lunch Program’s Free or Reduced Lunch Program
• TANF or GA Financial Assistance
• Social Security Disability
• Supplemental Security Income
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Supporting Documents: Documentation confirming participation in the Federal Assistance Program, approval letter from respective authorities, Notification of inclusion in an eligible state program, etc.

FAQs

1. Can I get a free laptop with EBT?

Yes, you can reach out to non-profit organizations and use your EBT card to apply for a free laptop. 

2. Where can I find the free laptop for students online registration form?

You will have to visit the providers’ respective websites and apply to all of them individually. 

3. How can I get a Dell free laptop for students?

You can participate in the Dell Scholars laptop distribution program. Students from 11th and 12th grade with over 2.4 GPA can apply for the program. 

4. Can I get a free laptop for college students from government?

If you or any member of your household is enrolled in ACP, you can apply for a free government laptop from collaborating providers, nonprofits, and private welfare organizations. 

Final Words

So why waste time? Pick a provider, assemble your documents, and send out the application to secure a free laptop for students now. I would like to emphasize that these programs are usually buried under thousands of laptop requests per week and implement stringent background checks to differentiate fraudulent requests from genuine ones. To maximize your chances, apply to as many programs as possible, but only if you have a valid requirement for a laptop.