Need a Laptop for College? Mama Parr’s Guide to Free & Low-Cost Programs for Students in Need

Let’s talk about something I see more often than you’d think.

A student gets into college. The financial aid package comes through — maybe there’s a Pell Grant, maybe some scholarship money too. After tuition, room and board, and books, they’re just about scraping by. They did everything right. But they’re still short on something essential – a laptop.

And I’m not talking about a fancy gaming setup. I mean a basic, reliable computer to write papers, attend virtual office hours, and submit assignments. For a lot of students I work with, especially those from low-income households, this piece gets left out of the budget — and it’s a real barrier.

That’s why I pulled together this list of programs and nonprofits that offer free or low-cost laptops to students who need them. If you're heading to college (or know someone who is), and money is tight, these resources are a great place to start:

💻 Computers with Causes

National nonprofit that refurbishes donated laptops and ships them free to students, veterans, foster youth, and families in crisis. The online application takes about 10 minutes—tell your story, attach proof of need, and they’ll let you know if you qualify.. computerswithcauses.org

💻 PCs for People

If your family gets public benefits (like SNAP, Medicaid, Pell Grant) or you're under 200% of the federal poverty line, you can qualify for a very low-cost laptop — usually $100 or less — and affordable internet service. 👉 pcsforpeople.org

💻Bridging Tech

Run by a powerhouse team of Stanford students, this charity donates refurbished Chromebooks to K-12 students experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. Devices arrive pre-loaded with the basics—perfect for essays and Zoom. bridgingtech.org

💻 Computers 4 People

Based in New York but serving students nationwide. C4O  distributes free refurbished laptops, desktops and tablets to low-income students through a quick online application. 👉 computers4people.org

💻 Laptops 4 Learning (L4L)

This nonprofit helps students from kindergarten through college, as well as veterans. You can apply directly, or work with their team to raise money toward the cost of your device. 👉 laptops4learning.com

💻 Give IT Get IT

If you're in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, or Massachusetts, this group offers high-quality refurbished laptops for as little as $125 — and sometimes less, depending on your situation. 👉 giveitgetit.org

💻 Free Geek (Portland, OR)

In the Portland area? Volunteer 24 hours with Free Geek and earn a fully loaded laptop. They also sell refurbished computers at very low prices. 👉 freegeek.org

Some Real Talk

Most students I’ve worked with didn’t even realize programs like these existed. They were ready to take out more loans or try to get by using their phone for everything. One student planned to wait in line at the library every night just to type her papers.

That’s why I share this list. Because it’s not just about getting in — it’s about staying in. Thriving. Having the tools you need to succeed.

If you’ve got your laptop situation covered but know someone who doesn’t — pass this along. It might be exactly what they need.   And if you have an old laptop that will be collecting dust because you just got a new one for college, please consider donating it to an organization that can help another student in need.

With you ‘til the tassel turns,

Mama Parr

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