25 Online Schools that Give Refund Checks and Laptops

These top online schools that give refund checks and laptops to their students is clear testament that the competitiveness of online learning has come to a whole new level.

Some online schools provide refund checks and free laptops to students to enhance accessibility and support their success. Refund checks are often given when financial aid exceeds tuition costs, helping students cover living expenses and other educational needs.

Free laptops ensure that all students have the necessary technology for online learning, reducing financial barriers and standardizing access to learning tools.

These measures are particularly beneficial for non-traditional students, such as working adults and military personnel, enabling them to balance education with personal responsibilities.

In this guide, we are exploring all the online schools with a reputation of providing refund checks, laptops and other financial aids to eligible students.

Online Schools that Give Refund Checks and Laptops

Here are 25 online schools that offer such programs (Please note that eligibility requirements and program details can change, so be sure to verify directly with the schools you’re interested in):

  1. University of Phoenix
  2. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
  3. DeVry University
  4. American Public University System (APUS)
  5. Liberty University Online
  6. Independence University
  7. Western Governors University (WGU)
  8. Grand Canyon University (GCU) Online
  9. Columbia Southern Education Group (CSEG)
  10. Dakota State University
  11. Moravian University
  12. Walden University
  13. Bethel University
  14. American National University
  15. Saint Leo University
  16. Capella University
  17. Purdue University Global
  18. Colorado Technical University
  19. Ashford University
  20. Wilmington University
  21. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
  22. Excelsior College
  23. Pennsylvania College of Technology
  24. National American University
  25. AIU Online (American InterContinental University)

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Online Schools that Give Refund Checks and Laptops (Full Review)

Here’s a detailed look at 25 online schools in 2024 that offer refund checks and laptops to their students, including information about their programs and unique offerings:

1. University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix is a large for-profit school with a vast range of programs and flexible schedules. This can be appealing for busy adults seeking convenience. However, there are downsides.

The for-profit model often translates to higher costs, and the university has faced criticism for aggressive recruiting tactics. Additionally, graduation rates may be lower compared to some non-profit institutions.

The University of Phoenix offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, and they provide laptops to eligible students and issue refund checks for excess financial aid funds.

Visit the official website of the institution.

2. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)

SNHU is a non-profit university known for its affordability and focus on working adults. It offers a good reputation and a variety of programs. While it might not have every niche program you seek, the class sizes may be larger, a factor to consider if you prefer a more personal learning environment.

SNHU is known for its extensive online programs in business, healthcare, IT, and liberal arts. They provide laptops to online students and distribute refund checks when financial aid exceeds tuition costs.

Visit official website.

3. DeVry University

DeVry University is another for-profit institution with a strong emphasis on career-oriented programs in technology and business. This focus can be beneficial if you have a clear career path in mind.

However, similar concerns exist regarding cost and recruiting practices compared to the University of Phoenix.

DeVry University focuses on technology and business programs, including associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. They provide laptops to students and issue refund checks for surplus financial aid.

4. American Public University System (APUS)

In this list of online schools that give refund checks and laptops as part of their encouraging incentive, the American Public University System (APUS) comes into mind.

The school was established in 1991, is a private, for-profit online learning institution that includes American Public University (APU) and American Military University (AMU).

APUS offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs in fields such as business, healthcare, intelligence studies, and homeland security.

Known for its flexible online education tailored to working adults and military personnel, APUS provides comprehensive support services, including academic advising and career counseling. The system is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Here is the website for the American Public University System (APSUS)

5. Liberty University Online

Liberty University is a Christian-based institutions offering a variety of programs and a strong focus on online learning. If you’re comfortable with the religious affiliation, they can be good options. However, it’s important to consider if the religious aspects align with your personal beliefs.

Liberty University Online offers over 450 online programs ranging from associate to doctoral degrees in areas like theology, business, and education.

As a commendable incentive, the Liberty University Online provide a free laptop to undergraduate students and issue refund checks for surplus financial aid.

Visit the official website.

6. Independence University

Independence University was a private, nonprofit online university offering associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in fields such as business, health care, and information technology.

Known for its flexible online programs, it provided support services like academic advising, career counseling, and tutoring. The university was accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).

Unfortunately, this school remains closed even as at the time of preparing this update.

7. Western Governors University (WGU)

WGU stands out for its innovative, competency-based model. This means you can potentially accelerate your degree by getting credit for prior learning experiences.

It’s a non-profit with a very affordable tuition structure and a respected reputation. The focus is on bachelor’s and master’s degrees, so if you need a doctoral program, WGU might not be the best fit.

