Getting a free laptop can seem like a dream, especially for students. Whether you need a free laptop for college, chance upon a free government laptop, or seek a free laptop from a low-income family, options are available. In this guide, let’s discover how to get a free laptop for students.
12 Legit Ways To Get a Free Laptop
1. Earn a Free Laptop Through Reward Sites
You can get a free laptop by engaging in simple online activities. Below are ways to achieve this:
- Swagbucks: Earn points by watching videos, playing games, and engaging in other activities on Swagbucks. These points can be accumulated in exchange for gift cards, which can be used to purchase a laptop necessary for schoolwork in higher education.
Read our full Swagbucks review here or sign up directly using our link for your free $5 signup bonus.
- Rakuten: Rakuten offers cash back for online purchases, allowing you to save and eventually pay for a laptop, which is essential for schoolwork and undergraduate courses.
Read our full Rakuten review here or use our link for your free $10 welcome bonus.
- InboxDollars: Earn money by taking surveys and reading emails on InboxDollars. The points you earn can be converted into money, which you can use to purchase a laptop later.
Read our full InboxDollars review here or use our link for your free $5 bonus.
Simple online tasks make earning a free laptop through this reward site possible. Here’s what you need to know to get started:
Eligibility Criteria:
- You must usually be at least 18 and live in certain countries.
- You’ll need to sign up and follow the rules of the reward site.
Application Process:
- Sign Up: Create an account on sites like Swagbucks, Rakuten, or InboxDollars.
- Do Tasks: Watch videos, play games, take surveys, or read emails to earn points or money.
- Earn Rewards: Keep doing tasks to collect enough points or money.
- Get Your Laptop: Once you’ve earned enough, you can use your points or money to buy a laptop.
Necessary Documentation:
- When you sign up, you must provide basic information like your name and email.
- Some sites might ask for extra proof of who you are.
- You might need to give payment details to get paid in cash.
You should be careful with your info and follow the rules of the reward sites.
2. Take Advantage of College Resources
Colleges often provide support for students who want to acquire laptops. Start by inquiring with your college’s financial aid office, which can inform you about laptop funding or scholarship programs.
Use paperwork like your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form or tuition invoices to demonstrate your need with enrollment evidence and possibly financial information.
Meeting application deadlines is crucial; participating in work-study programs might also earn you a laptop.
3. Explore Scholarships
Scholarships can significantly reduce college expenses and sometimes include free laptops. The following institutions are known for such initiatives:
- Wake Forest University
- Southern Nazarene University
- St. John’s University
- Full Sail University
- Drexel University
- Rochester College
- Northwest Missouri State University
- Bethel University
- Wentworth Institute of Technology
Consult your school’s financial aid office for scholarship opportunities and assistance in managing tuition and fees.
4. Use Federal Student Aid
Federal Student Aid, managed by the Department of Education, helps cover educational expenses. It includes loans, grants, and work-study programs, some of which might allow you to purchase a laptop from excess funds.
Key federal financial aid programs include Federal Pell Grants, Federal Student Loans, and Federal Work-Study. To maximize your aid eligibility, always complete the FAFSA annually.
5. Non-Profit Organizations
Non-profits offer various supports, including scholarships, financial aid, and technology resources, without requiring repayment. These organizations can be a significant relief for undergraduate students with financial needs.
Contact your financial aid office to tap into this resource and prepare documentation like FAFSA or transcripts. Notable non-profits include:
- The United Negro College Fund (UNCF)
- Scholarship America
- The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF)
- The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Commitment to academic success is a priority for these entities when choosing beneficiaries.
6. Tech Companies and Startups
Tech enterprises often run contests or offer scholarships to support college students with high educational expenses like laptops and tuition fees. Discovering these opportunities requires visiting company websites and exploring community support sections. Companies actively involved include:
- Microsoft
- Apple
- Intel
7. Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding is a strategy for soliciting small online donations to support educational expenses, including tuition and laptops. You would share your educational journey and financial needs to leverage crowdfunding platforms.
