Ubiquiti UniFi & E-Rate Funding: A Smarter, More Affordable Path to Modern K-12 Networks

K–12 schools and libraries increasingly rely on secure, high-performance networks to support modern digital learning. The E-Rate program provides federal funding to help eligible institutions afford high-speed internet access and the internal infrastructure needed to meet these demands.

With Ubiquiti UniFi, schools can deploy enterprise-grade networking without the burden of recurring licensing fees, making UniFi one of the most cost-effective solutions for E-Rate–funded upgrades.

UniFi's Competitive Advantage For Schools

UniFi empowers school districts and libraries to modernize their networks with:

• License-free platform that eliminates recurring fees and maximizes long-term value
• Next-gen firewalling and content filtering to support CIPA compliance and protect students online
• High-density WiFi built for classrooms, testing environments, and 1:1 device learning
• Centralized remote management for easy support of multi-campus networks
• Future-ready infrastructure with regular updates and no hidden costs

For schools and libraries replacing outdated wireless, switching, or gateway hardware, UniFi delivers enterprise-grade performance and security aligned with the E-Rate program’s cost-effectiveness priorities.

E-Rate Participation: What Schools Need to Know

The E-Rate process is structured, but it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Districts generally follow these key steps:

1. Post Form 470: Opens competitive bidding for network upgrades.
2. Evaluate Proposals: Select the most cost-effective solution that meets your technical needs through fair and competitive bidding.
3. Submit Form 471: Specify the UniFi equipment and services you’re requesting funding for. For more info on product eligibility, see UniFi & E-Rate Funding Eligibility below.
4. Respond to USAC (PIA Review): Provide any clarifications requested during application review process.
5. Receive FCDL Approval: Once funded, your school, district, or library can move forward with purchasing and deployment.

For detailed steps, visit USAC’s E-Rate Applicant Guide.

UniFi & E-Rate Funding Eligibility

E-Rate offsets the cost of technology purchases and upgrades, but the key is knowing where UniFi applies. 

Category Two (C2): Internal LAN Connectivity

This is the primary category for most UniFi deployments because funding supports the internal network, including everything inside the building that connects students and staff to your digital learning ecosystem.

Eligible equipment includes:

• UniFi WiFi Access Points
• UniFi Network Switches
• UniFi Gateways & Firewalls
• UniFi Hardware Consoles and Hosts used to manage UniFi
• Cabling and Related Infrastructure

Category One (C1): Broadband & Connectivity

Certain UniFi gateway solutions may qualify depending on service configuration and delivery method.

E-Rate Eligible Products at a Glance