phd student laptop grant

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As part of LSA's DEI 2.0 strategic plan, the LSA Dean's Office is proud to sponsor a new LSA PhD Need-Based Technology Support Grant Program, funded by LSA and the Office of the Provost. We know that not everyone has the means to purchase a computer during graduate school. We also know how critical a working computer is to doctoral scholarship: supporting academic, teaching, and research needs. The LSA PhD Need-Based Technology Support Grant, administered by LSA Graduate Education, aims to support the technology needs of continuing PhD students in the College of LSA by providing funding to help offset costs associated with select computer equipment. This initiative is part of a three-year pilot program.

Who can apply?

All LSA PhD students (U.S. citizens, international students, and DACA students) are eligible to receive the grant once throughout the duration of their graduate program, based on financial need. Students should check with their home department about resources they may have before requesting funding from the LSA Dean’s Office.

Is there an award limit?

The maximum award amount is $1,500 but will be based on the stated need. Awards will be granted until funding is exhausted. Final award amount and number of awards will vary depending on the amount of funding requested.

Applications and funds will be awarded on a rolling basis following the fiscal year (July 1 - June 30). Should the maximum funding amount be reached before the end of fiscal year, applications will be closed and the website updated stating that all funding has been disbursed for the year.

Eligibility

We expect that not all students with financial need will need to take advantage of this grant during their time at U-M due to funding received from departments or external fellowships or grants. For those students who do take advantage of the grant, the following applies:

• Must be a currently enrolled LSA PhD student in good academic standing. PhD students in joint degree programs with LSA are eligible.
• Budget detailing the amount of funding requested should be uploaded. Please include a list of current expenses (e.g. rent, food, utilities, transportation, etc.), and your financial situation including sources of income, such as spouse or partner contributions toward monthly expenses. 
• Please also include a general statement of financial need (no more than 1500 words).
• PhD students will be eligible to apply and receive the grant once throughout the duration of their graduate program.
• The grant does not cover costs related to the purchase of computer software, data sets, computer accessories or iPad accessories.

How do I apply?

• Students will complete the online application through I nfoReady Review .
• Students can review the Online Application Form Information & Process before beginning an application.
• Please be sure to enter your personal UMICH email address in your application.

Safe computing

Students who receive the award will be asked to follow safe computing practices including device security and responsible use. 

Graduate Students who are using personal computers to teach, research, work, or learn have a shared responsibility to help protect U-M data, systems, and IT infrastructure. Like U-M managed devices, personal computers, tablets, and smartphones are bound by similar U-M Standard Practice Guidelines and policies for responsible use of U-M Data and IT security. Students should review the:

• LSA Protect Your Personal Devices document and associated U-M links for guidance on how to secure their device, network, and internet activities. Most importantly, students working with U-M systems and data are required to maintain updated Operating Systems and software. Running monthly system, software, and security patches is essential to mitigating potential vulnerabilities and securing your device from bad actors. 
• U-M online  FERPA Training Course  (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act-RO100 FERPA at U-M My Linc course) to help U-M faculty and staff understand their responsibilities in protecting academic data.  Note:  Students may also be bound by additional moderate to highly sensitive research data policies and best practices.  

Financial Aid Considerations

Students receiving federal financial aid, please note: Financial assistance from all sources during the academic year factors into the ongoing review of your financial aid eligibility now and in the future. If your total financial aid, including any newly awarded funding, exceeds your eligibility for financial assistance this academic year, your aid may be limited or reduced from previously received assistance. You can learn more about  financial aid terms and conditions  on the Office of Financial Aid's website. You can also work with the Office of Financial Aid to identify additional expenses you may have incurred that can be factored into your overall aid eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can i expect a decision on my application.

It can take a few weeks for a full review of your application. You may receive communication from us before that point, particularly if we need to clarify any items in your application or with your financial aid package. All applicants will be notified of a decision, regardless of the outcome. Once the award is approved, funds will be posted to the student's account and should be made available within a week to ten days of notification.

Are there limitations to what I can purchase with the award?

This support grant should only be used to repair or purchase a laptop/desktop computer. The fund should not fund computer software, data sets, computer accessories, or iPads and accessories or anything other than a desktop or laptop computer.

How will the funding award be disbursed?

Once approved, LSA Graduate Education will award the funding through the student financial aid system. If a student is receiving federal financial aid, you may want to work with the Office of Financial Aid as this award may exceed your eligibility for financial assistance this academic year. You can learn more about financial aid terms and conditions on the Office of Financial Aid website.

Email: [email protected]

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Receive a Dell laptop with four-year warranty and book credits annually for four years.

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Funding Options

Emergency grant-in-aid.

Emergency Grant-in-Aid Funds assist graduate students who experience a financial emergency or unanticipated expenses, causing financial hardship. This program is designed to assist in situations where the emergency may impede academic progress, and for those who cannot reasonably resolve their financial difficulty through fellowships, loans, or personal resources.

Emergency Grant-in-Aid awards are grants that reimburse actual expenses. These awards are not a loan and do not need to be repaid. Emergency Grant-in-Aid awards are taxable income.

Eligible Expenses

Unanticipated or unusual expenses (most commonly medical, dental, or legal, but other expenses can be considered) outside of the typical student budget that may hinder the student’s academic progress will be considered. Costs must have been incurred while enrolled at Stanford, and costs for a previous or future academic year will not be considered. Each case is considered on its own merits. Any costs that are not documented cannot be considered. The following expenses are generally considered for assistance after a full review process and the student is deemed unable to resolve their financial difficulty through other means.

• Medically necessary procedures/expenses to maintain good health and academic progress, including dental and vision costs *
• Legal expenses impacting enrollment
• Costs impacting citizenship status
• Costs impacting visa status
• Repairs for computer ^
• Unexpected costs outside of the standard educational budget that cause an economic hardship

* Cosmetic expenses, such as orthodontia, cannot be considered.  Fertility preservation, except when it becomes necessary due to other medical complications, cannot be considered. Additional documentation such as a doctor’s note may be required to complete your application review.  Expenses for legal dependents, as shown on your tax return, can be considered when medically necessary.  ^ New computer/tablet purchases cannot be considered .

Up to $5,000 per academic year.  Computer repair assistance is limited to $1,000.

Student Eligibility

Degree-seeking students enrolled in a graduate program at Stanford are eligible to apply.  Eligibility decisions for professional degree candidates in the Graduate School of Business, School of Law or School of Medicine will be made in consultation with your Financial Aid Office.  Students applying for Emergency Grant-in-Aid funds must be making satisfactory academic progress and must be currently enrolled. Exceptions can be made for students on a medical leave of absence.

Application Requirements

• Completed Application Form.
• Documentation of expenses such as copies of billing statements or receipts is required.  If requesting aid to help with medical or dental costs, invoices or treatment plans from the medical provider may be submitted. Vaden Health Center can assist with insurance statements if necessary; you can only be reimbursed for expenses not covered by insurance. Any costs that are not documented cannot be considered. *Missing or incomplete documentation will result in a delay in processing.  
• Documentation of Income:  Please submit the student and spouse’s (if applicable) latest federal income tax return. This is not required if the applicant has submitted a FAFSA or previously submitted tax forms to the Financial Aid Office.

The Grant-in-Aid Committee will review your financial aid history, student account and academic record.  You will be contacted if additional information is needed.  Review times vary based on the time of year, generally notifications are sent within two to four weeks after application materials have been submitted and received. Apply for Emergency Grant-In-Aid -->

How to upload documents if you have already applied

If you have already submitted this web form, and now you wish to provide additional documentation, please DO NOT complete and submit the web form again. Instead, submit your additional documentation on our Document Upload page. We will match these additional documents to your original web form submission.

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Tech Resources for Graduate Students

Student Technology Services provides assistance and resources to all graduate and professional students at UC Berkeley. Use this page as a resource guide for essential technology resources throughout your tenure as a Master's or Doctoral student. Also check out our tips for Black students ,  EOP students ,  new students ,  soon-to-graduate students , and  students with disabilities  if applicable.

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• Research IT provides research computing technologies, consulting and community for the Berkeley campus.
• Provides in-depth consulting, advising, and training research in data intensive social science research.

Device Lending & Aid

If you require access to a laptop or other hardware, there are several options you might consider:

• There are multiple device lending programs currently available on campus. In particular, the Student Technology Equity Program  provides free long-term loans of nearly a dozen types of tech hardware to students on the basis of financial need and campus role.
• You can apply for a Cost of Attendance Adjustment   through the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office to purchase a computer once every three years; grad students are eligible for up to $3,000. If approved, this may possibly come as a grant, but more often comes in the form of a loan.
• You can explore student discounts available on laptops through major retailers, such as Apple, Dell and Lenovo.

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Additionally, you can email the Student Help Desk at  [email protected]

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Top 12 Best Laptops for Graduate Students in 2024

If you are pursuing your master’s degree or your doctorate, chances are you’ve probably realized there’s a ton of reading and mindless paperwork involved in the process. On top of that, your professors will likely require plenty of research and research papers, essays, and theses or dissertations. There comes a point in time when you’ll realize you probably need to invest in a capable laptop that can help you throughout your studies.

Regardless of what degree you are currently working towards, there’s no denying that you’ll find a laptop useful. Laptops (and, in some cases, tablets) can make learning much easier, especially if you need to take a lot of notes and do a lot of reading.

But what exactly makes a good laptop? How do you know which one you need and how much you should spend?

In this article, we’ve put together an ultimate buying guide to help you choose your next investment. We’ve also listed twelve of the best laptops for graduate students for various needs and budgets. So which machine should you get?

Read on to find out!

Disclosure: The GradCafe is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

The 12 Best Laptops for Graduate Students in 2024

Lenovo thinkpad x1 carbon gen 10  – the best laptop for graduate students overall.

• Dell XPS 15   – The Best Windows Laptop for Creatives

MacBook Pro 16  – The Best Apple Laptop for Creatives

Microsoft surface laptop studio  – the best 2-in-1 machine for ultimate portability, dell xps 13  – the best windows ultraportable for graduate students, macbook air m2  – the best apple ultraportable for graduate students.

• Microsoft Surface Pro X –  A More Affordable 2-in-1 Machine for Grad Students

MSI Modern 14  – The Best Mid-Range Windows Ultraportable for Grad Students (Tie)

Acer travelmate p6  – the best mid-range windows ultraportable for grad students (tie).

• Lenovo IdeaPad 3 – The Best Budget Laptop for Graduate Students
• Microsoft Surface Go 3 – The Most Affordable 2-in-1 Windows Tablet/Laptop for Grad Students

Razer Blade 15  – The Best Gaming Laptop for Grad Students

Powerful multi-purpose laptops for grad students on the go.

