Student Computer Recommendations and Purchasing Guidance

Review general and college-specific computer recommendations before purchasing a personal computer for coursework at North Carolina A&T State University.

Overview

Students are strongly encouraged to have access to a reliable laptop or desktop computer that can support their academic coursework, university systems, online meetings, testing software, and required applications.

Computer requirements can vary significantly by college, department, major, and course. Before purchasing a computer, students should review the recommendations below and confirm any additional requirements with their academic program.

Confirm Requirements Before Purchasing

Do not purchase a computer based only on general university recommendations. Contact your college, academic department, program coordinator, or academic advisor to confirm the required operating system, memory, storage, graphics capabilities, software compatibility, and other program-specific requirements.

Important Purchasing Considerations

Academic Compatibility

Confirm that the computer can run the applications required by your major. Some specialized programs require Windows, dedicated graphics, additional memory, or other specific hardware.

Warranty Coverage

A three- or four-year warranty with accidental-damage protection is strongly recommended. Review what is covered and how repairs are completed before purchasing.

Expected Use

Consider the number of years you expect to use the computer, software requirements, storage needs, portability, battery life, available ports, and whether accessories will be required.

Before Purchasing a Computer

Complete the following before purchasing a personal computer:

Confirm the requirements for your college, department, major, or academic program.
Ask whether your program requires Windows, macOS, or specialized software.
Determine whether a Chromebook, tablet, or mobile device is permitted by your program.
Review the minimum and preferred specifications. A computer meeting only the minimum requirements may need to be replaced sooner.
Confirm that you will have administrator access to install required academic and testing software.
Review the manufacturer’s warranty and available accidental-damage protection.
Ask how and where warranty repairs will be completed.
Confirm the return and exchange period.
Keep the receipt, order confirmation, serial number, warranty, and protection-plan information.
Check whether your college, scholarship, grant, or sponsoring program has purchasing requirements or restrictions.

Important: Do not assume that a Chromebook, tablet, entry-level computer, or computer used successfully in high school will meet the requirements of your university program.

Choosing Windows, Mac, Chromebook, or a Tablet

Windows Computers

Windows computers generally provide broad compatibility with university applications, testing software, and specialized programs. Some colleges and majors specifically require or strongly recommend Windows.

Purchase a computer running a currently supported version of Windows. Confirm whether your program requires the Professional edition or a particular hardware configuration.

Apple Mac and MacBook Computers

Mac computers may be appropriate for some programs; however, certain engineering, science, business, testing, and specialized academic applications may not be directly compatible with macOS.

Students considering a Mac should confirm software compatibility with their academic program before purchasing. The need to purchase or install additional software, virtualization tools, adapters, or access a Windows computer may create additional costs.

Chromebooks

Chromebooks are not acceptable for several academic programs because they may not support specialized applications, full desktop software, testing tools, or course requirements.

Do not purchase a Chromebook as your primary academic computer unless your college or academic program confirms that it will meet all requirements.

Tablets and Mobile Devices

Tablets and mobile devices can be useful for reading, note-taking, communication, and accessing selected university services. However, they may not replace a full laptop or desktop computer for specialized software, online testing, file management, video assignments, or other coursework.

General Computer Recommendations

Unless your college or academic program provides different requirements, consider the following when selecting a computer:

Component	General Guidance
Computer type	A laptop is recommended for most students because it can be transported between classes, residence halls, study areas, and home.
Operating system	A currently supported version of Windows or macOS that is compatible with the software required by your academic program.
Processor	A modern multi-core processor that meets or exceeds the requirements of your college and required applications.
Memory	At least 16 GB of RAM is recommended for general use. Programs involving engineering, science, graphics, video, data analysis, or other specialized applications may require 32 GB or more.
Storage	A solid-state drive with sufficient capacity for the operating system, applications, coursework, and personal files. Specialized programs may require 1 TB or more.
Wireless connectivity	Current Wi-Fi capability. An Ethernet port or compatible Ethernet adapter may also be useful.
Camera and audio	A webcam, microphone, speakers, and headphones or earbuds for online meetings, video assignments, and testing.
Graphics	Integrated graphics may be sufficient for general coursework. Engineering, architecture, design, video, and other specialized programs may require a dedicated graphics card.
Administrator access	Students should be able to install required academic, security, communication, and testing applications.
Warranty	A three- or four-year warranty with accidental-damage protection is strongly recommended.

