Can college students get a free laptop?
Often, yes. Many colleges run laptop loan programs, and emergency aid grants can pay for a device. Low-income students can also qualify for free Lifeline phone service through SNAP, Medicaid or income.
- Ask the IT help desk and financial aid office
- Students living independently are usually their own household
- Apple education pricing covers Mac and iPad, not iPhone
Where college students get free laptops and phone help?
Colleges and universities are among the best sources of a free laptop for college students, and of phone help too. Options include laptop loan programs, emergency aid grants that can pay for a device, discounted software, and help enrolling in Lifeline for students with low incomes.
Campus programs to ask about
| Program | Where to ask | What you might get |
|---|---|---|
| Laptop / Chromebook loans | IT help desk or library | A device for the semester or year |
| Emergency grants | Financial aid or dean of students | Funds for a laptop or phone |
| Basic needs centers | Student services | Referrals, food, tech and Lifeline help |
| TRIO / EOP programs | Program office | Device and connectivity support |
| Hotspot loans | Library or IT | Mobile internet for off-campus students |
Not sure which option fits you?
Answer 5 quick questions and the Phone Finder matches you with programs, providers and deals.
Can students get Lifeline?
Yes. Students qualify like anyone else, through SNAP, Medicaid or low income. Students living independently are often their own household.
You qualify for Lifeline in one of two ways: someone in your household takes part in a qualifying assistance program, or your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Qualifying programs
- SNAP (food stamps)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (including Section 8)
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension
On federally recognized Tribal lands, these also qualify: Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribally Administered TANF, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), Tribal Head Start (income-qualified households).
Income limits
| Household size | Maximum yearly income (135% of poverty guideline) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $21,128 |
| 2 people | $28,553 |
| 3 people | $35,978 |
| 4 people | $43,403 |
| 5 people | $50,828 |
| 6 people | $58,253 |
| 7 people | $65,678 |
| 8 people | $73,103 |
| Each additional person | add $7,425 |
Figures are based on the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and DC, rounded. Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits. USAC updates the limits each year, so check lifelinesupport.org for the current figures.
Want an instant answer? Use the Lifeline eligibility checker. It takes under a minute.
Student discounts on devices
Apple's education pricing covers Macs and iPads but usually not iPhone. See Apple student discount on iPhone. For iPhones, switch deals and refurbished phones save the most.
Checklist for students
- Ask your IT help desk about loaner laptops
- Apply for emergency aid if your device breaks
- Check Lifeline eligibility for free phone service
- Use campus Wi-Fi to stretch your phone data
- Look at a Chromebook if you mainly use web apps
Questions to ask your financial aid office
- Can emergency aid cover a laptop or phone replacement?
- Can the cost of a computer be added to my cost of attendance?
- Are there scholarships that include a device?
- Does the college partner with any refurbishers?
Adding a computer to your cost of attendance can raise your aid eligibility. Ask whether your school allows it.
Income limits for students applying for Lifeline
| Household size | Maximum yearly income (135% of poverty guideline) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $21,128 |
| 2 people | $28,553 |
| 3 people | $35,978 |
| 4 people | $43,403 |
| 5 people | $50,828 |
| 6 people | $58,253 |
| 7 people | $65,678 |
| 8 people | $73,103 |
| Each additional person | add $7,425 |
Figures are based on the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and DC, rounded. Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits. USAC updates the limits each year, so check lifelinesupport.org for the current figures.
Frequently asked questions
Do colleges give free laptops?
Some do, especially through loan programs, scholarships or emergency grants. Ask financial aid and IT.
Can Pell Grant recipients get a free phone?
Pell alone isn't a Lifeline qualifier, but many Pell students qualify through income or SNAP.
Sources & last update
Last reviewed . We check program rules against official FCC and USAC guidance and update pages when rules, income limits or offers change. Spot something out of date? Tell us.