The laptops we’ve listed below are some of the most powerful consumer laptops available on the market. They’re likely to be the best laptops for grad school , regardless of whether you are in grad school to study business, finance, education, art and design, computer science, or more.

Of course, due to the powerful internals and the great specifications included in these machines, they also have quite a premium price — but if you can afford the hit and want something you can use for years to come, these laptops may be well worth the cost.

Looking only for MacBook laptops? Check out our dedicated list:  Best MacBook for College: Top 5 Picks

Specifications

• Non-touch 400 nits brightness
• Touch 400 nits brightness
• 14-in 2.2K 2240×1400, anti-glare, IPS, low blue light, 300 nits brightness, 100% sRGB
• 14-in 2.8k OLED 2880×1800, anti-smudge, anti-reflective, low blue light, 400 nits brightness
• 14-in WQUXGA IPS 3840×2400, Dolby Vision, glossy, HDR 400, low blue light, 500 nits brightness
• 14-in WQUXGA IPS 3840×2400, anti-reflective, anti-smudge, touchscreen, Dolby Vision, HDR 400, low blue light, 500 nits brightness
• GPU: Integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics
• Operating systems:  Windows 10 Pro, 10Pro 64, 11 Home
• Processor:  Up to 12th-generation Intel  i7-1280P
• Memory  up to 32GB
• Battery: Up to 16 hrs (57Whr); rapid charge with 65W+ power supply
• Ports: Two Thunderbolt 4 (one for power input), 2 USB A, HDMI 2.0, and more

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 (and its previous and later generations) is easily the best laptop for PhD students. They can get very  costly depending on your chosen configuration, but the good news is once you buy this laptop, you can expect to keep it for years and years. ThinkPads are extremely well-built and reliable machines that are excellent for casual and business use. Plus, you might fall in love with the Trackpoint (the red dot that you can use to move your cursor/scroll) feature!

ThinkPads used to look bulky and unattractive, but nowadays, they tend to sport slim, sleek designs.

• Long-running series of reliable machines
• Known for its world-class well-designed keyboard
• Comes with USB-A and HDMI ports
• Great battery life makes working anywhere possible
• Can get quite pricey, especially for the better configurations
• No card slots (SD/microSD)

Buy the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10

Dell XPS 15  – The Best Windows Laptop for Creatives

• 15.6-inch FHD+ (1920×1200), non-touch, 60Hz, anti-glare, 500 nits brightness
• 15.6-inch UHD+ (3840×1600), touch, 60Hz, anti-reflect, 500 nits brightness
• 15.6-inch 3.5K (3426×2160), touch, 60Hz, OLED, anti-reflect, 400 nits brightness
• GPU options: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics, Integrated Intel Iris XE Graphics, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 4GB, Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti 4GB
• Operating systems:  Windows 11 Home or Pro
• Processor options:  12th Gen Intel i5-12500H, i7-12500H, i9 -12900HK
• Memory 8GB to 64GB
• Storage (all SSD):  512 GB, 1TB, 2TB
• Battery: 56Wh to 86Wh
• Ports: USB C w/ power delivery and display port, 2 Thunderbolt 4 USB C w/ power delivery and display port, 1 headphone/microphone jack, SD card slot
• More information here

The Dell XPS line has been around for quite some time. It’s known for high-quality premium laptops that are reliable yet powerful, and this generation of XPS 15 is no different. This laptop is quite powerful, especially if you configure it with some of the higher specifications — but of course, it will get pricier as you go.

There’s no denying that this machine is as sleek and gorgeous as it comes, and with its powerful internals, it can be great for professionals and grad students in need of extra computing power.

• Known for its sleek and beautiful design
• Well-known series of reliable laptops
• Option with beautiful OLED display is available
• Powerful internals available
• Pretty good battery life
• Some configurations can get quite pricey
• GPU options are somewhat underwhelming
• USB C only — you’ll need adapters and dongles to use other connectors

Dell XPS 15

• Display: Liquid Retina XDR, 16.2-inch, 3456×2234, 254 pixels per inch, adaptive refresh rates reaching 120Hz
• GPU options: Integrated graphics with the Apple M1 Pro (16-core GPU) and M1 Max (32-core GPU) chips
• Operating system: macOS Monterey
• Processor options:  Apple M1 Pro or Apple M1 Max
• Memory: 16GB to 64GB
• Storage (all SSD):  512GB, 1TB, configurable up to 8TB
• Battery: 100Wh; according to Apple, up to 21hrs of Apple TV app playback or 14hrs of wireless web use
• Ports: SD card slot, 3 Thunderbolt 4 USB C (supporting charging and DisplayPort), 3.5mm headphone jack, HDMI port, MagSafe 3 charging

The Apple MacBook Pro 16 comes in three models, although you can choose to add configurations to each for extra cost. On Paper, the MacBook’s specs may look like it’s not as powerful as some other options, but trust us when we say the Apple M1 and M2 chips are extremely powerful. Some of them are at the top of every benchmark list, beating out any Intel and AMD chip from the same generation.

These MacBook batteries are legendary, the laptops are sleek and premium, and you’ll absolutely enjoy the sheer power under your fingertips whenever you need to run heavy workloads. The price, of course, can be quite the deterrent — but you should know that MacBooks tend to last years and can often resell at decent rates if you eventually decide to upgrade.

• Apple’s M1 chips are seriously powerful yet energy-efficient tech
• Excellent battery life
• Great audio
• SD card reader
• HDMI port available — no dongle necessary!
• Beautiful display
• 1080p webcam
• MacBook keyboards are now back to being good
• Massive and extremely responsive trackpad that many pros love
• Not the lightest — can weigh as much as five pounds
• Upgrading your configuration can cost a lot more
• Camera notch (some people get used to it, YMMV)
• M1 Max might not be as great value as the M1 Pro chip – choose your configuration wisely

Worth Considering: 14-inch MacBook Pro or M2 MacBook Pros

If the 16-inch MacBook Pro is too large for you to carry around comfortably, you can consider the MacBook Pro 14  for similar specifications in a smaller profile. You can choose either the M1 Pro or M1 Max chip, though be aware that all specifications upgrades cost extra.

Alternatively, you can consider one of the smaller 13-inch MacBook Pros , which have recently been updated and now come with Apple’s proprietary M2 chip for even more processing power and even better battery life. The downside is you’ll likely miss the extra screen real estate on the 14 and 16-inch machines, but if you need your laptop to be extra portable, 13.3-inch retina displays can certainly do.

Buy the Macbook Pro 16

• Display: 14.4-inch touchscreen, up to 120Hz
• Integrated Intel Iris XE in i5 models
• Nvidia RTX 3050 Ti 4GB in i7 models
• Operating system: Windows 11 Home
• Processor options:  11th Gen Intel H35 i5-11300H or H35 i7-11370H
• Memory: 16GB or 32GB
• Storage (all SSD):  256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB
• Battery: 58Wh
• Ports: 2 Thunderbolt 4 USB C ports, 1 headphone jack, and more

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio is unique, thanks to its one-of-a-kind design that allows users to use it in tablet or laptop form. It’s still not the cheapest machine on this list, but it is one of the more powerful ones that graduate students and professionals alike can enjoy for years after purchase.

This laptop works well for those looking for pen input , as it works and plays well with Microsoft’s Slim Pen 2 (sold separately). Need to take quick notes or draw/paint on your machine? This laptop makes it easy!

• Unique design that allows you to use your machine as a tablet or a laptop
• Great keyboard
• Haptic touchpad is an excellent addition
• 120Hz display ensures quick response
• Stylus support plus magnetic holder
• Great battery life
• Can get quite pricey
• There are only two USB ports
• Performance can be underwhelming, even with the upgraded CPU and GPU

Buy the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio

Best Laptops for Grad Students Looking for Ultra Portability

• Display: 13.4-inch FHD+ (1920×1200) non-touch, anti-glare, 500 nits brightness
• GPU options: Integrated Intel Iris XE
• Operating system: Windows 11 Home or Pro
• Processor options:  12th Gen i5-1230U or i7-1250U
• Memory: 8GB to 32GB
• Storage (all SSD): 512GB (i5), 512GB, or 1TB (i7)
• Battery: 51Wh
• Ports: 2 Thunderbolt 4 USB C

The Dell XPS 13 is the smaller edition of the XPS15, but that doesn’t mean it compromises on power. You won’t be able to expect as much raw power from this machine, but it is still plenty capable — and much more portable. This beautiful machine has an excellent battery life and a beautiful screen. You may opt to add upgrades and configure your machine to be more powerful at extra cost.

Note that there is also an XPS 13 Plus if you want even more power and choice upgrades like capacitative touch buttons instead of function keys.

• The touchpad is now larger and better
• Gorgeous display with really slim bezels
• Excellent battery life for great portability
• Small and compact
• Not the lightest but still decent at 2.91lbs (may vary depending on configuration)
• Webcam is mediocre
• This generation is pricier than the previous
• Ports are limited

Buy the Dell XPS 13

• Display options: Liquid retina display, 13.6-inch, 2560×1664, notch , 224 pixels per inch, 500 nits brightness
• GPU options: Integrated graphics with the Apple M2, 8 or 10-core
• Processor options:  Apple M2
• Memory: 8GB, upgradeable to 16GB or 24GB
• Storage (all SSD):  256GB upgradeable to 512, 1TB, or 2TB; 512GB upgradeable to 1TB or 2TB
• Battery: 52.6Wh; according to Apple, up to 18hrs of Apple TV app playback or 15hrs of wireless web use
• Ports: Magsafe 3, 2 Thunderbolt 4 USB-C, 1 headphone jack

The MacBook Air was recently updated with the M2 chip and a new sleek appearance. Its price went up slightly, but it’s still one of the best ultrabooks out on the market today. The MacBook Air is incredibly light and has an extra impressive battery life, yet it still packs enough punch to do some graphic design work and light video editing.

If you’ve always liked your laptops in black, you’ll enjoy the new Midnight option for these laptops.

• Beautiful, improved design, no more taper (if that’s something you cared about in previous versions)
• Insane battery life thanks to the powerful yet energy-efficient M2 chip
• Cam at 1080p, an improvement over previous gen
• Beautiful and bright 13.6-inch display
• One of the best ultrabooks available today
• Even pricier than the previous version (you can get a Pro for only a few hundred more)
• Screen notch
• Can only support one external monitor

Worth Considering: MacBook Air M1

Although the MacBook Air M2s have been recently released, we do believe that the MacBook Airs with the M1 chips are still worth the mention. The M1 chip is a powerful piece of hardware that helps the MacBook Air perform extremely well. M1 MacBook Airs  are perfectly capable of multitasking as well as some photo editing and graphic design. It can even handle some light video editing. It’s worth mentioning the M1 Air also boasts excellent battery life, though not as good as the more efficient M2 models.