College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Landscape Architecture

Windows 64-bit operating system
High-performance Intel or AMD processor
64 GB or more of RAM
NVMe M.2 solid-state drive
At least 30 GB of available storage for required applications and files
Dedicated graphics card appropriate for architecture and design applications
At least 11 GB of graphics memory
Minimum screen resolution of 1920 × 1080
Adequate power supply for the selected graphics card and computer configuration

Family and Consumer Sciences: Fashion Design and Merchandising

Windows or macOS computer with internet capability
Intel Core i7 or comparable processor
16 GB or more of RAM
At least 500 GB of storage; 1 TB preferred
Webcam or camera

Animal Science

Follow the university’s general computer recommendations and confirm any additional requirements with the academic program.

Agribusiness, Applied Economics, and Agriscience Education

Follow the university’s general computer recommendations and confirm any additional requirements with the academic program.

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Journalism and Mass Communication

Modern Intel or comparable processor
At least 8 GB of RAM
16 GB of RAM recommended for HD media
32 GB of RAM recommended for 4K media
Dedicated graphics capability for media production
Solid-state drive recommended
Additional high-speed storage recommended for media files
Minimum display resolution of 1280 × 800; 1920 × 1080 or higher recommended
Wi-Fi capability
Webcam and microphone
Headphones or speakers
Administrator access to install required software
Ethernet port or USB-to-Ethernet adapter recommended
Compatibility with Adobe Creative Cloud, Final Draft, and Microsoft 365

Mac computers are recommended for Journalism and Mass Communication students.

Chromebooks, tablets, and similar devices are not acceptable as the primary computer for Journalism and Mass Communication students.

Visual and Performing Arts and Other Applicable Programs

Modern quad-core processor or better
At least 8 GB of RAM; 16 GB preferred
At least 500 GB of storage; 1 TB or solid-state drive preferred
Currently supported Windows operating system when required
Wi-Fi capability
Microsoft 365
Webcam and microphone
Headphones or speakers
Administrator access to install testing software
Ethernet port or USB-to-Ethernet adapter recommended

Confirm Chromebook, tablet, operating-system, and software compatibility directly with your department before purchasing.

Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics

Modern quad-core processor or better
At least 8 GB of RAM; 16 GB preferred
At least 500 GB of storage; 1 TB or solid-state drive preferred
Currently supported Windows operating system
Wi-Fi capability
Microsoft 365
Webcam and microphone
Headphones or speakers
Administrator access to install required testing and academic software
Ethernet port or USB-to-Ethernet adapter recommended

Mac computers are not recommended for business students.

Chromebooks, tablets, and similar devices are not acceptable as the primary computer for business students.

College of Education

Modern quad-core processor or better
At least 8 GB of RAM; 16 GB preferred
At least 500 GB of storage; 1 TB or solid-state drive preferred
Currently supported Windows operating system or compatible MacBook, as approved by the program
Reliable internet and Wi-Fi capability
Microsoft 365
Webcam and microphone
Headphones or speakers
Administrator access to install testing software
Ethernet port or USB-to-Ethernet adapter recommended
Adobe Creative Cloud or an appropriate video-editing application when required
GoReact when enrolled in an applicable clinical experience
Video-recording capability for recording lessons
Current security and antivirus protection
Three- or four-year warranty with accidental-damage protection

Chromebooks, tablets, and similar devices are not acceptable as the primary computer for education students.

College of Engineering

A Windows laptop or two-in-one computer that meets the College of Engineering requirements is recommended. Students taking computer graphics or other resource-intensive courses should select the recommended configuration rather than the minimum configuration.

Component	Minimum	Recommended
Operating system	Currently supported Windows 11, 64-bit	Windows 11 Professional, 64-bit
Processor	Modern Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen equivalent	Intel Core i7, AMD Ryzen 7, or higher
Memory	16 GB of RAM	32 GB of RAM or higher
Storage	Solid-state drive	1 TB or larger solid-state drive
Graphics	Graphics capability appropriate for required coursework	Dedicated NVIDIA or AMD graphics card
Warranty	Three-year warranty with accidental-damage protection	Four-year warranty with accidental-damage protection

Integrated or external webcam
Integrated speakers and microphone
Broadband wired or wireless internet access
Stylus or digital pen when required by the program
External or cloud-based backup solution

Mac compatibility: Some engineering applications are not directly compatible with macOS. Students considering a Mac should confirm compatibility with their engineering department before purchasing.

