Yes—indirectly. FAFSA is the application for federal student aid; funds usually go to your college first. The school applies grants, scholarships, and loans to tuition, fees, room and board, and other direct charges. If aid exceeds what you owe, the remaining balance is paid to you as a financial aid refund. You may use that refund for legitimate educational expenses, including a laptop required for coursework.
A laptop counts when it fits your program’s needs and your school’s published cost of attendance. Many colleges include reasonable technology in COA; contact the financial aid office before you buy. Ask whether your package can cover required equipment, when refunds disburse, and whether a technology grant or loaner program exists. Federal guidance on eligible expenses is summarized in Federal Student Aid: Pell Grants and how aid and COA work.
Not every student receives a refund large enough for a new computer. Refund size depends on your EFC, COA, and other aid. Use aid only for education-related costs; misuse of federal funds can affect future eligibility (Federal Student Aid: misuse of aid).
Some online colleges bundle laptops, loaners, or tech vouchers—others expect you to purchase your own device. Our guide Online colleges that offer laptops + tech perks lists verified school programs, explains FAFSA and financial aid for technology, and covers refund strategies alongside schools such as University of Arkansas Grantham, Full Sail, Campus.edu, and California State University, East Bay. Compare net price and program rules—not marketing copy alone.
For whether every online college includes a device, see Do all online colleges give you a laptop?.