Needless to say, if you don’t feel you’ll need the extra processing power of the M2, you can probably save a fair bit of money by purchasing the M1 MacBook Air instead.

Buy the MacBook Air M2

Microsoft Surface Pro X  – A More Affordable 2-in-1 Machine for Grad Students

• Display options: 13-inch PixelSense Display, touch, 267 pixels per inch, 2880×1920
• GPU options: Microsoft SQ 1 Adreno 685 GPU/Microsoft SQ 2 Adreno 690 GPU
• Operating system: Windows 10 Home on ARM
• Processor options:   Microsoft SQ 1/Microsoft SQ 2
• Memory: 8GB or 16GB
• Storage (all SSD):  128GB, 256GB, 512GB
• Battery: According to Microsoft, up to 15 hours of standard use
• Ports: 2x USB C ports and more

The Surface Pro X is a more affordable 2-in-1 machine that also works with the Microsoft Slim Pen (sold separately). This device is more tablet than laptop, and it may not always be able to run all software (check specifications and system requirements to ensure necessary software will run on this machine before you buy it!). However, with its battery life and decent internals, the Surface Pro X is another good option for grad students on the go.

• Will be able to upgrade to Windows 11
• Really thin and light profile makes it an excellent portable machine
• Works extremely well with the Surface Pen (stylus)
• Great battery life of up to fifteen hours, depending on use
• You need to buy the stylus and type cover separately (balloons the price)
• No slot for microSD cards — storage not expandable

Buy the Microsoft Surface Pro X

Best Mid-Range Laptops for Grad School

• Display options: 14-inch IPS display, FHD 1080p
• GPU options: Intel UHD graphics, Nvidia Geforce MX330 2GB, Nvidia Geforce MX350 2GB
• Operating system: Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro, Free Upgrade to Windows 11
• Processor options:   Up to 10th Gen Intel i7 U
• Memory: Up to 32GB
• Battery: 39Wh or 52Wh
• Ports: 1x Type-C USB3.2 Gen2, 2x Type-A USB2.0, 1x Micro SD Card Reader, 1x HDMI™ (4K @ 30Hz)

The MSI Modern 14 won’t be the best laptop you’ve ever owned, but it features capable internals, a great design, and excellent features for its price. MSI is a decently reliable brand for hardware, and you can expect to use your machine for years upon purchase.

• Beautiful design and comes with a backlit keyboard
• Battery life is decent, but not the best
• Portable and light
• Has some decent ports
• Not the best speakers
• Display color accuracy is so-so, not for designers or artists
• Some issues with wireless audio latency

Buy the MSI Modern 14

• GPU options: Intel UHD graphics
• Operating system: Windows 10 Pro
• Processor options:   Intel i5-10310U, i5-8265U
• Memory: 8GB, upgradable up to 24GB
• Storage:  256GB SSD
• Battery: Up to 23 hours with fast charging
• Ports: Dual USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C Thunderbolt 4 ports

The Acer TravelMate P6 won’t win any awards when it comes to design or power, but where it can win you over is its amazing battery life. Some users report getting two workdays worth of battery out of their machine before they have to charge up. This mid-range laptop is likely enough if you don’t intend to do anything too heavy, and the best part is it’s quite affordable!

There are newer versions with more power, but they do get a fair bit more expensive, so we chose this capable model instead.

• Thin, light, yet durable build
• Lots of ports to select from
• Decent performance for its price
• Acer, as a brand, does not have the best reputation when it comes to reliability, but your mileage may vary
• Design is just okay
• Lots of bloatware you’ll have to deal with
• Touchpad is mediocre

Buy the Acer TravelMate P6

Best Budget Laptops for Graduate Students

Lenovo ideapad 3  – the best budget laptop for graduate students.

• Display options: 15.6-in HD Touchscreen (1366×768) — not  1080p
• Operating system: Windows 11
• Processor options:  11th Gen Intel i3-1115G4
• Battery: 7 hours average
• Ports: 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 1 x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1 x HDMI, 1 x Combination Audio Jack, 1 x Multi-format SD Media Card Reader, Wireless-AC WiFi 5 + Bluetooth Combo

For its price, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 offers excellent value for money. You’ll get a decent battery life, a minimum of 8GB of RAM, and an SSD over an HDD. It doesn’t look half bad, either, and you even get a number pad if you need to work with numbers often.

• Works well, does the job for most productivity tasks
• Sturdy and reliable design
• Decent keyboard and touchpad
• Many ports are included for connectivity
• Fingerprint scanner for security
• RAM is upgradable, but do it at your own risk!
• Speakers are so-so
• Somewhat lackluster display

Buy the Lenovo IdeaPad 3

Microsoft Surface Go 3  – The Most Affordable 2-in-1 Windows Tablet/Laptop for Grad Students

• Display options: 10.5in PixelSense display, FHD 1080p, touchscreen, Corning Gorilla Glass 3
• GPU options: Intel UHD Graphics 615
• Operating system: Windows 11 Home S
• Processor options:  2-Core Intel Pentium Gold 6500Y, 2-Core 10th Gen Intel i3-10100Y
• Memory: 4GB or 8GB
• Storage:  64GB eMMC drive or 128 GB SSD
• Battery: Up to 11 hours on WiFi or 10.5 hours on LTE
• Ports: 1 x USB-C, 3.5 mm headphone jack, 1 x Surface Connect port, Surface Type Cover port

If you want the ultimate in portability, or if you’re looking for a secondary device to use when you aren’t at your main workstation, the Microsoft Surface Go 3 may be a good option. It works well with the Surface Pen (sold separately), and you can also get the type cover to turn your tablet into a laptop. This machine runs on Windows 11 (S) and is a great option for grad students on the go who need a small portable for email and word processing.

• Battery life is not the best, but you can charge it with a power bank through USB-C
• One of the most portable devices on this list, works great as a secondary device
• On the affordable end of the spectrum
• Runs Windows 11
• Not a very powerful machine; look elsewhere if you need more power
• Accessories (keyboard, stylus) must be purchased separately
• Smaller screen makes it not the best choice for heavy use

Buy the Microsoft Surface Go 3

Best Laptops for Grad Students Who Also Like to Game

• Display options: 144Hz UHD/240Hz QHD at 100% P3 color gamut or 360Hz FHD at 100% sRGB color gamut
• GPU options: Graphics up to Nvidia RTX 3080Ti
• Processor options:  12th gen intel i7-12800H or i9-12900HK
• Memory: Configurable RAM; 16 or 32GB DDR5, upgrades to 64GB
• Storage:  1TB SSD, upgrades to 2TB
• Ports: USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A and C ports, Thunderbolt 4 port (USB Type-C)
• For more information, click here

Razer is a brand that first got its start in the gaming scene as a company selling peripherals. It became extremely popular over time for its mice, keyboards, microphones, webcams, and headphones, though it is now also releasing even more new products geared towards gamers and streamers.

But what does that mean for you as a grad student?

Gaming laptops tend to have powerful internals that allow them to handle running video games. That raw power also translates into other activities, such as productivity or multimedia use. You’ll likely be able to use the Razer Blade 15 as a portable workstation, especially since it can handle multitasking tasks with ease. The main issue you’d probably run into is the battery life — but that’s a tradeoff you might be willing to make for what this laptop can do.

Quite honestly, the Razer Blade 15 might be a bit overkill if you’re looking for the best laptop for doctoral students and just happen to want to game on the side, too. They’re configurable, so you can set yours up with the specifications you want, but Razer as a brand does add a premium to the price for their name. You can also consider purchasing a previous version of the Razer Blade 15 with the 20-series video cards rather than the 30-series, as you can save a significant amount of money this way. Alternatively, you can look to other brands that offer powerful gaming laptops.

• Several configuration options allow you to customize the machine to your liking
• Sleek and beautiful appearance for a gaming laptop
• Doubles as an extra-powerful ultrabook
• Powerful internals allow gaming and the ultimate in productivity and multimedia use
• Very pricey — you pay a premium for the name
• Razer doesn’t have the best reputation when it comes to its peripherals, though there aren’t as many complaints about its machines
• Battery life is not as good as other portables

Buy the Razer Blade 15

What to Look For in a Laptop for Grad Students

If you’re not particularly tech-savvy, shopping around for a laptop can feel quite intimidating. You’ll see all sorts of words and numbers that will probably be nothing more than tech garble to you. So what exactly do the specifications mean?

In this guide, we break down what to look for as you hunt for the best laptop for grad school . Consider the criteria below:

Processor (CPU)

Think of it this way — an engine is what makes your car go. In your laptop, the engine is your CPU (central processing unit) or your processor. It’s the component that handles all of the tasks you need to do, from running the operating system to powering the apps and programs you use.

There are many different models of CPU, some more powerful than others. The kind you need will depend entirely on what sort of tasks you intend to do with your computer. If it’s just lighter tasks, general productivity, and word processing, you don’t need to have the most powerful CPU available. Gaming and creative work will, unfortunately, require you to have a more powerful (and more expensive) CPU.

There are far too many models to choose from to give you a full guide here, but it’s safe to say you should probably stay within the big three brands: Intel (for example, Core i3, i5, i7, and i9 each more powerful than the last), AMD (such as Ryzen 3, 5, 7, and 9), and Apple (M1, M2 chips).

Graphics (GPU)

Without a GPU or graphics processing unit, you won’t have a display — your monitor simply won’t have anything to show you. All laptops need a GPU.

In most laptops, you’ll find that the CPU handles graphical tasks with its integrated  graphics. An example of integrated graphics would be Intel Iris XE and Iris Plus,  which often come with Intel CPUs. Many Apple MacBooks use the M1 or M2’s integrated graphics, as well. Integrated graphics aren’t bad by any means — in most cases, they are more than capable of handling the tasks you need. It’s when you need to start using heavy graphics and video editing apps or when you want to start gaming that these integrated graphics start to buckle.

If you intend to use your laptop for creative-type work or gaming, you’ll likely want a discrete GPU. A discrete GPU is an entirely separate piece of hardware devoted solely to meeting your graphical needs. The most popular example of GPUs is the Nvidia GeForce video cards, which are now in the 30 series (with the 40 series on the horizon). You’ll see specifications like Nvidia GeForce 3050 or Nvidia GeForce 3070 Ti, and so on — those are discrete graphics. The series goes 3050, 3050 Ti, 3060, 3060 Ti, 3070, 3070 Ti, 3080, 3080Ti, 3090, and the most powerful, 3090 Ti. AMD has its own series of GPUs.

