Technology is central to absolutely everything today, but it’s especially important if you’re interested in earning your degree. You need a computer to be able to participate in classes, complete assignments, and even communicate with your classmates.

But if you don’t have a computer, you can still pursue an education. While an up-to-date computer is a key tool in pursuing a degree, you don’t have to spend money – you could get a new computer for free.

There’s a new trend in education: some colleges are offering free laptops for students. Colleges know that students don’t always have the money for a new computer, and they’re now helping students save money by including laptops in your enrollment package. And that means a lack of a computer no longer has to stand in your way. You could avoid the costly price of a new laptop by simply enrolling in a college.

Here’s how it works. When you enroll in a college, you’ll get a brand-new laptop to use. And the cost of that laptop is rolled into your tuition payments or fees. Some colleges make it even easier by letting students borrow laptops and return them once they graduate.

This new trend of offering free laptops could save you anywhere from $300 to $2,000. That’s why it’s important to know which universities and colleges offer laptops. Check out the following colleges, all of which offer laptops for students.

Seton Hill University

What’s Offered: Seton Hill University offers the Mobile Learning @ The Hill Program, which provides students with a MacBook, iPad, or both. All traditional, full-time, on-campus students at Seton Hill receive a MacBook and an iPad. Every laptop and iPad comes with Apple Care, which is provided by the university.

The Requirements: In order to take advantage of the Mobile Learning @ The Hill Program, Seton Hill students must meet the following requirements.

  • Students must attend all classes on-campus.
  • Graduate students will qualify for either a MacBook or iPad, but not both.

Northwest Missouri State University

What’s Offered: In an effort to make education more affordable and convenient for students, all full-time undergraduate students at Northwest Missouri State University receive a fully loaded laptop. On-campus technical support is offered to help with any laptop issues or crises that arise. Laptops are available for students who live on and off campus, and there’s a selection of different laptops that can be chosen.

The Requirements: To receive one of Northwest Missouri State University’s laptops, students must meet the following requirements.

  • Be a full-time undergraduate taking at least 12 credit hours or a graduate student taking at least 9 credit hours.
  • Return the laptop after graduation, either in-person or via mail.

St. John’s University

What’s Offered: All St. John’s University students are able to take advantage of a free laptop. Included with your laptop is a host of helpful services, like on-campus support and assistance, full warranty coverage, a laptop loaner program when repairs are needed, and pre-installed software to help with your coursework. Once students graduate, there’s no need to return the laptop – they can keep the computer at no cost. Students can choose from the following laptops:

  • Apple MacBook Pro
  • Lenovo ThinkPad L380
  • Lenovo ThinkPad L380 Yoga

The Requirements: In order to use one of the free laptops offered by St. John’s University, students must meet the following requirements.

  • Laptops must be chosen within the first 6 weeks of the semester.
  • Some colleges have recommended laptops – for example, students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences should choose a MacBook, while those in the College of Business should choose a Windows laptop.
  • Must graduate with at least a bachelor’s degree to keep the computer after graduation.

University of Minnesota – Crookton

What’s Offered: The University of Minnesota – Crookton has been a leader in technology for students since 1993. Through the “Laptop U” program, the university offers every full-time student a laptop loaded with pre-installed software. Once students graduate, they’re able to keep their laptops. Every two years, the university upgrades students’ laptops to ensure they’re using the most up-to-date models and technology.

The Requirements: To get a laptop from the “Laptop U” program at the University of Minnesota – Crookton, students must meet the following requirements.

  • Be a full-time student.
  • Attend classes on-campus.
  • Make a $50 donation to the University of Minnesota – Crookton Alumni Association (if you want to keep your laptop).

Southern Nazarene University

What’s Offered: Southern Nazarene University offers university-issued laptops for its students, both undergraduate and graduate. The laptops are meant to help students develop computer skills and work on coursework in a web-based format both in and out of class. In addition to the laptops themselves, SNU also offers ongoing support for students’ laptops.

The Requirements: To take advantage of SNU’s free laptop program, students must meet the following requirements.

  • Be a full-time enrolled student.