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Free Laptops for Nursing Students: RN, APRN, NP, Programs, Eligibility & How to Apply

By Jack Liam May 20, 2026 Devices & Internet
Free Laptops for Nursing Students RN, APRN, NP, Programs, Eligibility & How to Apply

A broken laptop or no device at all can slow down a nursing student’s entire journey. Almost every part of modern nursing education depends on laptops. For example, from submitting care plans and accessing anatomy modules to joining virtual simulations and preparing for NCLEX exam. Buying a laptop is not always the best option for many nursing students and registered nurses.

But there are several support options available depending on eligibility and location. Federal programs such as FAFSA based aid and state programs help students indirectly access laptop support. Some state programs also offer free devices or funding. 

Apart from this, there are multiple colleges and universities (CSU system or UC Irvine) that provide loaner laptops or tech grants for nursing students. In addition, nonprofits like PCs for People and Human-I-T help students access affordable or free refurbished laptops.

We will discuss all the programs and options available out there for free laptops for registered nurse, nursing students in this guide. You will also learn about their eligibility, type and or other key requirements in detail.

Which Nursing Students Qualify for Free Laptops?

Here are the nurses who often qualify for these nursing laptops:

Nursing Roles That Qualify

Here are the overview of the nursing roles that qualify for free laptop in 2026:

Role Full Name What They Do Qualification Level
RN Registered Nurse Provides direct patient care, gives medication + supports doctors Entry-level nursing license (after nursing school + NCLEX)
APRN Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Diagnoses conditions, prescribes medication + manages patient care Master’s or Doctoral degree in nursing
NP Nurse Practitioner Treats patients like a primary care provider + manages illnesses Specialized APRN role with advanced training

Free Laptop Programs Specifically for Nursing Students in 2026

Many universities and organizations now offer free or low-cost laptops specifically for nursing students to support their academic and clinical training needs. These programs vary by eligibility, funding source and whether the device is free, loaned or included in tuition. 

Below is a list of some well known programs that nursing students can explore:

Program / Organization Who Is Eligible Nursing Programs Covered Device Provided Free / Loaner / Low-Cost Key Requirements Keep or Return
Rasmussen University Laptop Program New students enrolling in nursing programs Practical Nursing Diploma, Professional Nursing Associate’s, BSN, RN to BSN Lenovo V14 AMD Ryzen 5 (14-inch, 8GB RAM) with Microsoft Office & Blackboard pre-loaded Free (included in enrollment) Must opt in by the 6th business day of the applicable quarter; sign and submit the Rasmussen Laptop Agreement via student email Keep it if you complete at least 3 quarters, must return if you leave early
WGU Online Access Scholarship New students lacking reliable tech access Pre-licensure BSN, RN to BSN, MSN (FNP, PMHNP), Doctor of Nursing Practice Laptop + high-speed internet + webcam Free (scholarship-based) Digital equity initiative targeting students who lack reliable technology access Keep for duration of program
Moravian University (Helen S. Breidegam School of Nursing) Incoming undergraduate nursing students BSN, RN to BSN MacBook Pro and iPad issued to all incoming undergraduate nursing students Free (included with enrollment) Graduate students must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75; confirm current policy with school directly Students who complete their degree in good standing may keep their devices after graduation
SUNY Morrisville Nursing Laptop Curriculum All enrolled AAS Nursing students Associate Degree Nursing (AAS) Laptop (Windows-compatible, non-tablet) Student-purchased via Financial Aid All students must have a laptop starting with NURS 120; contact Financial Aid Office to check if aid can cover the purchase Student owns
CSU Bakersfield – STEP Program Students with demonstrated financial need All programs including Nursing Loaner laptop Free loaner Demonstrated financial need required Loaner — must be returned
CSU East Bay & Fullerton All enrolled students All programs including Nursing Loaner laptop Free loaner Enrolled student; available every semester Return each semester
UC Irvine Tech Financial Aid Eligible undergraduate students All programs including Nursing Any laptop of student’s choice (financial aid support) Up to $2,000 financial aid Eligible undergraduate students; WASC-accredited institution Student owns
Indiana State University Pell Grant-eligible freshmen All programs including Nursing Microsoft Surface Laptop Go Free (permanent gift) Must be Pell Grant-eligible incoming freshman Keep permanently
Northwest Missouri State University All students (except fully online) All programs including Nursing Laptop with pre-installed software Free loaner Must be enrolled on-campus or hybrid Return upon graduation/leaving
San Diego State University All SDSU students All programs including Nursing Loaner laptop (library checkout) Free short-term loaner Must be an enrolled SDSU student Return after checkout period
Full Sail University – Project LaunchBox All enrolled students Health Sciences & related programs MacBook Pro or MSI laptop with comprehensive software Included in tuition Enrollment in eligible program Varies by program policy

My Community College Says Laptops Are Required for the Nursing Program, but I Can’t Afford One. Do Colleges Have Technology Bursaries?