WGU is known for its competency-based education in business, IT, healthcare, and education. They provide laptops to students and issue refund checks for excess financial aid funds.

Here is the official website.

8. Grand Canyon University (GCU) Online

Grand Canyon University (GCU) Online is a private, for-profit Christian university offering a wide range of online degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.

Fields of study include business, education, nursing, and theology. Known for its flexible online learning environment, GCU provides comprehensive support services such as academic advising, career counseling, and tutoring.

The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Also, Canyon University (GCU) Online give refund checks, laptops and other resources and financial aids to eligible students.

Visit the official website.

9. Columbia Southern Education Group (CSEG)

Columbia Southern Education Group (CSEG) oversees Columbia Southern University and Waldorf University, offering online programs for working adults. Columbia Southern provides degrees in business, health care, and criminal justice, while Waldorf offers online and on-campus programs in business, education, and arts.

Both institutions are accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) and offer support services like academic advising and career counseling.

As a way to support and encourage online learning, the CSEG provide laptops to new students and issue refund checks for excess financial aid.

Here is the official website.

10. Dakota State University

This public university offers a chance to benefit from a lower tuition compared to private schools while still gaining a recognized online degree.

Dakota State may have a more limited program selection, while Purdue University Global, being a newer online program, might have fewer established resources

Dakota State University focuses on technology and computer science programs. The school offer laptops to students and provide refund checks for surplus financial aid.

Visit the official website of the school.

11. Moravian University

Moravian University, established in 1742, is a private, nonprofit institution located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in fields such as arts, sciences, business, nursing, and education.

This university is popular for its liberal arts education and historic significance as America’s sixth-oldest college, Moravian provides robust support services including academic advising, career counseling, and tutoring.

The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and is one of the online universities that offer refund checks and laptops to eligible students as incentive.

Here is the official website.

12. Walden University

The Walden University is a for-profit universities with a large online presence. Walden offers doctoral programs, which can be a plus if you seek that level of education. However, both raise similar concerns regarding cost and recruiting practices as the University of Phoenix.

Walden University is known for its online programs in psychology, education, and public health. In this list, the Walden University is one of the online schools that give refund checks and laptops to eligible students.

Visit the official website.

13. Bethel University

Bethel University, founded in 1871, is a private, nonprofit Christian university located in Arden Hills, Minnesota. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across disciplines such as business, education, nursing, and theology.

This school is popular for its commitment to integrating faith and learning, Bethel provides extensive support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and spiritual guidance.

The Bethel University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and one of the ways they provide incentives for learning is by giving refunds checks, laptops and a number of other aids for eligible students.

To get started with this school, here is the official portal for both students enquiries and registrations.

14. American National University

American National University, established in 1886, is a private, for-profit institution offering associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in fields such as business, health care, and information technology.

With both online and on-campus programs, ANU focuses on providing career-oriented education and support services like academic advising and career counseling. The university is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

The American National University is found to also be providing incentive such as refund checks, laptops and other useful aids to students from several categories of learning.

Visit the official website.

15. Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University, founded in 1889, is a private, nonprofit Catholic university located in Saint Leo, Florida. It offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs both on-campus and online.

Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Saint Leo emphasizes values-based education and provides extensive student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and tutoring.

The Saint Leo University also apply the method of incentivizing learning to encourage several category of students by being found in this list of online schools that give refund checks and laptops to their students.

Visit the official website.

16. Capella University

Capella University, established in 1993, is a private, for-profit online institution offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in fields like business, healthcare, education, psychology, and IT.

This school is known for its flexible learning formats, including the self-paced FlexPath option, it is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and provides comprehensive support services to students.

Capella University is among the Online Schools that Give Refund Checks and Laptops to those students who qualify for such aids in their respective academic seasons.

Here is the official website for your review and other enquiries.

17. Purdue University Global

Purdue University Global is a public, nonprofit institution that offers a variety of online degree programs designed for working adults.

Established in 2018 as part of the Purdue University system, it provides associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across fields like business, IT, health sciences, nursing, and education.

Purdue Global emphasizes flexibility and personalized learning, with support services such as academic advising, career counseling, and tutoring. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, it aims to provide accessible, high-quality education to non-traditional students

Purdue University Global offers online programs in business, IT, nursing, and education. Purdue University Global also provide laptops to students and issue refund checks if financial aid exceeds tuition costs.

Visit Purdue official website.

18. Colorado Technical University

Colorado Technical University (CTU) is a private, for-profit institution established in 1965, offering a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, particularly in business, management, technology, health sciences, and engineering. It provides flexible online and on-campus learning options, utilizing personalized learning technology like Intellipath.

