Student Laptop Recommendations
Students are recommended to have a laptop that meets the needs of their program of study.
Some programs (e.g. Science and Engineering, Multi-Media, Music, Graphic Design) are computationally intensive and may require more advanced configurations or Mac computers to support specific software.
The recommendations should serve as a guide to students for selecting a laptop based upon the needs of their academic program.
- Nursing, Business, Education and Human Development, Liberal Arts (Except Graphic Design, Music, Multimedia Degrees) should use the Minimum to Recommended specifications for either Windows PC or Apple devices.
- Science and Engineering, Liberal Arts (Multimedia, Music, Graphic Design) should use the Recommended to Advanced specifications for either Windows PC or Apple devices.
| Component | Minimum | Recommended | Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 11 | Windows 11 | Windows 11 |
| Processor | Any current Intel or AMD | i5 or comparable processor | i7 or comparable processor |
| Memory | 8 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Hard Drive | 256 GB | SSD 256 GB | SSD 512 GB |
| Video Card | Built in Graphics | Dedicated Video Memory | 4 GB Dedicated Video Memory |
| Other Components | 1 USB Port Wireless: 802.11 a/g/n/ac Webcam Headset with microphone |
1 USB Port Wireless: 802.11 a/g/n/ac Webcam Headset with microphone |
1 USB Port Wireless: 802.11 a/g/n/ac Webcam Headset with microphone |
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Macbook Air 13") | Macbook Air Pro 14" |
| Processor | M3 | M4 Pro |
| Memory | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Hard Drive | SSD 512 GB | SSD 512 GB |
| Video Card | M3 (8-core GPU) | M4 Pro (16-core GPU) |
| Other Components |
2x Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports, 3.5mm headphone port, MagSafe charging port Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) Webcam built-in (1080p) Microphone and speakers built-in |
3x Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports, 3.5mm headphone port, MagSafe charging port, HDMI port, SDXC card slot Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) Webcam built-in (12MP Center Stage camera with support for Desk View, 1080p) Microphone and speakers built-in |
* Note: Apple devices should only be purchased for curriculum requiring Apple specific software. Programs that may use a Apple include: BA Graphic Design; BA Art; MFA Studio Art.