Laptops generally run a specifically designed version of the above cards so that they can be more power efficient and run less hot — both necessary features for a laptop (which has a battery and lacks the cooling capabilities of a larger desktop).

Choosing the GPU you want in your laptop comes down to what tasks you need to do now  and the tasks you foresee doing in the future. However, unless you’re doing heavy graphic design, video editing, or 3D rendering work, integrated graphics will probably do for you. If you intend to use your laptop as a gaming machine in your off time, opt for a discrete GPU.

Editor’s note:  The MacBook Air (M1 and M2)  are powerful laptops with integrated graphics, but both are quite capable of handling photo and video editing to a degree — they may suit you if you want a powerful machine without compromising ultra portability!

Memory (RAM)

RAM, or random access memory, is your computer’s short-term memory. It’s responsible for holding data for files and apps you are currently running, so if you don’t have enough RAM, you’ll find your laptop lagging and slowing down.

When it comes to RAM, the general rule is — the more, the better! However, you should aim for a minimum of 8GB, as this is the lowest amount you can get to be comfortable and not lag. You might  be able to squeeze by with 4GB if you only intend to do light tasks and general productivity, especially if you’re using a tablet hybrid (like the Microsoft Surface models). But you’ll still likely want more, especially if you have a habit of running a ton of browser tabs at once.

Storage (HDD or SSD)

Storage is your computer’s long-term memory. Back in the day, we only had hard disk drives. They functioned well and were cheap to buy, but could get unreliable and tended to be on the slow side. SSDs, or Solid State Drives, are becoming the norm — these drives are faster, more reliable, smaller profiles, and are getting more and more affordable. You’ll probably want an SSD over an HDD, though some machines have a small SSD for your operating system and other important programs and  an HDD for actual file storage.

Storage usually comes in different capacities, with the most common being 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1TB, and 2 TB. 128GB and 256GB are likely not going to be enough for you unless you don’t do much more than word processing (and even then, you may run out). Aim for a minimum of 512GB. At worst, you can always get an external drive to give you extra storage.

Aesthetics are quite subjective as everyone has different tastes. You’ll probably want to choose a laptop that looks good to you since you’ll be looking at it practically every day. Unless, of course, you value function over form and simply don’t care.

Of course, there’s more than looks to consider when it comes to a laptop’s design.  You’ll probably still want to look at whether a machine meets your desire for portability — is it light enough, thin enough, or small enough? And what about the actual design decisions that the manufacturer made? How easy is the laptop to use? Will you have trouble with the webcam placement, the port locations, and so on?

Battery Life

People are lucky to be living in this decade — only a decade or so ago, laptops tended to have extremely disappointing battery life, with some topping out at barely over an hour. But now, thanks to the advancements that have been made not just in battery technology but also in the chips that go into a laptop’s internals, many machines sip energy. The result? You get laptops that can last you a solid workday and maybe even more.

Consider battery life as you hunt for the perfect laptop for grad school . Do you think you’ll be away from a power outlet often? Will you be using your laptop in the field more than not? Adequate battery life can make or break a laptop and your whole experience.

While you’re at it, consider whether you’d like to have the option of charging from a portable power pack or power bank. Some laptops that take USB-C charging, such as MacBooks, can be charged from a compatible power bank. Just make sure your power bank has the right wattage and PD (power delivery) and that you have a compatible cable rated to deliver the right amount of power.

Editor’s note: If you intend to do heavy graphics-intensive tasks with your laptop, expect to have lower battery life on any machine. Of course, some might have longer battery life than others, depending on the machine’s rated capacity.

Not everyone cares to have an amazing display, so if you’re not particularly bothered, just look for a bright enough display at a 1080p or Full HD minimum. Your laptop needs to have a bright enough screen if you intend to use it in any sort of bright room or outdoors. At a minimum, we’d suggest 250-300 nits of brightness. Otherwise, you’ll struggle to see your screen if the ambient light is too bright.

If you care about resolution, there are now many options out there. You have MacBooks with retina screens and some machines with UHD or QHD screens. There are even machines with 4K screens — but we advise you to stay away from those unless you have an express need for them. Choose the resolution that suits your needs best.

Hertz or Hz is the unit of measurement used to denote how responsive your display is, also known as the refresh rate. Higher refresh rates correspond to a higher frequency of times your display updates an image onscreen. You’ll see 60Hz, 120Hz, 144Hz, 240Hz, and even 360Hz, but unless you intend to game, you probably won’t really need much above 120Hz. The majority of machines have 60Hz screens, while more are now shifting towards 120Hz. Screens 144Hz and above tend to be on gaming laptops.

If you’d like to know more about refresh rates, you can see Intel’s article here .

Ports and Connectivity

You need to be able to do everything you need to do with your machine, which is why it only makes sense to ensure that it has the ports and connectivity you’ll need to use regularly.

Consider whether a machine has enough USB ports for you or if you’re willing to compromise by purchasing a dongle to add more ports. Ask yourself whether you need a built-in HDMI port for regular presentations or connecting to an external display. You might also want to see whether you care about having an ethernet port for a hardwired connection.

There are other things you can consider, such as if you want a 3.5mm (headphone/mic) jack or if you want an SD/microSD card slot. You’ll also want to consider whether you need WiFi and Bluetooth (both are generally standard in most machines these days) and if you’d like to have additional 4G/LTE/5G connectivity for mobile broadband solutions.

If a machine doesn’t have the ports and connectivity you need, you may need to move on to other options.

Additional Features

Beyond looking at the major criteria listed above, you can also consider things including but not limited to:

• Trackpad – How intuitive is it to use? How responsive and accurate is it? Mediocre trackpads can really get frustrating.
• Keyboard – Is it well designed and built enough to be comfortable to use for hours? You can also consider if you care about backlighting or not.
• Webcam – Some webcams are only 720p, which can mean grainy, low-resolution images of you on conference calls. If you want a clearer cam feed, 1080p is your friend. You’ll also want to check where the camera is located — most are above your display, but some laptops have it on the bottom of your screen near the hinge for some reason. Not a very flattering angle, if you ask us.

Do You Need to Buy Additional Accessories?

In some cases, you may need to buy additional accessories if you want your device to function more like a laptop. This is true for devices like the Microsoft Surface Go 3 or the Microsoft Surface Pro X, which are both essentially tablets running on Windows 11. To use these Microsoft Devices as laptops, you’ll need to buy the keyboard attachment (or an alternative Bluetooth/wireless keyboard), which can bump up the cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do i need a laptop for a master’s.

Most likely, especially if you are earning an online master’s degree or if you are working on completing your thesis. Most grad students will probably need access to a computer at some point, especially if they need to do research or have to work assistantships. You won’t always need the best laptops for master students; sometimes, you can get by with a capable tablet or a powerful iPad — especially if your major or line of work doesn’t require too much work done on the computer.

What Is the Most Reliable Laptop for Students?

There are quite a few reliable laptop brands and laptops. Generally, Lenovo/ThinkPad laptops tend to be quite reliable, making them the choice of many companies and people working in the field of business. Many people also swear by Apple’s line of MacBooks, whether it’s the MacBook Air or the Pro. Apple’s most recent MacBook offerings have amazing battery life, capable internals, and sport sleek and beautiful designs — and they resell at decent prices if you ever decide to replace yours!

How Much Should I Spend on a Laptop for Graduate School?

Your budget will depend on what you need the laptop for. If you just need a basic laptop that has most of the functionalities but doesn’t need to be too powerful, you can spend $500 or less. If you need a bit more power to go with your purchase, expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $1,000. More powerful or niche laptops (ultrabooks, gaming laptops, 2-in-1 machines, etc.) will generally run you $1,000 to $2,000. Some laptops can cost upwards of $3,000, depending on the configuration you choose.

Also, consider setting your budget and adding a little wiggle room to help you “future-proof” your purchase. For example, buy the slightly more powerful configuration rather than the basic model, as this can help ensure your machine can continue to handle various tasks for the next few years.

Which Laptop is Best for Grad School?

The answer to this question is purely subjective, as what is best for others may not be best for you, and vice versa. What you need will depend on your intended use for the machine — will it be used mostly for word processing, emailing, and general productivity tasks? Or are you going to need to put your laptop through its paces with heavy multitasking and software use?

If you are just going to be using your machine for general productivity and word processing, you can probably get by with the MSI Modern 14 or Acer TravelMate P6. If you’re really on a budget, you can consider the Microsoft Surface Go 3.

For an ultraportable, try the MacBook Air M1 or M2 or the Dell XPS 13.

If you want the best laptop for a graduate student who does a lot of heavy multitasking, graphic design, video editing, and the like, you might want to check out the MacBook Pro 14/16 or the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio.

In our opinion (and despite the hefty price tag), the best graduate laptop overall is the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 and 10. You can’t go wrong with one of these — they’ll last you for years if you can get past the initial financial outlay.

When it comes to shopping for the best laptops for graduate students, always remember to consider your needs first and foremost. Think of what you intend to use the laptop for, set your budget, and start looking for laptops within those parameters. Don’t forget to consider the battery life you need, especially if you have to be away from power outlets often.

You might also want to consider stretching your budget where possible to “future-proof” your purchase, so your grad school laptop can turn into your graduation laptop!

We hope that this list of the best laptops for graduate students has helped you find the right machine for your needs. Happy shopping!

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Chriselle Sy

Chriselle has been a passionate professional content writer for over 10 years. She writes educational content for The Grad Cafe, Productivity Spot, The College Monk, and other digital publications.  When she isn't busy writing, she spends her time streaming video games and learning new skills.

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I completely agree with your pick of the Dell XPS 13 as the best laptop for graduate students. Its sleek design and powerful performance make it a great choice for students who need a reliable and portable laptop for coursework and research. I’ve been using it for the past few months and I’m really satisfied with its performance. Thanks for sharing this helpful guide!

Great roundup of laptops for grad students! As someone who’s about to start their own graduate program, I’m definitely going to consider these options for my next laptop purchase. The balanced mix of price and performance is exactly what I’m looking for. Thanks for the informative post!

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PhD Student Funding Overview

At Yale, you can earn your doctorate at our expense. 

Our funding packages for Yale PhD students are among the most generous in the world. Every PhD student receives a fellowship for the full cost of tuition, a stipend for living expenses, and paid health coverage, though the details of your funding package will differ depending on your academic program. On average, doctoral students receive more than $500,000 in tuition fellowships, stipends, and health premium benefits over the course of their enrollment. Full PhD funding normally extends for a minimum of five years, unless your doctoral program is of shorter duration, e.g., Investigative Medicine, Law, Nursing, and Public Health. 