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, CTU supports students with academic advising, career services, and tutoring, and offers multiple financial aid options.

The Colorado Technical University is one of the few online schools that give refund checks and laptops to eligible students, and here is the official website for the institution.

19. Ashford University (University of Arizona Global Campus)

Ashford University, now the University of Arizona Global Campus, offers accredited online undergraduate and graduate programs. Established in 1918 in Clinton, Iowa, it transitioned to an online model in 2005.

Accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), the University of Arizona Global Campus provides flexible education with innovative online learning technologies. Committed to student success, it empowers students to achieve their academic and career aspirations.

Ashford University, now known as the University of Arizona Global Campus, offers online programs in business, education, healthcare, and liberal arts.

Giving laptops and issuing refunds checks is one ways the schools encourages eLearning competitiveness but only available for eligible students.

Here is the official website for this institution.

20. Wilmington University

Wilmington University, established in 1968, is a private, nonprofit institution located in New Castle, Delaware. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), it offers diverse undergraduate and graduate programs in business, education, healthcare, and technology.

Known for its flexible learning options, including online and evening classes, Wilmington University caters to the needs of working adults and non-traditional students. Committed to practical, career-focused education, it prepares students for success in their chosen fields.

Wilmington University offers laptops to students and issue refund checks when financial aid exceeds tuition costs.

Visit the official website here.

21. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is a private, Catholic liberal arts college located in Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana. Founded in 1840 by the Sisters of Providence, it is one of the oldest Catholic women’s colleges in the United States.

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as business, education, healthcare, and the arts.

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College offers online programs in education, business, and healthcare. As part of the institution’s ways of offering financial aids to encourage learning in these categories, it is one of the online schools that give refund checks and laptops.

You can access the official website from this portal.

22. Excelsior College

Excelsior College, founded in 1971, is a regionally accredited nonprofit institution based in Albany, New York. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), Excelsior specializes in flexible online education for adult learners.

With a focus on serving military personnel, veterans, and working adults, Excelsior offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as nursing, business, liberal arts, and technology, aiming to make higher education accessible and affordable.

When the desire revolves around best online schools that give refund checks and laptops, Excelsior College comes to mind, making it to this list of schools.

Visit the official website.

23. Pennsylvania College of Technology

This public university offers a chance to benefit from a potentially lower tuition compared to private schools. However, limited information is available online, so it’s important to do thorough research on their specific programs and accreditation.

Pennsylvania College of Technology focuses on technical and vocational programs. They provide laptops to students and issue refund checks for surplus financial aid.

Here is the Pennsylvania College Technology school website.

24. National American University

National American University (NAU) is a regionally accredited for-profit institution based in Rapid City, South Dakota, established in 1941.

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), NAU offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs spanning fields like business, healthcare, criminal justice, and technology.

With both online and campus-based options, NAU provides flexible learning opportunities and student support services, including financial aid, career counseling, and academic advising. Committed to student success, NAU aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in their chosen career paths.

National American University offers online programs in business, healthcare, and IT. They provide laptops to students and issue refund checks when financial aid exceeds tuition costs.

Visit the official website of the NAU.

25. AIU Online (American InterContinental University)

AIU Online, part of the American InterContinental University (AIU) system, is an accredited for-profit university offering a range of online programs designed to provide flexible education options for students. Established in 1970, AIU has a long history of providing career-focused education in fields such as business, IT, and criminal justice.

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), AIU Online offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs tailored to meet the needs of working adults and non-traditional students.

With a focus on providing practical skills and knowledge relevant to today’s workplace, AIU Online aims to prepare students for success in their chosen careers.

The American InterContinental University provide laptops to students and issue refund checks for excess financial aid; and here is the official website of the noble institution.

Choosing an Online School (What to Consider)

  • Refund Policy: Understand the details of the refund policy, including withdrawal timelines and what qualifies for a refund.
  • Laptop Requirements: There may be minimum specifications required for the laptop you receive.
  • Eligibility Requirements: Qualifying for a laptop and refund program may depend on factors like financial aid, program enrollment, and maintaining good academic standing.
  • Accreditation: Ensure the school is accredited by a reputable accrediting agency.

Remember, a free laptop and potential refund are just two factors to consider when choosing an online school. It’s also important to research factors like:

  • Academic programs offered
  • Accreditation
  • Cost (including tuition and fees after financial aid is applied)
  • Student support services
  • Graduation rates

Conclusion

Choosing an online school that offers refund checks and laptops can significantly enhance your educational experience. These 25 institutions not only provide quality education but also ensure their students have the financial and technological support they need to succeed in their academic endeavors.

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