Strayer University Free Laptop Program: Eligibility, Requirements & How to Apply

Strayer University offers a laptop to eligible students in 2026 but it is not simply handed out to everyone. There are specific enrollment requirements, academic conditions and completion rules you must follow to keep it permanently.

Students often fill up the forums asking if they can keep the laptop permanently or if they have to return. What if they move to another university after getting a Strayer laptop or is there a hidden fee? These concerns are completely understandable especially for students enrolling mainly because they need a computer for classes.

Therefore, we have researched and compiled all the information about Strayer University laptop in this guide of  FreeBenefitsWireless. We will discuss all of the queries roaming in your mind as a student from requirements you must meet, possible costs and how to apply correctly in 2026. Stick by no matter if you have already joined Strayer University or are planning to because a laptop is a necessity. 

What is Strayer University and its Free Laptop Program?

Strayer University itself is a fully accredited online university that provides flexible education for working adults. Most of its programs are for students who balance jobs, family life and studies at the same time. They offer bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in areas like business, IT, education and criminal justice all online to save your time. 

Whereas, the free laptop program of Strayer University is an initiative to help students learn without worrying about buying expensive laptops. Strayer provides a brand-new laptop to eligible new bachelor’s degree students who enroll in selected programs. 

This program is still active in 2026 but the laptop is not automatically a permanent gift. Students have to meet the specific requirements to keep it without extra cost.

Who Is Eligible for the Strayer Laptop Program?

Not every student automatically qualifies.

Here are the ones who usually qualify for the free Strayer laptop program in 2026:

• Apply as a new student
• Enroll in an eligible bachelor’s degree program
• Study online or through approved enrollment options
• Have at least six courses left in your program
• Sign the official laptop agreement
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress

Here are the ones who are not Eligible for Strayer University free laptop:

• Current or continuing students
• Readmitted students in some cases
• Employees of Strategic Education and family members
• Students in certain employer-sponsored programs
• Students already using some tuition promotions

Do I need to be low income to qualify for the Strayer laptop? 

The Strayer program is generally based on enrollment status not income unlike government programs like the discontinued ACP. 

Can I Get the Laptop if I’m an Associate’s Degree Student at Strayer?

The Strayer University laptop program is mainly designed for new students enrolling in eligible bachelor’s degree programs. It means students joining an associate’s program may not automatically qualify for the free laptop offer. However, eligibility rules can sometimes change depending on promotions, enrollment periods or specific programs of university.

So it’s always best to confirm directly with a Strayer admissions advisor before enrolling. They can explain whether your associate degree program qualifies or not.

Can You Keep the Strayer University Laptop Permanently?

Yes, you can keep the Strayer University laptop permanently but only if you meet certain academic requirements after enrollment. 

You get a laptop after joining the university but it is not automatically yours permanently from day one. So you have to complete 3 out of your first 4 academic quarters to keep the laptop forever. This shows that you are consistently participating in your studies and staying on track with your degree program.

Do I have to return the Strayer laptop if I drop out?

Yes, you have to either return the laptop or pay a fee of around $441 to keep it if you drop out or didn’t complete the coursework.

What Laptop Do You Get From Strayer University?

Strayer University laptops usually come from Microtek. It is a supplier known for reliable and efficient technology solutions. So this partnership ensures that students receive a quality laptop that can support their academic requirements

This university usually provides a standard academic-use laptop designed for online learning rather than heavy entertainment or professional creative work. Students mostly get a Lenovo laptop but the exact model may vary by year or enrollment period.

The laptop is mainly built to support everyday college tasks such as attending virtual classes, writing assignments, completing online exams and researching.

Hardware Specifications of Laptop from Strayer University

Strayer University does not officially publish a fixed specification sheet for every laptop model it gives to students. The exact configuration may change depending on the enrollment term and device availability. So here are general specs based on the laptops they generally offer: 

• Processor (CPU): Most students report receiving laptops powered by processors like Intel Core i5 or Intel Core i7. These processors provide reliable performance for common college activities. 