The main categories of funding available to PhD students are detailed below. Our Programs & Policies handbook contains additional information about funding and fellowship opportunities available at the Graduate School, along with applicable policies. 

If you have questions about your funding, you can ask your program registrar or DGS, Graduate Financial Aid, or Associate Dean Robert Harper-Mangels.

Types of Funding for PhD Students

University Fellowships (UFs) are provided through the Graduate School and do not require teaching in Yale's Teaching Fellow Program. UFs are often used during the initial year(s) of your doctoral program to cover your stipend and tuition, when you are engaged in coursework and identifying an adviser.

For official policies governing University Fellowships, including information on deferring a UF, please see our Programs & Policies Bulletin .

In subsequent years and in most programs, your stipend will be funded by a teaching fellowship or a research assistantship.

Teaching Fellowships (TFs) are contingent on teaching Yale's Teaching Fellow Program (TFP). While you are on a TF, a portion of your stipend is compensation for teaching. The rest of your stipend will come from other sources, depending on your department or program. See the Teaching Fellow Funding page for more information.

The teaching portion of your stipend is subject to federal tax withholding, so you will notice a difference in your paycheck in teaching versus non-teaching semesters.

In lieu of teaching in the Teaching Fellow Program, PhD students in the humanities and social sciences may choose to undertake one of the available Professional Development Opportunities . These positions allow you to gain professional experience at a library, museum, or other office on campus relevant to your studies. 

If you are in the natural sciences, your funding will likely come from training grants and faculty research grants at some point during your enrollment. In most programs, you may only join a research group that has active grant funding. Please consult with your DGS, if you have questions about this aspect of your funding package.

We strongly encourage you to compete for external fellowships. Winning an external award in a national competition, whether sponsored by a public or private agency, is a significant honor. External fellowships may be subject to our Combined Award policy. Please be sure to review our External Fellowships & Awards page to understand how external awards interact with university funding.

An external fellowship may also offer you added flexibility in your program. 

• If you are a student in the natural sciences, an external fellowship may allow you to pursue a project or idea that is otherwise not eligible for financial support through your adviser’s research funding. 
• If you are a student in the humanities or social sciences, an external fellowship might allow you to defer a University Fellowship (UF) to a subsequent term or year. 

You can search for external fellowships through the Yale Student Grants Database , other university search engines (e.g., UCLA ), and commercial sites .

You must notify the Graduate School of any external awards you receive. 

• Send a copy of your award letter to the Financial Aid Office at [email protected] .
• If your award is subject to the Combined Award policy, then you will receive a combined award letter via email when your award has been processed, outlining your updated funding package. 

For any questions and concerns regarding your combined award letter, please contact the Graduate School Financial Aid Office via email at [email protected]. Associate Dean Robert Harper-Mangels can also advise regarding our Combined Award policy.

Additional GSAS Financial Support

Phd stipends.

An overview of information relevant to the PhD stipend.

Health Award

The Graduate School provides Yale Health Basic Coverage at no cost to all students (Master's and PhD) who are enrolled at least half-time in degree-seeking programs. In addition, all PhD students registered at least half-time receive a Health Fellowship Award that covers the cost of Yale Health Hospitalization/Specialty Care Coverage.

Featured Resource

Family Support Subsidy for Parenting PhD Students

PhD students who are registered full-time in any year of study are eligible for the family support subsidy to assist with child-related expenses.

Dean's Emergency Fund

The Dean’s Emergency Fund enables terminal master’s and PhD students in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences to continue making academic progress despite unanticipated, extreme financial hardships that cannot be resolved through fellowships, loans, or personal resources. The maximum award for eligible requests is $2,000.

Conference Travel Fellowship (CTF)

https://gsa.yale.edu/ctf

By partnering with the MacMillan Center and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, graduate students with representatives in the Graduate Student Assembly are eligible for annual conference travel funding of up to $800.

PhD Student Travel Health Fellowship

If you are a PhD student traveling for dissertation research, the Graduate School provides a Travel Health Fellowship to cover the cost of required immunizations and prescription drugs at Yale Health.

Graduate Financial Aid Office

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Apply for an Instructional Technology Grant to support expenses related to remote learning

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The purpose of the Instructional Technology Grant is to assist UC Santa Barbara graduate students with expenses related to remote education, both learning and teaching. These expenses may include: webcams, headsets, hard drives, upgraded internet service, software, hardware, etc. Expenses that have already been incurred are also eligible for reimbursement. Read on for more details about how to apply!

Read on for an important message from the Graduate Division about how to apply for instructional technology assistance!

As the fall quarter begins, the campus is keenly aware that some of you need assistance to ensure that you have appropriate equipment and connections to pursue remote instruction as either students or instructors. In order to meet this need, the campus has created an Instructional Technology Grant Program , which is open to all currently enrolled UCSB graduate students (domestic, permanent resident, and international students are all eligible).

The purpose of the Instructional Technology Grant is to assist UC Santa Barbara graduate students with expenses related to remote education, both learning and teaching. These expenses may include: webcams, headsets, hard drives, upgraded internet service, software, hardware, etc. Expenses that have already been incurred are also eligible for reimbursement.

Students may request up to $1,000.00, but funds are limited and may not be sufficient to cover all expenses in every case. Following your submission, a staff committee will review your application and may contact you to request supporting documentation before a decision is made. Award notifications will be sent after the application deadline has closed.

Applications will be accepted from Thursday, October 8, to Thursday, October 22. Students who miss the application window will not be able to apply for funds, so we encourage you to complete your application soon. Apply here .

Thank you for your attention, and we wish you a safe and productive fall quarter.

Sincerely, The Graduate Division

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Laptop loan program for graduate student research.

Laptops are available on a first-come, first-served basis to currently-enrolled graduate students. Laptops can be loaned for up to two weeks, with a one-time, two-week renewal option.

Contact Info

Graduate School Heckart Lodge 2900 SW Jefferson Way Oregon State University Corvallis, OR 97331-1102

Phone: 541-737-4881 Fax: 541-737-3313

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Student Technology Fund (2014-2021)

Stf's legacy: expansion of student tech equity and access.

ZoomPro, and Laptop and Hotspots Lending Program

All students got ZoomPro and could apply for free long-term checkout of laptops and hotspots, thanks to their Student Tech Fee.

Software and Student Technology Services

Students had access to Adobe and Microsoft Office, plus tech support using it, available thanks to their Student Tech Fee.

Tech-Enabled Spaces

Students watched webcast lectures, used AV-enabled meeting rooms, and more, thanks their Student Tech Fee.

Equipment Checkout

Students borrowed laptops at Moffitt or iClickers from the ASUC or EOP, thanks to their Student Tech Fee.

Your Fee at Work 2014-2021: Makerspaces, Computing Labs, and more

Students laser-printed and 3D printed at OCF, Jacobs, and others, thanks to their Student Tech Fee.

2015-2021: STF Inception and Activity

The STF was voted into place in the ASUC election in Spring 2015.  Between Fall 2015 and Spring 2021, it funded about 500 grant projects and licensed all graduate, professional school, and undergraduate students' access to several software including Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, LinkedIn Learning, and more.

2020-2021: STF Renewal Effort in a Closed-Campus Year

In April 2021, although more than 80% of students voted in favor of renewing the Student Technology Fee (STF) for another seven years, the fee did not pass in the ASUC Election due to lower-than-required voter turnout. (Nineteen point one percent of students voted, 0.9% below the threshold required). 

Spring 2021: STF Sunset

The STF Committee dissolved and the STF fee ceased to be collected after this point.

Fall 2022: IREF Onset 

The Chancellor approved a new course materials fee, the Instructional Resillience Enhancement Fee (IREF). This fee supports some of the areas previously funded by STF. 

To learn more about how campus-based student fees are created, see the  Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Student Service Fees .

Former Mission 

The Student Technology Fund (STF) equitably and transparently stewarded use of student fees in support of technology initiatives that advanced undergraduate, graduate, and professional school students’ academic and co-curricular experiences at UC Berkeley. The STF supported efforts that spanned academic disciplines. It championed initiatives that were both innovative and practical in nature. It conducted this work while paying particular attention to ensuring that the needs of historically underserved students were equitably met. STF centered students' voices as agents of their own resources and included a diverse representation from the community in its Committee and staff composition.

Work in Brief

The Student Technology Fund's committee and staff, respectively, made funding decisions and administered the Student Technology Fee from Fall 2014 through Spring 2021. Voted into place by students in the 2014 ASUC election, the $51/semester fee harnessed students' collective buying power to negotiate software licenses at scale and channel funding to grant-based technology projects that enhanced the student experience. 

Important Documents

• STF Referendum
• STF Committee Bylaws

Funding Allocations

4 Laptop Grants for Students in the US

Posted By: technowifi

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Laptop Grants for Students in the US

Distant education has become increasingly popular since the rise of the pandemic.

Educators and students alike are discovering the immense convenience and effectiveness of online classes as compared to live, conventional classes on campus.

The ability to attend your course from the comfort of your home is unprecedented. Many higher education institutes and colleges are looking to make online classes an integral part of their curriculum henceforth.

However, good quality and reliable laptops are quite expensive. Not every student can afford to buy one, especially if the student comes from an underserved economic background.

Different types of scholarship programs have been introduced in the US to make it possible for a large number of students to have a laptop.

Get Laptop Grants for Students Here

Let’s take a quick look at the top sources for laptop grants of students in the US:

1 – My College Laptop

The My College Laptop Scholarship aims to give away expensive, high-quality laptops every month to students. This is an effort to help students overcome financial restraints that create obstacles in their academic pursuits.

Where to get Laptop Grants for Students in the US – My college Laptop

To be eligible for this scholarship program, the student should:

• Consider attending college but not being enrolled at the time of application.
• Be a high school graduate or GED recipient.
• Have high level and proficient English.
• Write an essay of 250+ words on “how a laptop would help you” and submit it online.

You need to remember that the My Laptop College Scholarship program is in no way affiliated or associated with any school, university, state or federal institution, including the US Department of Education or any other government organization.

2 – Laptops 4 Learning Laptop Scholarship

The Laptops 4 Learning Laptop Scholarship was initially started by founder Dwayne Baker in 2015 when he recognized the need for laptops and other technology by students. Laptops were found to be extremely crucial for students to accomplish their academic goals and career paths.

Many students usually depend on education and learning resources that are provided by the school/college, which are often limited and insufficient.

Laptops 4 Learning Laptop Scholarship

Hence, to help students study and achieve their academic dreams without being hindered by a lack of technology due to affordability, the Laptop 4 Learning program was started.

