General Computer Purchase Information for Students

NOTE: There may be delays in the delivery of many products, including computers.

Students can expect to wait several weeks for delivery after ordering a computer. Older computers that students already own may be acceptable for the first semester. You may contact College of Design IT (design_help@ncsu.edu) to determine the viability of an older computer.

ALL departments require students to have a computer with minimum specifications. Computers that do not meet minimum specifications may prevent students from completing course assignments. 

Please read this page AND your department’s computer requirements before purchasing a computer and software.

This chart provides links to each department’s requirements and tells you when you need to have your computer. Please review this carefully.

More detailed PC information can be found below:

https://go.ncsu.edu/cod_pc_recommendations

Undergraduate Programs

Undergraduate students should have their computer, with the minimum specifications for each department linked in the table below, no later than the first day of class for the semester indicated.

Department/Program	Semester Required	Mac or PC
Architecture	Fall Semester, First Year	PC required
Media, Arts, Design, & Technology	Fall Semester, First Year	Animation/New Media Students: PC highly recommended All other MADTech Students: Mac or PC
Design Studies	Fall Semester, First Year	Mac or PC
Graphic Experience & Design	Fall Semester, First Year	Mac required
Industrial Design	Fall Semester, First Year	PC required

Graduate Programs

All Graduate students should have their computer, with the minimum specifications for each department linked in the table below, no later than the first day of class of their first semester.

Department/Program	Semester Required	Mac or PC
Architecture	First Semester	PC required
Media, Arts, Design, & Technology	First Semester	Animation/New Media Students: PC highly recommended All other MADTech Students: Mac or PC
Graphic Experience & Design	First Semester	Mac required
Industrial Design	First Semester	PC required
Landscape Architecture	First Semester	PC required
PhD in Design, Doctor of Design	First Semester	Mac or PC

Hardware and Software Purchases

NC State Office of Information Technology and Wolfpack Outfitters have made arrangements with several computer vendors to offer special pricing to students. Students should compare these prices before making a final purchase, since these prices can offer a substantial savings. For more information, contact Wolfpack Outfitters or by phone at (919) 515-3400 before making your final purchase. Wolfpack Outfitters’ technology department is a great resource for students purchasing computers, software, and peripherals.

Some software companies also offer free or discounted licenses for qualified students. For example:

• Autodesk: Free academic subscription.
• Microsoft Office 365: Free to NCSU students..
• Adobe Creative Cloud: Student discount subscription.

Students should always search for educational pricing before purchase or paying for a subscription. Companies usually offer discounts to students. Students should always compare prices on computing equipment and software.

Computer purchases may be included as part of a financial aid package. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid online for more information. Financial Aid loans for up to $3000 may be requested using this form.

Cloud Storage and File Backup

With student NCSU Google storage being 15GB, it is important to consider personal storage and backup solutions:

• External Drive – Windows Backup (PC) or Time Machine (Mac). External drive should be at least twice the computer’s storage capacity.
  
• Cloud Backup Services – Google One (Only Non-NCSU Google Accounts), iCloud, or another backup service.

Questions?

The College’s Information Technology staff will be glad to go over purchase choices or answer any related questions. You can send an email to design_help@ncsu.edu with specific information about your problem.