Your Own Device Award (YODA)

The Wisconsin School of Business BBA Program is excited to offer the Your Own Device Award (YODA) for the 2026-2027 academic year.
This award is selective, with awarded students receiving a financial credit towards a self-purchase laptop computer.
Due to limited funds, not all qualifying students will be selected for this award.

This application will be available between June 1 – July 13, 2026.
Completion of the FAFSA and/or demonstrated financial need are required for this award.
Students not awarded may still contact DoIT to inquire about laptop loaners for the 2026-27 academic year, and may want to proactively take this step.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be an admitted degree-seeking, undergraduate student in the Wisconsin School of Business BBA Program and have a demonstrated financial need.
  • A submitted FAFSA is strongly preferred but not required.
  • This award is intended for incoming first-year students pursuing the traditional residential Undergraduate Program.
  • If funds are available, Business students in their second year may be considered.
  • Students pursuing the Online Undergraduate Business degree program are ineligible.

Award Amount
Most awards will be $600.
Undergraduate Business estimates a cost of $1,700 for a durable laptop meeting the specs below, which are tailored to the Undergraduate Business Program.
The Office of Student Financial Aid builds in a one-time $1,100 estimated cost to all new-student financial aid packages to go towards the cost of a laptop.
This award is intended to make up the difference.

Recommended Computer Specs
Hardware Specs:
A Windows laptop (or Macbook with Windows partition)
Intel Core i7 or AMD equivalent processor
16GB of RAM minimum; 32-36GB of RAM recommended
512GB (or greater) SSD
13+" screen with 1920×1080 resolution
Integrated/external webcam
Ports (optional): 2 thunderbolt, 3 USB-C type, 1 headphone jack

Software:
Office 365 with Windows 11 or higher (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, OneNote)

Additional Hardware:
Wired USB or Bluetooth headset

Warranty:
Accidental Damage Warranty Coverage: 3 or 4 years

Award
Varies
Organizations
Wisconsin BBA Initiative, Wisconsin School of Business - BBA Program
Deadline
07/13/2026
Supplemental Questions
  1. I will be an Undergraduate Business student in the Wisconsin School of Business as-of Fall 2026 (response must be 'yes' for eligibility)
  2. During the 2025-2026 academic year, or any previous academic year, did you receive this Award?
  3. What is your expected graduation year?
  4. If not awarded, how do you plan to access a device in order to be successful in your coursework?
  5. How would this laptop award positively impact your experience in the BBA Program?
  6. If you did not file the FAFSA, please describe any history of socioeconomic disadvantage you would like the reviewers to consider. Disadvantages may include things like parents' income or occupation, adverse life events, how you are paying for your undergraduate education,etc.
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