Computers for Engineering Students
Class of 2026
Vanderbilt engineering students are required to have a portable computer that will run software needed for in-class use. You can buy it through the Vanderbilt Bookstore or you can bring your own. You may already have a machine that will meet your needs. The Bookstore model will be a PC. A Mac will do for some majors, but only if it can run Windows and otherwise meets the PC specs.
1. The recommended minimum specifications may be seen at:
https://engineering.vanderbilt.edu/transit/ComputerRecommendation.php
2. How it is paid for?
Our early estimate of the cost of such a machine was $1,600. That does NOT mean that you will be billed for $1,600. It is like textbooks; we give estimates of what they will cost, but you buy them on your own. You can buy your machine through the VU Bookstore (see below) but you do not have to. You may bring the computer you already own, or you may buy another.
Freshman students receiving financial aid will have a $1,600 computer allowance added to their calculated cost of attending Vanderbilt. If you choose, you can arrange to have funds added to your Commodore Card, before July 15, and use that to buy the computer from the VU Bookstore. Instructions for adding cash to your Commodore Card to permit you to make this purchase at the bookstore will be provided to you separately.
3. Instructions for Purchasing a Laptop Through the Bookstore
The Vanderbilt Bookstore stocks and sells laptop models which satisfy the School of Engineering's recommendations. The following is the link to the laptop model which has the required specifications:
https://www.bkstr.com/vanderbiltstore/shop/electronics/computers-tablets/vu-school-of-engineering
Laptop model:
Dell Inspiron 16 Plus Laptop Non-Touch i7-11800H/16/512GB, Mist Blue $1,470.00
It is important to remember to register the warranty when you receive your computer. The four-year warranty will be attached to each computer’s serial number. When you pick up your computer from the bookstore, there will be instructions for registering your warranty online. You will not be able to receive service if the serial number is not registered.
No hardware support is provided by the School of Engineering.
4. Instructions for Purchasing a Laptop from Dell
The School of Engineering also made arrangements with Dell to offer several models that meet or exceed the minimum recommendation. These may be found by clicking the "Shop Your Standard Configuration" link on the following website. This computer may not be purchased using your Commodore Card.
http://www.dell.com/vanderbiltengineering/
No hardware support is provided by the School of Engineering.