Review the College of Engineering Computer Specifications

John R. and Kathy R. Hairston College of Health and Human Sciences

Intel Core i7 or comparable processor
16 GB of RAM
1 TB of storage
Currently supported Windows Professional or Enterprise operating system
Wi-Fi capability
Ethernet capability or compatible adapter
15-inch display or other program-approved screen size
Built-in webcam and microphone
Microsoft 365
Current security and antivirus protection
Administrator access to install required testing software
Four-year warranty with accidental-damage protection

Chromebooks, tablets, and similar devices are not acceptable as the primary computer for applicable health and human sciences programs.

Confirm requirements with your specific department because clinical, testing, statistical, and specialized applications may have additional requirements.

College of Science and Technology

Windows 11, 64-bit; Professional edition recommended
Intel Core i7, 8th generation or higher, or comparable modern processor
At least 16 GB of RAM; 32 GB recommended
1 TB or larger solid-state drive
15-inch or larger display
Built-in webcam and microphone
Wi-Fi capability
Ethernet port or compatible adapter recommended
NVIDIA or AMD graphics card when required
At least 4 GB of graphics memory; 6 GB or more recommended for video or graphics-intensive work
USB-A, USB-C, and HDMI ports or compatible adapters
Current antivirus and security protection
Microsoft 365
Three-year accidental-damage warranty; four years recommended

Chromebooks, tablets, and similar devices are not acceptable as the primary computer for College of Science and Technology students.

Mac compatibility: Some science and technology applications are not directly compatible with macOS. Students considering a Mac should confirm compatibility with their department before purchasing.

Software and University Services

Access to university-provided software does not guarantee that every application will be compatible with every personal computer.

Eligible students have access to Microsoft 365 applications and services.
Students may be required to install testing, video, communication, security, or specialized academic software.
Some applications are available only through a college, department, course, laboratory, or virtual environment.
Students should confirm whether personally purchased software or subscriptions are required.
Administrator access may be required to install applications on a personally owned computer.

Warranty and Repair Planning

A computer may be needed throughout the academic year. Before purchasing, consider how quickly the manufacturer or retailer can provide repair or replacement service.

Purchase a three- or four-year warranty when possible.
Consider accidental-damage protection for drops, spills, and other physical damage.
Determine whether service is provided onsite, by mail, or at a local repair location.
Review battery coverage and exclusions.
Keep all receipts, serial numbers, warranty documents, and protection-plan information.
Ask whether a temporary replacement or loaner is available during a warranty repair.
Maintain regular backups of academic and personal files.

Personal Device Support

Personally owned computers remain the responsibility of the student. ITS does not diagnose hardware failures, repair personal devices, replace components, recover personal files, or process manufacturer or retailer warranty claims. ITS may provide guidance for accessing supported university accounts, systems, and services from a compatible personal device.

Final Purchasing Checklist

I confirmed the requirements for my college, department, major, or program.
I confirmed that the operating system supports my required applications.
I confirmed whether a Chromebook, tablet, or Mac is acceptable.
I selected enough memory and storage for the expected life of the computer.
I confirmed that the computer includes the required camera, microphone, ports, and graphics capability.
I will have administrator access to install required applications.
I reviewed the warranty, accidental-damage coverage, and repair process.
I understand the return and exchange period.
I saved the receipt, serial number, warranty, and purchase information.
I have a plan for regularly backing up my files.

Need Additional Guidance?

Contact your academic college, department, program coordinator, or advisor with questions about required computer specifications and software compatibility.

Contact the IT Service Desk if you need assistance accessing a supported university account, system, or service.

Already Have Your Computer?

Review the student personal-device guide for preparation, basic troubleshooting, warranty, repair, and local service information.

View Personal Device Preparation and Troubleshooting Guidance

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Student Computer Recommendations and Purchasing Guidance