These include attending online classes, writing papers, using multiple browser tabs and running Microsoft Office applications at the same time. The laptop is built for multitasking related to education rather than high-performance creative or gaming tasks.

• Operating System: Strayer laptops usually come with either Windows or macOS. Although Windows devices are more common because they work well with the university’s academic software and Microsoft Office programs.

Windows laptops are preferred since many Strayer courses rely on tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project and Visio. 

• Storage & Speed: Most laptops include SSD (Solid-State Drive) storage instead of older hard drives. SSDs actually make the laptop run and load things faster. So students can:
  • Open files quickly
  • Launch applications faster
  • Experience smoother performance during classes
  • Store assignments and coursework efficiently
  • SSDs are also more durable for daily student use compared to traditional hard drives.
• Overall Performance Level: The Strayer laptop is designed mainly for academic use. It performs well for:
  • Word processing
  • Research and browsing
  • Online classes
  • Video meetings
  • Basic coding and coursework

However, students should not expect premium-level performance for activities like:

• High-end gaming
• 4K video editing
• Animation or rendering
• Professional graphic design software

But remember that Strayer University does not guarantee the same laptop model for every student or term. So if the model is different then the hardware and other specifications will also differ. 

What are Internet & Connectivity Requirements?

You may get a laptop from the university but you must have a stable wifi connection to run it.

So that’s why the university generally recommends:

• Minimum internet speed of 512 kbps download speed
• Recommended speed of 2 Mbps or higher for smoother performance

A stronger connection is especially important for:

• HD video lectures
• Live class discussions
• Uploading assignments
• Taking online exams
• Streaming learning content

So if you have slower internet then you may experience buffering, lagging or trouble joining live sessions.

Pre-Installed Software on the Strayer Laptop

Most of the time Strayer University installs the software that you may need for your studies. This saves students from purchasing expensive subscriptions separately.

The laptop commonly includes Microsoft Office tools such as:

• MS Word: Used for essays, assignments and research papers
• Excel: Helpful for business, accounting and statistics courses
• Microsoft PowerPoint: Used for presentations and group projects
• Ms Project: Often required in business and IT programs
• Microsoft Visio: Used for diagrams, charts and technical coursework

Moreover, the laptop is also configured to work directly with Strayer’s iCampus platform.

iCampus is the university’s online learning portal where students can:

• Access course materials
• Submit assignments
• Join discussions
• Take exams
• Message instructors
• Track grades and progress

So you have to spend less time dealing with technical setup issues.

Can I Choose a Different Laptop if I Don’t Like the One They Send?

No, Strayer University usually provides a standard-issued laptop to all eligible students. So you cannot choose a different model, brand or upgraded device. The laptop you receive depends on the university’s current supplier and available inventory.

How to Apply for the Strayer Free Laptop

Here is the step by step process that help new students enrolling in eligible bachelor’s degree programs apply for free laptop:

1. Apply & Get Accepted Into a Bachelor’s Program: The first step is applying to an eligible bachelor’s degree program at Strayer University. You can usually choose between online learning and some on-campus options depending on their location and program availability. Then the team reviews your information and confirms if you can enroll or apply for a laptop or not.
2. Confirm Your Program Has 6+ Courses Remaining: Your degree program typically must have at least six courses remaining to qualify for the laptop program. Because the laptops are only for those who plan to study for the long term. Your admissions advisor can help verify if your program meets this requirement before you officially enroll.
3. Sign the Laptop Agreement Form: Strayer usually sends the Laptop Agreement Form through DocuSign. This document explains the rules, responsibilities and conditions so you just have to sign it. However, the agreement is all about what happens if you:

• Withdraw early
• Damage the device
• Fail to meet academic requirements 

1. Verify Your Shipping Address: Maybe your University or often Microtek contact you to confirm shipping details. You may receive an email asking you to verify your address and delivery information. Furthermore, it is important to respond quickly because delays in verification can slow down laptop shipment.
2. Receive Your Laptop: The laptop is usually shipped within the first few weeks of your academic term after you complete all enrollment and verification steps. So delivery times may vary depending on location and device availability.

