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

By Jack Liam May 20, 2026 Devices & Internet

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:

ADN (Associate Degree in Nursing) students
BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) students
LPN/LVN students in nursing bridge programs
RN-to-BSN or RN-to-MSN bridge students
APRN track students (including NP, CNS, CNM, CRNA pathways)

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:

Check Eligibility: Start by reviewing the program’s eligibility requirements to see if you qualify. Most programs require proof of enrollment in a nursing,
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.
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.
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.
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.