Yes, many colleges and universities in 2026 offer technology bursaries, emergency tech grants or laptop loan programs for students who cannot afford required devices. Nursing students may qualify for free laptops, long-term loaner devices, or Wi-Fi hotspot.

 

Some schools also include laptops as part of nursing program fees or digital learning initiatives. So you should contact their college’s financial aid or IT department to ask about availability of laptops.

20 State Laptop & Digital Equity Programs for Nursing Students 

Most states in the U.S. do not offer laptop programs only for nursing students. Instead they provide multiple low-income programs that nursing students can also apply for. These programs may offer free laptops, discounted devices, internet support or financial aid for technology needs. 

The table below includes both state-specific programs and federal programs available through states that can help nursing students access the devices they need for school and clinical training.

State Program Name Program Type Who Is Eligible What You Get Cost Key Requirements How to Apply
California California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF) State-funded digital equity Low-income residents including college students & nursing students Laptop + internet access Free Income below state threshold; California allocated over $50 million for digital inclusion in 2026 Visit cetfund.org or call 211
California Computers for Classrooms (CFC) – Chico, CA State-linked nonprofit California residents who meet income qualifications Refurbished HP laptop with Windows 11 Pro + Microsoft Office Low-cost ($40 deposit + small balance) Must be California resident; qualify via SNAP, Medicaid, Pell Grant, or income under threshold Call 530-895-4175 or visit computersforclassrooms.org
California CSU System Laptop Programs (Bakersfield, East Bay, Fullerton, San Diego State) State university All enrolled students; financial need prioritized Loaner laptop for semester or full program Free loaner Enrolled at CSU campus; STEP Program requires financial need; others offer semester checkout Contact campus Financial Aid or IT department
New York ConnectALL Digital Equity Program State-funded Low-income students and households across NY Device access + broadband support Free / subsidized State-funded digital equity initiative supporting low-income residents Visit ny.gov/programs/connectall
New York SUNY System Financial Aid for Technology State university system All SUNY-enrolled students including nursing majors Laptop purchase covered via financial aid Aid-based Must file FAFSA and include laptop in Cost of Attendance Through SUNY campus Financial Aid offices
Texas Texas Lifeline / FCC Lifeline Federal + state Low-income TX residents including nursing students Monthly discount on device + internet service Subsidized Must meet SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or income eligibility Visit lifelinesupport.org or call 211
Texas Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Tech Assistance State workforce program Students in workforce training programs including healthcare/ nursing tracks Laptop or device for job training Free Must be enrolled in approved workforce program; income-based Visit twc.texas.gov or American Job Center
Florida Florida Digital Equity Plan (NTIA-backed) State digital equity Low-income Florida students and households Device + broadband access Free / subsidized SNAP, Medicaid, or 200% FPG income threshold Visit  website or call 211
Florida Gulf Coast State College – Simply Health Scholars State college / private partnership BSN nursing students at Gulf Coast State College Up to $10,000 scholarship including tech support Free (scholarship) Must be enrolled in BSN program Apply via Gulf Coast State College financial aid
Michigan Michigan Undergraduate Laptop Program (U of M) State university Incoming first-year and transfer students at U of M Ann Arbor Free laptop + 4-year warranty Free Selected after admissions and FAFSA review Automatic via admissions process
Minnesota Normandale Community College Free Laptop Program State community college Enrolled students without laptop access Refurbished laptop Free Must be current student; one per student Email FreeLaptopProgram@normandale.edu
Minnesota Minnesota Tech for Success (Normandale Partner) Nonprofit Low-income students at participating MN colleges Certified refurbished laptop Low-cost / free Based on income and enrollment Through college or partner program
Pennsylvania PA Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program State-funded federal grant Low-income students and residents including nursing students Devices + digital skills training Free Statewide digital inclusion initiative Contact PA Dept. of Community & Economic Development
Washington OSPI Digital Equity & Inclusion Grants State education grants Students at WA colleges including nursing programs Device + broadband + tech support Free Must be enrolled in participating institutions Through college IT or financial aid office
Illinois IL Digital Equity Plan – Device Access Initiative State digital equity Low-income students including nursing students Device access + training Free / subsidized Income-based eligibility Visit illinois.gov or call 211
Ohio Ohio Digital Equity Plan State digital equity Low-income students including nursing students Devices + broadband support Free / subsidized ACP/Lifeline eligibility Visit broadband.ohio.gov or call 211
Colorado Colorado Digital Equity Program State workforce + digital equity Students in workforce training including healthcare Device + digital skills training Free Program-based eligibility Contact OEDIT or call 211
Indiana Indiana State University – Pell Laptop Gift State university Pell-eligible incoming freshmen Microsoft Surface Laptop Go (keep permanently) Free FAFSA + Pell eligibility Automatic via admissions
West Virginia WVU School of Nursing Laptop Program State university WVU nursing students starting sophomore year Student-owned laptop requirement Student-purchased (financial aid eligible) Required for nursing coursework Contact WVU Financial Aid Office
All 50 States FCC Lifeline Program Federal + state Low-income students including nursing students Monthly internet + device subsidy Subsidized SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or 200% poverty guideline Visit lifelinesupport.org