Pros & Cons of the Strayer Free Laptop Program

While the offer can help many students start college more easily. There are also conditions attached to students that you should know in advance.

Here are the pros of the free laptop:

• Removes a major upfront financial burden for students who cannot afford a new laptop
• Comes pre-installed with Microsoft Office programs like Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Ready to connect with Strayer’s iCampus learning platform from day one
• Helpful for working adults managing jobs, family and online classes
• Moreover, makes it easier to attend virtual lectures, complete assignments, and access course materials
• Many students say the program is helpful when they do not have $500+ available for a computer purchase
• Suitable for everyday academic work, research, video classes and online learning

Cons of Strayer University’s free laptop

Here are the drawbacks of the free laptop from Strayer University:

• The laptop is not permanently free until you complete 3 of your first 4 academic quarters
• Students who withdraw early may need to return the laptop or pay a fee
• Not designed for gaming, advanced video editing or heavy graphic design work
• No replacement if your laptop gets stolen 
• Mainly available for eligible bachelor’s degree students only
• Laptop model and specifications may change depending on availability
• Program rules and eligibility requirements can also change. So students should always confirm details with admissions before enrolling

What Happens if My Strayer Laptop Breaks? Is There a Warranty?

Strayer does not typically replace laptops that are lost, stolen or damaged by the user. Once you receive the laptop then you are responsible for taking care and maintaining it.

But they offer a limited manufacturer’s warranty in some cases. It includes certain hardware defects or technical problems that are not caused by accidental damage. So Strayer basically provides repair support under the manufacturer’s warranty terms for factory defects, hardware failure or internal system problems.

Here are the issues that Strater University does not cover:

• Cracked screens
• Water damage
• Theft or loss
• Accidental drops
• Physical damage caused by misuse

However, the warranty can vary so make sure to read the agreement and warranty information.

So you should do this to avoid such cases:

• Use a protective laptop case
• Keep backups of important assignments
• Avoid eating or drinking near the device
• Consider personal insurance for accidental damage or theft

Scholarships, Tuition Savings & Free Learning Benefits at Strayer University (Other Than the Laptop Program)

We have also shared additional scholarships, tuition savings and learning benefits that Strayer University offers apart from the free laptop program. In addition, these options can help students reduce overall education costs and make their degree more affordable. You may qualify for one or more of these financial support programs while studying at Strayer. So read the table below to see what you will get:

Conclusion

The Strayer University free laptop program is a valuable opportunity for students who need a reliable computer for online learning. It helps reduce upfront technology costs and also provides access to tools which is important for conmtinuing education.

However, the laptop is not completely free without conditions. Students must meet enrollment and academic requirements including completing 3 of their first 4 quarters to keep the device permanently. So it’s important to understand the eligibility rules, laptop agreement and hardware limitations.

FAQs

Can I Use the Laptop for Personal Use?

Yes, students can use the laptop for personal activities like browsing, streaming or basic everyday tasks. However, the device is mainly optimized for academic work and online learning.

Is the Laptop Brand New or Refurbished?

Eligible new bachelor’s degree students generally receive a brand-new laptop during their first academic term. The device is usually shipped after enrollment requirements and verification steps are completed.

Do Online and On-Campus Students Both Qualify?

The laptop program is mainly for online learners because Strayer focuses heavily on flexible remote education. However, eligibility can vary so students should confirm details directly with admissions.

What If I Transfer From Another Strayer Credential Program?

Students continuing from another Strayer credential or existing program are generally not eligible for the laptop offer. The program is primarily intended for new eligible bachelor’s degree students.