Taking classes online saves time, but it requires students to have access to a computer. A laptop can provide students with the ability to do their school work wherever there is an Internet connection. Several online colleges and brick and mortar colleges with online programs offer “free” or discounted laptops to their students. A laptop with college tuition program can help many students avoid having to shop for a laptop and get off to a good start in their degree program.
Colleges
Colleges around the country offer online students laptops, the cost of which is included in their tuition. Students attending hybrid (on-campus and online) classes at Utah’s Sevens-Henager college receive a laptop when they enroll. The same is true for students taking hybrid courses through College America. Upon graduation, students can take the computer with them. While Full Sail University does not offer its online students a completely free laptop, it does offer them an institutional discount on a laptop and software. Bethel University in Tennessee offers students an iPad when they enroll, and they get to keep it once they graduate. Some other traditional colleges allow their online students to take part in a laptop program as well like Wake Forest in North Carolina. Be sure to check whether a traditional college with an online program offers laptops to all its students, not just its on-campus students.
Definition of “Free”
Before you get too excited about going to college online and getting a free laptop, know that what is termed “free” probably involves your paying a technology fee with your tuition. While the price you pay for the computer and for software may be discounted, you won’t have a large selection of laptops from which to choose, and they may not be name brands. You can get computer and software discount from laptop manufacturers in many cases just by being a student. Carefully compare the choices and prices before you take advantage of a school’s laptop program. Some schools may also only offer a laptop for you use, not ownership, while you are a student. Others may let you take the computer when you graduate.
Why Offer Laptops?
Online colleges offer laptops because it makes it easier for students to complete their work on time. Colleges want their students to graduate to enhance their reputations as institutions that have high graduation rates. Helping students access technology through discounts or providing free laptops is one way that they can do this. It’s a win-win situation for students who need to be able to log in to classes or work on research or essays when they are away from their desktops.
As you look into online colleges, carefully research their laptop programs. The quality of the computer, the availability of student discounts through laptop manufacturers, whether you get to keep the computer when you graduate and other factors can help you decide if the laptop you receive when you enroll at the college is worth it.