As someone who attends the school, I feel the need to give my two cents on this initiative. A large majority of the comment section is negative and filled with a lot of misinformation, so let me clear some things up.
1. Bowdoin is not the only private school in the country, there are countless private schools (including LACs like Bowdoin that charge as much for tuition).
https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/the-50-most-expensive-colleges-in-america/5/ This list has the tuition for the top 50 most expensive colleges in the US (updated last month), and a lot of these schools charge more than Bowdoin and close to none give students laptops or Ipads.
2. For a lot of people saying tuition will increase- yes it will, it would increase regardless of this program. Bowdoin had already started giving students iPad pro 11' since 2020 and is now expanding the initiative to laptops
https://www.bowdoin.edu/bolt/ipad-program/index.html. This expansion was made after an overwhelmingly positive response from the faculty and families. If they are in support of this, I don't get why you should not be?
3. Bowdoin is EXTREMELY generous with aid. They have a no-loan policy, which is entirely replaced with grants (with the exception of the federal loans)
https://www.bowdoin.edu/student-aid/types-of-aid/financing.html. Bowdoin is need-blind, meaning your finances will not hinder your admission to the college. Whatever you cannot pay, will BE covered by the college (no matter how much it may be, if they want you, they want you).
4. A large majority of the students at college receive a lot of financial aid and do not have to pay much (avg cost after aid is 22k$ per year). The people who are full pay would surely not mind paying extra for this initiative.
5. Ending on a more anecdotal note, I personally could never be able to pay 75k++ for college. I attend Bowdoin and pay roughly about 10k/year. I am beyond grateful for Bowdoin for supporting digital equity at the college since I could never afford all the tech they give me for myself, as opposed to my friends who are better off. Not to mention, in the 10k I pay, Bowdoin covers my health insurance, winter gear (snow boots, jackets), a ticket to travel home, as well as all the tech I am getting.
After reading all this, think of it what you will.