To be eligible for this laptop scholarship, you need to:

• Submit a video of you (90+ seconds long) outlining your blended family experience
• Be a US citizen
• Be at least 18 years old
• Be presently enrolled or intend to enroll in pursuits at the accredited college or university located within the US

If you are selected for this scholarship, you will receive US$ 500 as an award to buy yourself a laptop and complete your higher education successfully.

3 – Apple Scholars Program

The Apple Scholars Program is managed by the globally popular tech giant.

Apple introduced the Scholars Program to recognize the creative and academic abilities of exceptionally achieving high school seniors by providing them with tuition grants along with free Apple Nano iPods and laptop computers for college use.

The Apple Scholars Program is extremely popular among high school students, especially those students who idolize the innovative technology concepts released by Apple.

To know more about this excellent education-centric initiative by Apple, it is recommended that you consult your college/school administration and confirm whether they are eligible under the program.

4 – Dell Scholars Program

The Dell Scholars program aims to provide a support system for students to overcome individual problems they face in their academic pursuits.

Under this program, around 500 college-going students are selected yearly to receive monetary and non-monetary scholarship funds for pursuing higher education.

To be eligible for the Dell Scholars Program, you will need to:

• Participate in program-approved college readiness initiatives in grades 11 and 12.
• Be enrolled in a graduate program at an accredited school for the current academic year.
• Demonstrate the need for financial aid.
• Be eligible to receive a Pell Grant in the first year of college.
• Score a minimum 2.4 GPA

If you are successful in receiving this grant, you will get the following:

• A US$ 20,000 scholarship
• Laptop with a 4-year warranty
• Chegg credits (US$ 500 per year for four years) for buying textbooks and rentals
• Personalized, academic, financial, and emotional support to complete a college education
• A Scholar Resource Network to connect families with resources

To learn more about this program, we recommend that you visit the official website and check to ensure that you fulfill the criteria for application.

Best Dell Laptops for Students

Laptop scholarships have become as essential as scholarships for tuition, especially for a college education. The lack of technology and the inability to afford expensive technological resources should not stop aspiring academicians from pursuing their dreams.

If you need a laptop to improve your class performance, you should apply for laptop grants for students now. If you are a single mother and pursuing your education, there are also federally funded education grants available, which you can use to purchase a laptop or any other equipment you need for your education.

https://www.grantsformedical.com/college-grants-for-single-mothers.html

https://tech.ed.gov/funding/

https://worldscholarshipforum.com/

https://www.apple.com/education/k12/

https://www.dellscholars.org/scholarship/

Laptops for College Students under $500

Best Lenovo Laptops for Students

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Higher education has never been more confusing or expensive. Our goal is to help you navigate the very big decisions related to higher ed with objective information and expert advice. Each piece of content on the site is original, based on extensive research, and reviewed by multiple editors, including a subject matter expert. This ensures that all of our content is up-to-date, useful, accurate, and thorough.

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How to Get a Free Laptop💻 for College

Zach Skillings is the Scholarships360 Newsletter Editor. He specializes in college admissions and strives to answer important questions about higher education. When he’s not contributing to Scholarships360, Zach writes about travel, music, film, and culture. His work has been published in Our State Magazine, Ladygunn Magazine, The Nocturnal Times, and The Lexington Dispatch. Zach graduated from Elon University with a degree in Cinema and Television Arts.

Learn about our editorial policies

Cece Gilmore is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cece earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University. While at ASU, she was the education editor as well as a published staff reporter at Downtown Devil. Cece was also the co-host of her own radio show on Blaze Radio ASU.

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

College comes with a lot of expenses, including laptops. The good news is that you may be able to avoid paying for a laptop if you’re going to college. There are laptop scholarships for college students, and some schools even provide students with free laptops. Depending on your financial aid situation, you may also be able to use existing funds to purchase a device. Read on to learn more. 

Also read : How to save money in college

Use grant or scholarship money

If you received grant or scholarship money to attend college, you may be able to purchase a laptop with your funds. Some financial aid packages include a stipend specifically reserved for laptops, books, and other school-related expenses. 

Federal Pell Grants can also be used to purchase laptops (in a roundabout way). These grants are paid directly to your school to cover tuition and fees, but if there’s money left over you may be issued a refund check. This can then be used to purchase educational supplies such as a laptop. 

Just keep in mind that some forms of financial assistance have limitations on how you can spend the money. Check with your financial aid office if you’re unsure about purchasing a laptop with scholarship or grant funds. 

@scholarships360 Did you know there are scholarships just for laptops? To learn more about how you can get a laptop for college at a reduced cost, check out the full article here: https://scholarships360.org/financial-aid/laptop-scholarships-for-college-students/ #greenscreen #scholarship360 #scholarships #money #education #college #laptop ♬ original sound – scholarships360

Get a scholarship specifically for a laptop 

You can also apply for scholarships specifically reserved for laptops:

1. Dell Scholars Program

The Dell Scholars Program is designed to support low-income, highly-motivated students pursuing a college degree.  Perks : Dell Scholars receive a $20,000 scholarship, plus a laptop with a 4-year warranty.  Deadline: The application deadline is December 1st!

2. Laptops 4 Learning

The Laptops 4 Learning Program provides laptops to low-income students pursuing an online education.  Perks : Each month, the program awards 25 refurbished laptops to qualified candidates.  Deadline: The application season is ongoing.

Attend a college that offers free laptops 

Many colleges support their students through free laptop programs. Some schools allow students to keep their laptop after graduating, while others require students to return their device. 

Be mindful that some colleges offer a “free” laptop bundled into the cost of the cost of tuition. It may be a line item such as “technology fee” listed in your tuition and fees summary. In situations like this, you’re technically still paying for the device. 

Below we’ve listed some of the nation’s top colleges that offer complimentary laptops. Note that eligibility requirements vary. If your school isn’t included here, they may still offer free laptops or tablets. Check with your college to make sure. 

1. Northwest Missouri State University

Tech Perk : All students are offered a laptop they can keep until graduation Eligibility: All undergraduate and graduate students living on or off campus (regardless of full-time or part-time status) are eligible 

Apply to these scholarships due soon

$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship

$40,000 Build a College List Scholarship

Niche $25,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship

$10,000 CollegeXpress Scholarship

$1,000 Appily Easy College Money Scholarship

$5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship

$2,000 No Essay CollegeVine Scholarship

2. university of minnesota-crookston.

Tech Perk : Every student is provided a laptop Eligibility : All enrolled students are eligible 

3. Moravian College

Tech Perk: Students receive a MacBook Pro, iPad, and Apple pencil    Eligibility: Incoming undergraduate students are eligible

4. Valley City State University

Tech Perk: Students receive either a MacBook Pro or a Microsoft Windows laptop Eligibility: Full-time students receive a free laptop. Part-time students receive discounts

5. Full Sail University  

Tech Perk: Through “Project LaunchBox,” students receive a laptop with software and accessories relevant to their degrees  Eligibility: The cost of the laptop and software is included in tuition. LaunchBox packages are unique to each degree program 

6. Chatham University

Tech Perk: Students receive a MacBook Air during student orientation Eligibility: All incoming first-year students are eligible

7. Strayer University

Tech Perk: Students receive a laptop with Microsoft software, which they can keep after completing their first three semesters Eligibility: Students enrolled in an online bachelor’s degree program are eligible

8. Wake Forest University

Tech Perk: The “WakeWare” Program provides laptops to students at discounted rates. Students receiving any form of institutional financial aid can get the technology grant, making the laptop free Eligibility: All undergraduate students are eligible for the discount program. All undergraduate students receiving institutional aid can apply for the grant program to receive a free laptop 

9. Bowdoin College

Tech Perk: All students receive a free MacBook Pro, an iPad Mini, an Apple Pencil and free software relevant to their studies Eligibility: Every student at the college automatically receives this perk

Not free, but cheaper…

Some colleges sell laptops to students at discounted rates. You may be able to save a considerable amount if you purchase a laptop through your school instead of buying one from a retailer. If you do this, you’ll also have reassurance that the computer is capable of handling your coursework. Just be sure to do comparison shopping to know you’re getting a good deal.  

Additionally, many major retailers offer student discounts for laptops. Apple offers discounts of a flat percentage, and oftentimes, free AirPods to students. If you are a student, you should be able to receive a discount on your laptop as a result of your student status.

Also see: How to get student rent assistance

Expert Perspective

Will geiger.

Scholarships360 Co-Founder

Former Admissions Officer

Key Takeaways

• There are a few private scholarships available for laptops, and many full ride scholarships include a laptop in their package. However, laptop scholarships are altogether less common than scholarships that go towards your tuition
• Some schools offer free laptops to all of their students; attending one of these institutions is the most common way to obtain a free laptop for college
• Certain scholarships allow you to apply their funds towards a laptop; always make sure to check with your awarding agency before using the money for this purpose

Additional resources

Free laptops aren’t the only way to save some extra money in college! We’ve got a host of resources available for college students who are on a budget. One great way to save some extra money in college is to find a source of income. That could be from an online job , a tutoring job , or a side hustle . You could even decide to sell some of your clothes to make some extra money. We can also help you save money on housing and find a roommate to reduce costs. Good luck in designing your budget and make sure to check back if you have more questions! 

Frequently asked questions about how to get a free laptop

Are there any limitations on what i can do with a free laptop i got for college, what happens if the laptop breaks or is stolen will i need to return it or pay for a replacement, can i get a free laptop through student financial aid, scholarships360 recommended.

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The Capstone Editing Laptop Grant for Postgraduate Coursework Students

A grant aimed at overcoming economic barriers to academic success by providing students with the computer equipment necessary to excel in their studies.

The Capstone Editing Laptop Grant for Postgraduate Coursework Students provides one student with A$3,000 (tax free) to use to purchase a computer or laptop and software. We know that owning a suitable computer (and all the necessary software) is crucial to academic success, and this grant is aimed at students who do not currently own one.

The grant comes in the form of a A$3,000 gift voucher. The recipient can purchase any computer or laptop they choose and use any remaining funds to purchase software and computer accessories.

Capstone Editing also supports postgraduate students by providing high-quality thesis editing and academic editing for postgraduate essays and other documents. Please also consider using Capstone Editing if you continue your studies to complete a research degree. 

Eligibility

Before applying for this scholarship, please check your eligibility against these criteria:

• You must be enrolled in a postgraduate degree by coursework at an Australian or New Zealand university.
• You can be studying internally or externally.
• You can be a domestic or international student.
• The grant is primarily for full-time students. If you are studying part time, you are only eligible to apply if you can demonstrate carer commitments or a medical condition that prohibit you from studying full time.
• You cannot apply if you are an employee or contractor of Capstone Editing (or a family member of an employee or contractor).