Popular crowdfunding platforms include:
- GoFundMe
- Kickstarter
- Indiegogo
Clearly articulate your educational objectives and funding requirements on these platforms, then promote your fundraising page online to garner support.
8. Corporate Sponsorships
Businesses often back students through corporate sponsorships, assisting with educational expenses, including tuition, books, or technology such as laptops. Like scholarship applications, corporate sponsorship programs require candidates to apply, often via the company’s website.
Applicants may need to demonstrate financial necessity, strong academic performance, or involvement in community service. United States companies that offer sponsorships include:
- Intel
- Microsoft
- Johnson & Johnson
For instance, Microsoft sponsors students pursuing computer science or STEM degrees. On the other hand, Intel provides scholarships for those studying technology or engineering. Ensure you apply early and maintain a consistent GPA to increase your chances of obtaining these merit-based sponsorships.
9. Social Media Giveaways
For students who need technology for educational purposes, winning a laptop from a social media giveaway can be highly beneficial. Monitoring tech companies’ social media activities can open opportunities since these entities periodically hold contests.
Following tech-related accounts on platforms like Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter) is advisable. These platforms frequently announce contests that involve simple tasks such as commenting or reposting for a chance to win valuable tech prizes. Always check links before you click on them because some links might be unsafe.
10. Student Loans for Laptops
Under certain circumstances, student loans provide a means to purchase essential school technology, such as laptops. The funds obtained through federal student loans derived from government sources may cover various educational costs, including equipment necessary for coursework.
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is essential to determine qualification for financial assistance. Additionally, consulting the financial aid office at your institution can offer guidance on the amount of loan funding allocated for a laptop purchase.
11. Recycled and Refurbished Programs
Programs specializing in fixing used and old laptops provide affordable technology solutions to students in financial need. By refurbishing old devices, these programs ensure functional technology is accessible at reduced costs or even for free. Here’s a list of programs offering recycled and refurbished laptops:
- Computers with Causes: Donates computers to students in need.
- World Computer Exchange: Distributes refurbished computers to students in developing countries.
- Microsoft Registered Refurbisher Program: Sells refurbished laptops with Windows OS at discounted prices to students.
- The On It Foundation: Provides free computers to students enrolled in free school meal programs.
12. Faith-Based Organizations
Organizations rooted in religious faith often extend their charitable efforts to include support for community members pursuing higher education. Such organizations may offer scholarships or other forms of educational assistance. Here are some of faith-based organizations in the US providing educational support:
- Salvation Army
- Catholic Charities USA
- Lutheran Services in America
- National Association of Evangelicals
- United Methodist Church
- Islamic Relief USA
- Jewish Federations of North America
- Baptist Health Foundation
- Christian Community Action
- Faith-Based Scholarships sponsored by various churches
Engaging with a counselor or the financial aid staff at your institution can clarify the options available for aid through faith-based organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions – How To Get a Free Laptop
How Do I Get a Laptop for Free from the Government?
To get a free laptop from the government, look for programs that help people who need one for work or school. Such programs are often for folks who don’t have much money. Check the government’s website for any free tech offers.
What School Gives You a MacBook?
Some colleges give students a MacBook when they sign up for classes. The provision of MacBooks assists students in accomplishing their academic tasks. Inquiring from the institution you plan to attend regarding the availability of free MacBooks could be beneficial.
How Can I Get a Free Laptop or PC?
You can get a free laptop or PC by joining programs that help students or people in need. Some charities and non-profits give away free computers. You may want to check whether your school or a local library runs a program that provides free laptops.
Conclusion – How To Get a Free Laptop
With the correct information and a little effort, obtaining a free laptop as a student is possible. From utilizing reward sites and scholarships to taking advantage of government programs and non-profit offers, there are numerous ways to secure this essential tool for your education.
Remember, perseverance is key. While the quest for a free laptop may require time and dedication, the value it adds to your educational journey makes the effort well worth it.
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Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Journalist
Expertise: Personal finance and travel content
Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Experience: Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform, and Spark Nomad, a travel platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.