Computer Specifications

To be successful in your studies as a Vanderbilt School of Engineering student, you must have a portable computer that will run software needed for coursework.  To ensure that your laptop will be able to do what is needed for your classes, it is essential that it meet the specifications below. 

You can buy your laptop through the vendor of your choice.  The Vanderbilt Bookstore is one option for you. For students with demonstrated need, Vanderbilt will provide a loaner laptop for the student to use while enrolled in the School of Engineering.

Whatever laptop computer you use in your studies must be able to run application software designed to run on Microsoft Windows. Some application software will not function well or at all on a Mac. Also, Mac computers do not always work with external hardware required in some engineering classes. As such, students considering majoring in biomedical, civil, electrical & computer, environmental or mechanical engineering should have a PC and not a Mac. Students majoring in chemical engineering, computer science, or engineering science are free to purchase either a PC or a Mac. 

Class of 2029 Computer Specifications

Please note that the specifications below are minimums (preferred specs in italics).

  • Hardware
    • Processor: Intel Ultra5 processor (Ultra7 recommended)
    • Primary Memory: 16GB RAM (32GB RAM recommended)
    • Hard drive: 512GB Solid State Drive (1TB Solid State Drive recommended)
    • Wireless Networking: 802.11 ax or 6E AX211 Wireless standard 
    • Graphics: Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics (discrete dedicated graphics card, NVIDIA or other CUDA-capable card recommended)
    • English keyboard
    • Three-year accidental damage coverage; on-site support (Four-year accidental damage coverage)
    • Three-year limited warranty; on-site support (Four-year limited warranty)
  • Software
    • Microsoft Windows 11 (Windows 10 or better) / MacOS
    • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) which is available free for students at the Vanderbilt Software Store
    • For Windows computers, Windows Defender – included in Windows 10 and 11 – or equivalent security software (i.e., software that guards against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software). 
    • MacOS has anti-virus technology built into the operating system.
  • Instructions for purchasing a laptop through the bookstore

    The link to the laptop on the bookstore's website is:

    https://www.bkstr.com/vanderbiltstore/product/dell-inspiron-16-5640-i7150u-16-1tb--iced-blue-347966-1

  • Where can I get additional software?
  • Registering your warranty

    It is important to remember to register the warranty when you purchase any computer. The warranty will be attached to each computer’s serial number. The manufacturer will provide instructions for registering your warranty online. You will not be able to receive service if the serial number is not registered.

  • Who should I contact if I have additional questions about laptop specifications?

    For questions, please contact the VUIT Team via ticket/text/chat or by calling 615-343-9999.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Vanderbilt School of Engineering Laptop Loaner Program

  • What is the Laptop Loaner Program?

    The Laptop Loaner Program provides School of Engineering students with demonstrated financial need with a Vanderbilt-owned laptop for use during their undergraduate career.

  • Who is eligible for the program?

    New School of Engineering students with demonstrated financial need (Opportunity Vanderbilt), as identified by the Office of Student Financial Aid through the College Board Financial Aid Profile, are eligible for this program. Also included in this program are new Cornelius Vanderbilt scholarship recipients entering the School of Engineering.

    New School of Engineering students are identified as:

    1. Entering Fall 2025 first-year students
    2. Entering Fall 2025 transfer students from other colleges or universities
    3. Intra-University Transfer (IUT) students whose first semester in the School of Engineering is Fall 2025.
  • Is this a rental or lease program?

    No, this is a loaner program. Students do not rent or lease the laptops; they are provided on loan by Vanderbilt University for the entirety of the student’s Vanderbilt undergraduate career, including during holiday and summer breaks.

  • What happens if eligible students don't pick up a laptop?

    If students choose not to claim a laptop initially, they may still do so later. However, students who opt out will not receive any financial credit toward their student account.

  • Do students have to participate in the Laptop Loaner Program?

    No, participation is completely voluntary. However, for students to be successful in their studies in the School of Engineering, a portable computer that meets the specifications listed above is essential.

  • Is the laptop a PC or Mac machine?

    The loaner laptop with be a PC machine with a Windows operating system.

  • Can students purchase their own laptop?

    Students can use their own funds to purchase a laptop through a vendor of their choice, including the Vanderbilt Bookstore.

    Domestic students can contact the Office of Student Financial Aid (OSFA) if they wish to obtain federal loan funds to purchase a laptop through a vendor of their choice.

  • What are the responsibilities of students regarding data and software?

    The laptops come with standard software and are subject to Vanderbilt’s usage policies. Students are responsible for backing up their own data, as Vanderbilt will not provide backup services.