Application process

Applications are currently  OPEN . Read about our past winners:  Jiaheng Xie  (2018), Arjun Bhogal  (2019),  Erin Quigley (2020),  Catherine Dreadon (2021),  Imani Khan (2022) and  Kristina Vasquez (2023).

Applications are open from 30 August 2023 to 5 August 2024.

The grant will be awarded on 26 August 2024.

The Capstone Editing Laptop Grant for Postgraduate Coursework Students is awarded on the basis of both academic merit and financial need. Each application will be carefully assessed. The successful applicant will be chosen at the sole discretion of Capstone Editing, and this decision is final.

If you have any questions, please first visit the Scholarship and Grants Program section of our FAQs .

If you still have questions or require any further information after reading our FAQs, you can email [email protected] .

To apply for this scholarship, simply complete this form and provide your supporting documents. Please ensure you have checked your eligibility in our terms and conditions . For details on how Capstone Editing protects your personal information, please read our privacy policy .

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From October 2022, new DAMTP and DPMMS PhD students will no longer receive a departmental desktop computer in their office.  Each department will instead provide peripherals (monitor, keyboard, mouse) for a student to connect to a laptop.

Your Department is able to offer financial support for certain expenses you may incur in the course of your PhD. Admissible expenses include purchase of a laptop (up to a maximum contribution of £800, inclusive of VAT) and conferences and other academic visits. We will ensure that you are able to purchase a laptop if needed. Total funds available to each student are limited.

Students are responsible for maintaining and backing-up their own laptops.  If the student wishes to purchase a laptop costing more than £800, the shortfall should come from the student or research group. The choice of laptop and operating system will be up to the student, although we recommend purchasing a machine with a 3-year warranty.  Laptops (but not peripherals) purchased in this way are expected to remain the property of the student after completion of  their PhD.

Historically there has been a tradition of providing departmental-maintained Linux desktops to all PhD students. In recent years, there has been a trend for students to prefer working on laptops. The pandemic has reinforced the advantages of laptops for working away from the department. The large number of desktops currently in mathematics provides a significant burden for the IT team to maintain.

Support / maintenance

The student will be responsible for all hardware and software maintenance on the machine. The IT team will provide advice for access to departmental services (e.g. file stores, compute servers) from laptops. Backups of the laptops will be the responsibility of the student, but the IT website has recommendations .

If there is a specific need for a PhD student to have a departmental-maintained Linux desktop then the supervisor should make a request to [email protected] explaining the rationale. This request should note if there are group funds to purchase a new desktop, or if an existing machine from within the research group can be moved. If there are no group resources available, an existing desktop from the current stock may be made available.

Connectivity

Although some offices have wired Ethernet connections for laptops, there are likely to be more laptops than Ethernet connections within our current network. As desktops are removed from offices over the coming years, this may free up ports; unfortunately, our current network makes it somewhat time-consuming to switch them from desktop to laptop connectivity.  Meanwhile, however, wireless connectivity via Eduroam should be available in all offices throughout CMS.

If the student is requesting departmental support to purchase their own laptop, they should send a Laptop Funding Application form to the Business and Operations Manager in their department ( [email protected] or [email protected] ) requesting funds of up to £800. This correspondence should note any sources of funds available to the student (stipend / college support / research funds) and the value of the laptop they plan to purchase.  If the request for funds is approved, once the student has purchased the laptop, an FDA1 Students expense claim form , together with receipt of purchase and copy of the approval email, should be submitted to your Department Finance Office ( [email protected] or [email protected] ) for reimbursement.

Requests for peripherals (monitor, keyboard, mouse) should be sent to [email protected] .  Due to the diverse nature of laptops, we will be unable to provide chargers or cases.  Some USB C 5-in-1 connectors may also be available, but again their utility will depend on the laptop.  These peripherals should remain within CMS.  The student will be expected to return the monitor (but not keyboard, mouse, or USB C connectors) to the help team once they have finished their PhD.  (A note will be kept of the serial number of the monitor provided to the student.)

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Commonwealth Grant Scheme (CGS)

Commonwealth Grant Scheme Guidelines.

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On 19 October 2020, the Australian Parliament passed legislation for the Job-ready Graduates Package (the package) of reforms to higher education. Changes proposed in this package affect student contributions and provide additional support for students in regional and remote Australia. The majority of these changes will commence on 1 January 2021.

We encourage both current and new students who will be studying from 1 January 2021 to talk to their current or intended higher education provider to confirm how these changes may affect their individual circumstances. Further information can be found on the Job-ready Graduates Package page.

More information on the additional support for students in regional and remote areas, including the new Tertiary Access Payment and the guaranteed Commonwealth Supported places for Indigenous students can be found on the More opportunities for regional students page.

On 19 June 2020 the Australian Government announced the Job-ready Graduates Package (the package). Changes proposed in this package affect student contributions and provide additional support for students in regional and remote Australia. The majority of these changes will commence on 1 January 2021, subject to the passage of legislation.

Through the Commonwealth Grant Scheme (CGS), the Australian Government subsidises tuition costs for higher education students across a wide range of discipline areas and qualification levels. Since the beginning of 2012, public universities have been able to decide how many domestic students they enrol in bachelor level courses (excluding medicine). However, the level of funding for 'Commonwealth supported places' (CSPs) is limited  at a level determined by the Minister for Education.

For 'designated' courses of study the Government provides funding to public universities for an agreed number of CSPs in a given year. All other providers (non-Table A providers) are funded for CSPs based on allocations by the Government.

Each higher education provider that receives CGS funding has entered into a funding agreement with the Commonwealth. These funding agreements are available here:

• Higher education providers' 2024-2025 Commonwealth Grant Scheme funding agreements
• Non-University Higher Education Providers' 2021-2022 Commonwealth Grant Scheme funding agreements
• Higher education providers' 2021-2023 funding agreements
• Non-University Higher Education Providers' 2021 Commonwealth Grant Scheme short course funding agreements
• Non-University Higher Education Providers' 2020 Commonwealth Grant Scheme short course funding agreements
• Higher education providers' 2018 - 2020 Commonwealth Grant Scheme funding agreements
• Higher education providers' 2017 Commonwealth Grant Scheme funding agreements
• Higher education providers' 2014-2016 Commonwealth Grant Scheme funding agreements
• Higher education providers' 2013 Commonwealth Grant Scheme funding agreements

Useful Links

Higher education support act (2003), administration of the cgs.

The CGS is administered by:

Higher education Program Management Higher Education Group Department of Education

Enquiries can be emailed to: [email protected] .

Where can I find information about technology funding support?

Please visit the Student Financial Services website for more information on technology funding support and the tech grant. ( https://financialaid.wustl.edu/how-aid-works/affordability/ )

Laptop FAQs

Can I just use the laptop I already have?

You can use a laptop you already have as long as it meets or exceeds the minimum laptop specifications for your school and classes.

Can I purchase an iPad with my technology grant?

IT leadership at each of the schools has identified specs and operating systems that best meet the minimum requirements for students in their programs…

How do I get software for my laptop?

Students should visit  OnTheHub  for software.

How do I order?

• Review your school’s recommendations on this website.
• Visit the  WashU Campus Store …

How do I pay?

The WashU Campus Store accepts many forms of payment including debit cards, credit cards, PayPal, PayPal Credit and the BearBucks Campus Card…

Is technology assistance available for graduate students and University College students?

Graduate, professional and University College students in need of funding for technology support needs may direct requests to their School or Department  financial aid representative  for consideration.

What are the warranty requirements?

WashU requires that you purchase a three-year warranty with your laptop. The WashU Campus Store laptop models linked to from this site meet the University Minimum Requirements and are already priced to include this warranty…

When should I place my order?

You can place your order starting at the beginning of August through October. You can choose to have the computer shipped to you or schedule a pick up time at the WashU Campus Store…

Why am I required to have a laptop?

WashU students are required to have a laptop that meets or exceeds the minimum laptop specifications for their class or school…

Computer Purchases

Students who receive need-based aid from Princeton and wish to purchase a personal computer for their school use may request a computer purchase budget adjustment, not to exceed $3,500. The Undergraduate Financial Aid Office will add the purchase price of the computer to your financial aid budget, for which you may request a federal, alternative, or institutional loan to cover the cost.  Computer purchase budget adjustments for the purchase price of a personal computer and accessories may only be requested during one year of your time at Princeton. Multiple requests may be submitted in the same year until you have met the $3,500 limit.

To request reimbursement, you have the following options:

• If Princeton grant was reduced to accommodate an outside/third-party scholarship, purchase receipts can be emailed to the financial aid office at [email protected] in order to have the reduced grant funds applied to the purchase. Note: This option is only available for the year in which outside/third-party scholarships were received. If the Princeton grant was fully replaced by outside/third-party scholarships, the student may not be eligible to receive grant aid for the educational technology purchase. Contact our office if you have questions about eligibility.
• If the reduced Princeton grant does not cover the purchase, you can request a loan to cover the difference. Students have the option of requesting a federal loan (if eligible), Princeton Subsidized loan , or an alternative loan. You should email purchase receipts to the financial aid office along with your loan request form. The combination of reduced Princeton grant and loan cannot exceed $3,500. For alternative loans, students should apply directly with their chosen lender.
• If Princeton grant was not reduced to accommodate an outside/third-party scholarship, you have the option of requesting a federal loan (if eligible), Princeton Subsidized loan , or an alternative loan. You should email purchase receipts to the financial aid office along with your loan request form. For alternative loans, students should apply directly with their chosen lender.

Students who previously received grant aid reimbursement towards a computer purchase have the option of requesting a federal loan (if eligible), Princeton Subsidized loan , or an alternative loan if their laptop or desktop is broken and cannot be repaired. The request can only be accommodated once.

Requests for reimbursement, along with supporting documentation, can be submitted from August 1st until the last day of spring term classes, if you are enrolled. Requests received after the last day of the spring term are ineligible for reimbursement. If the reimbursement results in a credit on your student account, consistent with Undergraduate Student Accounts policy, the refund will be available after the start of classes.

In the event that you are experiencing extenuating circumstances resulting in an inability to purchase a computer before requesting reimbursement, you may email the financial aid office to request an accommodation via [email protected].

Note: In cases where grant aid and/or loan was used to fund/reimburse a computer purchase, the aid will be reversed if the Undergraduate Financial Aid office does not receive the payment from a donor for an outside scholarship, or if loan documents are outstanding. This may result in a balance due to the Student Account Office.