Can I Use My FAFSA Financial Aid to Buy a Laptop for Nursing School?

Yes. FAFSA financial aid can often be used to buy a laptop because computers are considered part of a student’s educational expenses under COA. If your financial aid exceeds tuition and other direct charges. Then the remaining amount may be sent to you as a refund check. So nursing students can use those funds to purchase a laptop, software or other required school supplies. 

Non-Profit Organizations Offering Free or Low-Cost Laptops to Registered Nurses

These nonprofit organizations help nursing students access free or affordable laptops. While these programs are not always nursing-specific. But eligible students can still apply based on income, education status or participation in government assistance programs.

Here are the NPOs offering free laptops to registered nurses and students in 2026:

Organization Cost Eligibility What They Offer
Human-I-T Free – $129+ Low-income households, college students, SNAP/Medicaid users Refurbished laptops and low-cost internet
PCs for People $0 – $175 Income below 200% FPL or assistance program users Discounted laptops and internet support
Compudopt Free Families and some eligible students without a computer Free refurbished laptops through local programs
Computers With Causes Free Students, veterans, and people facing financial hardship Donated computers for approved applicants
Computers 4 People Free Medicaid/EBT users or low-income households Free laptops for eligible individuals and students
Comprenew (MI) ConnectAll Low-cost SNAP/Medicaid users or low-income households Refurbished laptops and technology support
Notebooks for Students $295 – $695 College students, teachers, homeschoolers Discounted student laptops
Laptops 4 Learning $115 – $255 SNAP/Medicaid users or income below $50,000 Affordable refurbished laptops for education

How to Apply for Free Laptop for Registered Nurses

Here is the step by step guide that helps you apply for free laptop as a nurse students n 2026:

  1. Check Eligibility: Start by reviewing the program’s eligibility requirements to see if you qualify. Most programs require proof of enrollment in a nursing,
  2. Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents before applying to avoid delays. This usually includes student ID, enrollment proof, income statements or benefit documents like SNAP or Medicaid. Some programs may also ask for FAFSA confirmation.
  3. Submit the Application: Fill out the application form on your school, state or nonprofit website. Make sure all information is accurate and complete before submitting. Incomplete applications may be delayed or rejected.
  4. Wait for Review and Approval: Your application will be reviewed by the program team. This process can take a few days to several weeks depending on the provider. You may receive updates through email or your student portal.
  5. Receive Laptop or Support: If approved then you will be notified about how to receive your laptop or funding. Some programs ship devices directly while others require campus pickup.

Conclusion

Free laptop programs help registered nurses and nursing students complete coursework, attend online classes and prepare for clinical training. There are multiple options available for students who qualify. These include federal aid, state digital equity initiatives, university support programs and nonprofit organizations. 

Many nursing schools also recognize laptops as essential learning tools and may provide financial aid adjustments, loaner devices or tech grants. So make sure to explore these opportunities and check eligibility requirements. It improves your chances of getting the support you need.

FAQs

Are there medical specific grants like the BEGIN program that cover school costs?

Yes. Some regions offer nursing grants like the BEGIN program that help cover tuition and training costs for students advancing between nursing roles. These programs are usually aimed at addressing nurse shortages and supporting career progression in healthcare. 

Do I need to return the laptop after graduation?

It depends on the program. Some let you keep it permanently while others require you to return it after completing your studies.

Can part-time nursing students apply for laptop assistance?

Yes, many programs accept part-time students but eligibility varies depending on the school or organization.

Can I apply for more than one laptop program?

Yes, students can apply to multiple programs at the same time as long as they meet each program’s requirements.

 

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