Lowest-Cost Raspberry Pi Classroom Setup for Teaching Linux
Here's a budget breakdown for the most affordable classroom setup:
Option 1: Ultra-Budget (Pi Zero 2 W) — ~$45-50/student
| Component | Price (USD) | |------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------| | https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/raspberry-pi-zero-2-w/ | $15 | | microSD Card (32GB) | $8-10 | | USB Power Supply (5V micro-USB) | $8-10 | | USB Keyboard + Mouse Combo (e.g., https://www.amazon.com/Computer-Keyboard-Mouse-Combos-Under-25/s?keywords=Compu ter+Keyboard+%26+Mouse+Combos&rh=n:1194464,p_36:1253503011&c=ts&ts_id=1194464) | $15-20 | | USB OTG Hub (needed for Zero) | \(5-8 | | Total | ~\)45-50 |
Note: The Pi Zero 2 W requires a micro-USB OTG adapter/hub to connect keyboard/mouse, which adds complexity and cost.
Option 2: Recommended Budget (Pi 4 1GB) — ~$65-75/student
| Component | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/ | $35 |
| microSD Card (32GB) | $8-10 |
| https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/type-c-power-supply/ | $8-12 |
| USB Keyboard + Mouse Combo | $15-20 |
| Total | ~$65-75 |
Why Pi 4 is Better for Classrooms:
- 4 USB ports (no adapter needed)
- Dual monitor support
- Runs full desktop Linux smoothly
- Better for learning Python, VS Code, etc.
- Supports many educational kits
Monitor Consideration
Both options assume students use existing monitors/TVs with HDMI. If you need monitors, add $80-150 each.
Bulk Discounts
https://www.adafruit.com/educators for educators placing large orders.
Bottom Line
- Absolute minimum: ~$45-50/student with Pi Zero 2 W
- Practical minimum: ~$65-75/student with Pi 4 (1GB) — recommended for a real Linux learning experience
Sources: - https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/raspberry-pi-zero-2-w/ - https://medium.com/engineering-iot/raspberry-pi-prices-in-2025-what-you-get-for-15-to-120-8f2e9b0b59d4 - https://www.tomshardware.com/best-picks/raspberry-pi-microsd-cards - https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/type-c-power-supply/ - https://www.amazon.com/Computer-Keyboard-Mouse-Combos-Under-25/s?keywords=Computer+Keyboard+%26+Mouse+Combos&rh=n :1194464,p_36:1253503011&c=ts&ts_id=1194464