Educational technology permitted under this policy (you may purchase exactly one of each item) :

• Laptop Computer and Case (and optional extended warranty)
• Desktop Computer (and optional extended warranty)
• Tablet Computer and Case (and optional extended warranty)
• External Hard Drive
• External Monitor
• Keyboard and Mouse
• Earphones or Headphones
• Printer/Scanner
• Screen Protector (Laptop/Tablet)
• Digital Paper Tablet

Student Computer Purchase Recommendations

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Emergency and Opportunity Funding

Welcome to Penn’s Emergency and Opportunity Funding application. Any enrolled undergraduate, graduate, or professional student is potentially eligible for this financial assistance. Students do not need to identify as FGLI or highly aided to apply .

Graduate and Professional Students

Visit the Graduate Emergency Fund website for information about the scope of funding, process, and timeline.  

Undergraduate and Sub-matriculated Students

Scope of funding.

Undergraduate students can seek and receive support for needs including, but not limited to:

• Laptops and academic technology
• Tickets to travel home or to see family in an emergency
• Medical bills (hospital, vision, dental)
• Winter and professional attire
• Graduate school exam prep
• Academic or pre-professional opportunity, such as conference participation or travel to reach an internship/job

University Life’s Student Intervention Services (SIS) leads the Emergency and Opportunity Funding process. SIS works closely with Student Financial Services, Penn First Plus, and Alumni Relations, which also contribute funds and expertise in evaluating student applications.

We strongly recommend that students speak with their assigned financial aid counselor to discuss any award that may be received. The team strives to honor requests, but some students may not be eligible for emergency grants. Students with denied requests will still receive guidance and support from the team to identify other possibilities. To learn more about other, non-grant options please review our  Funding FAQ section.

Documentation required

The review committee requires documentation to support many requests. Applicants who request new laptops or grants for computer repair must submit documentation showing the cost of repairing their current computers before their requests will be reviewed. Students may submit documentation via e-mail to Student Intervention Services . Students who request assistance with medical expenses may be asked to submit bills and should do so through Student Registration and Financial Services’ secure document portal .

Success Stories

Professional Clothing “I am a recipient of the one-time grant of $200 to support the purchase of professional clothing… This summer I had the amazing opportunity to intern at the United States House of Representatives. Because of [this funding] I was able to purchase professional clothing for this position and feel confident about my presentation. I lost my job during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, I have experienced a lot of stress about the future, but this grant alleviated some of that.” BA Student, LPS ‘21

Laptop “Recently, my laptop broke and a repair would have cost near to 1000 dollars. Through the Penn Emergency that you are a donor for, I was able to get a replacement laptop for no charge, which I’m truly grateful for. I’m an undergraduate senior studying computer science and business at the university’s management and technology program. Technology is important to me and is engrained within my studies here at Penn.” BSE Student, SEAS ‘20

Winter Clothing “I received very generous grant of $300 to assist me in the purchase of winter clothes. This is a substantial gift to me and will enable me to buy warmer, proper boots for winter and a few other winter things. On a very tight family and personal budget due to my father’s unemployment, I am working to earn as much money as I can through my student job with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia… I am especially thankful for my opportunities at Penn and I intend to work very hard to achieve my long-term goal of becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner.” BSN Student, School of Nursing ’23

Flight and Laptop “During the depopulation of campus in March 2020 because of COVID-19, I received a flight ticket to go to my sister’s place in Canada. I also received a laptop to do my online work. The flight ticket and laptop have been really helpful. The ticket was booked for me when I couldn’t afford one myself and I was even given an extra bag. As for the laptop, it allowed me to do my work without having to worry about technical difficulties. My previous laptop was old, and I frequently got my work done at the library before the pandemic, so I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to even watch my lectures let alone work on assignments when I moved to my sisters’ place. It arrived really quickly, too.” BA Student, College ’20

Technology Repair​ “My apartment was damaged by rainwater coming from a broken drainage pipe. The water soaked into the room and damaged my works and stuffs, particularly my laptop. The grant you gave me significantly makes me able to repair my laptop and recover my invaluable data, especially my dissertation. Above all, this also makes me feel that I am not alone, but a part of Penn family. I am very honored and proud to be a Penn student.” PhD student, Weitzman School of Design ’21​

Academic Advancement​ “I am applying for the Moelis Advance Access Program in hopes of continuing my education at Penn with a Wharton MBA, which requires testing that I would not have been able to register and study for without this grant. I recognize the generosity of donors like you and I am grateful for this opportunity. I am looking forward to graduating this May and continuing your legacy of contributing to our alma mater. I hope to help Penn students and open doors for them like you have helped me.” BA Student, College ’19

Medical Expenses​​ “As a former foster youth who aged out of care, I am a completely independent student and thus solely responsible for all my expenses. Because of this, even with the financial aid I receive from Penn, working as much as possible, and adhering to a strict monthly budget, there is little if any wiggle room financially. This in and of itself can feel very precarious and stressful, but also means that there no room for anything to go awry. After being diagnosed with a chronic illness and having to undergo a variety of procedures, I have incurred a significant amount of medical bills. Therefore, I truly cannot articulate how impactful it was to receive this grant to pay off a portion of my medical expenses. A tremendous burden has been lifted, and I cannot thank you enough for helping make this happen.” BA Graduate College ’20, SP2 Student ’21

Emergency Funding FAQ

Emergency funding is meant to cover one-time, unexpected expenses such as a technology need, clothing need, minor medical expense, emergency travel, etc. It is not intended for ongoing expenses such as regular medical expenses, rent, utilities, or tuition.

Opportunities that qualify for this type of funding should reinforce applicants’ academic pursuits during their present degree programs, such as training, academic conferences, professional school entrance exams, test prep, etc.

Yes, all undergraduate, graduate, and professional students are eligible and encouraged to apply.

Yes, international, undocumented, and DACA students are eligible and encouraged to apply

No, you do not have to be highly aided/FGLI to be eligible.

Possibly. Student Intervention Services will work with you to identify resources for your individual needs. If you receive minimal or no financial aid, we highly recommend that you contact Student Registration and Financial Services as a first step to address your financial concerns and needs for comprehensive support.

Grants from this award process typically range from $200 to $1000. The average amount received is $500.

Additional grant funding awarded to you through your student account is tax reportable if it is intended for non-qualified expenses (i.e. anything other than tuition, fees, books, and supplies). This funding is reported on your annual 1098-T form, which you can use to help you file your taxes each year. For specific questions about your personal tax situation, you will need to consult with a tax professional, as Penn cannot provide personal tax advice.

This grant may affect your financial aid package or work-study award, and we strongly encourage you to contact your assigned financial aid counselor to discuss any award you may receive.

Our funding comes from several sources, including alumni groups and other donor grants. We are very grateful for their support, and we ask grant recipients to write a note of thanks that we can share with our donors.

Yes, you can qualify for funding if you are married or living with a partner who earns an income. This funding was made available to help enrolled students pursuing their academic goals. In other words, funding will not be awarded to help your partner or family members’ financial challenges. We do suggest that you and your partner seek alternative sources (e.g. governmental resources) for their needs and support if that serves the purpose for them.

This funding process was established with the intention to provide short-term and onetime relief for emergency financial circumstances. Housing funding is an ongoing expense that requires a larger and more comprehensive solution.

While personal travel is an opportunity, funding is limited to opportunities that are directly related to an applicant’s current degree. Personal or recreational travel likely will not fit this category.

Each application will be reviewed fully by the committee. Sometimes, we cannot provide a grant because of the limits on financial aid packages or the scope of what our grants can support. Even if a student is not assisted with a grant, our team will always try to work with a student to find resources or solutions for their particular situation if possible; this can include loan options.

Student Intervention Services provides support and advocacy for students and their communities. A staff person from Student Intervention Services will work with you collaboratively to further provide advocacy to the review committee with your application. In addition, the staff from Student Intervention Services might be able to identify resources or support to assist you in additional ways.

We understand that your personal situation is sensitive, and we respect your privacy. The questions we ask are necessary for accountability in the distribution of our limited source of funding. We also try to understand your situation as fully as possible so we can identify any additional resources or support that may be helpful for you.

A committee of staff members from Student Intervention Services, Penn First Plus, Student Financial Services, and VPUL reviews each application. We try to exhaust every avenue of support we have available to a student, whether financial or otherwise, in the outcome of a case.

Yes. You may contact your assigned Student Intervention Services case manager and/or SRFS counselor as a first step for their guidance.

The committee assesses the reasonable amount of funding for the requested items (e.g. laptop, winter clothing, food expenses). We must also consider applicants’ financial aid packages to comply with federal regulations. If federal regulations prohibit us from awarding a grant, our team will counsel applications about other options (i.e. loans, reviewing refund use).

It is not likely that the awarded amount will be adjusted after the committee’s decision. However, you may discuss your concerns about the amount of the award with your assigned Student Intervention Services case manager.

Funding should be reflected on your student account and disbursed via direct deposit (if you have signed up for direct deposit with SRFS) within several business days upon your receipt of the award letter issued by Student Intervention Services. If you need an expedited process for the funding distribution, you should contact Student Intervention Services.

You do not have to write a thank you/testimonial but are encouraged to do so. Testimonials have direct impact in helping the University secure future funding help your fellow students who might be experiencing similar challenges. Your name and other identifiers are not included when testimonials are shared. University administrators are required to complete trainings on privacy and handling of your personal information. Also, University administrators will NOT ask for your personal information, including but not limited to Social Security number or bank account number via e-mail or over the phone. Please be extra careful of phishing or scamming in general.

You should always consult with your assigned SRFS counselor as a first step for discussing financial concerns. We do coordinate with other sources of emergency financial assistance, such as funds based in the schools, to direct students’ requests to the single most appropriate fund and maximize the number of students we can help

Campus Collaboration and History

The care and support of Penn students through Emergency and Opportunity funding is a collaboration among University support services and donors.

Student Intervention Services works closely with Student Registration and Financial Services, Penn First Plus, Alumni Relations, and other partners to review applications, refer students to resources, and make awards to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.

Emergency and Opportunity grants are made possible by the generous support of multiple campus funding sources, including:

• Penn Student Government
• Penn First Plus
• Student Financial Services
• The Provost’s Office
• The James Brister Society
• The Association of Latino Alumni
• The Association of Alumnae
• The Trustees Council of Penn Women
• Makuu: The Black Cultural Center
• Wharton Undergraduate Executive Board

The Emergency and Opportunity grant process was formally established by a 2017 donation from the Class of 1967 to the University Life division. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Penn Student Government made a significant gift from unspent programming funds to assist classmates facing unprecedented academic, medical, personal, pre-professional, or technological challenges.

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