← The Survival Kit

REACH · The Survival Kit

Get connected.Internet and a laptop, without the guesswork.

Doing college on a phone is hard, and you're not the only one doing it. Here's what still exists, who qualifies, and where to ask.

First, the honest part

The Affordable Connectivity Program, the federal internet discount many students used, ended in 2024. If an ad says you can still sign up for it, it’s not real. What’s left is below, and some of it is free.

1. Lifeline: a federal phone or internet discount

A monthly discount on one phone or internet service per household.

You may qualify if

  • Your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, or
  • You (or someone in your household) get SNAP, Medicaid or SSI, among other programs, or certain Tribal programs.
A Pell Grant alone isn’t on Lifeline’s list. Pell counted for the old ACP, not for Lifeline. If you get SNAP or Medicaid, that does count. Not on SNAP yet? Many students qualify; ask your campus basic needs or financial aid office.

The discount amount, which companies take it, and how “household” works if you live in a dorm or with roommates: check the provider’s site.

Check Lifeline

2. Low-cost internet plans near you

Many internet companies have their own cheaper plans for people with low incomes. EveryoneOn, a nonprofit, finds the plans and device offers near you by ZIP code.

Prices, speeds and who qualifies are set by each company: check the provider’s site before you sign anything.

Search by ZIP on EveryoneOn

3. A computer that won’t break the bank

PCs for People is a nonprofit that offers refurbished computers and affordable internet. Who qualifies and what it costs: check the provider’s site.

Visit PCs for People

Be careful with ads for a “free government laptop” or “free government phone” that ask for your Social Security number up front. Is this a scam?

4. Ask your campus. It may already have it.

Many colleges lend laptops and hotspots, and some have emergency money for tech. Not every school does, so ask these offices directly:

  1. The library. “Do you lend laptops or Wi-Fi hotspots? For how long?” Also ask about computer labs and late hours.
  2. IT or the help desk. “Is there a laptop loan program, or discounted software for students?”
  3. Financial aid or the dean of students. “Is there an emergency grant for a laptop or internet? Can a computer be added to my cost of attendance?”
  4. Disability services, if you need a specific device or software for a disability.

5. Your public library

Public libraries have free computers and Wi-Fi, and many lend hotspots you can take home. A library card is free. Ask at the desk what yours offers.

6. If your phone is all you have

  • Find free Wi-Fi at your campus, the library, and many cafés and community centers. Download big files and videos there, not on your data.
  • Save data: turn off video autoplay, set apps to update only on Wi-Fi, and use your browser’s data-saver or lite mode.
  • Work offline: Google Docs, Sheets and Slides can work offline once you turn it on in the app. Download readings and lecture slides while you’re on Wi-Fi.
  • Write long papers on a campus computer when you can, and keep them saved to the cloud so you can pick up on your phone.
  • Tell your professor early if an online test or upload is hard on a phone. Write that email.