Can I count purchasing a new laptop for an education expense when I use it to teach university courses as a graduate student?

What you can deduct depends on if you are using it for education or teaching.

If your computer is a necessary requirement for enrollment or attendance at an educational institution, the IRS deems it a qualifying expense.

If you are an educator using your computer for school purposes, take an itemized deduction for this expense. The IRS allows you to deduct a certain amount of unreimbursed educational expenses that can include computer equipment and software.