To enhance the educational experience of our students, we require new students in select majors to purchase a laptop providing the mobility needed to work anywhere on campus. The laptop specifications should provide students with a machine that is powerful enough to use during all four years and even after graduation.

- Computer: PC (an Apple or MAC is not recommended)
- O/S: Windows 11
- Processor: Intel Core i7 (higher speed is better but varies cost varies with speed)
- System Memory: 16 GB Minimum (32GB is preferred)
- Drive: 1 terabyet SSD Drive
- Graphics Video: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 or 3070 or AMD Radeon RX6700XT or 6800 or equivalent graphics capability
- USB: 3.0

- Windows or Mac operating system
- Audio Card: no specifications
- RAM: Minimum of 32GB (64GB strongly recommended)
- Solid State Hard Drive: 250GB
- 1 TB recommended for at least an i7 class processor
- Screen size: 15”
- High-quality hardware is recommended
- Video/Graphics: no specifications
- Screen size: 14”
- Microsoft Office (Office 365 is free for students)
- VMWare Virtualization Platform
- Note: SUNY Poly has a VMWare site license available to students that includes VMWare Workstation for Windows and Fusion for Mac. For virtualization needs prior to arriving at SUNY Poly, students can install and use VirtualBox.
- Microsoft Office (Office 365 is free for students)
- VMWare Virtualization Platform
- Note: SUNY Poly has a VMWare site license available to students that includes VMWare Workstation for Windows and Fusion for Mac. For virtualization needs prior to arriving at SUNY Poly, students can install and use VirtualBox.


Because this is an academic requirement, it may be possible to receive financial aid to cover the cost of the laptop, primarily through additional loans. Please contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss your individual financial situation: Email (finaid@sunypoly.edu, call (315) 792-7210), or Request a Virtual Appointment.
To enhance the educational experience of our students, we recommend new students in the following majors to purchase a laptop providing the mobility needed to work anywhere on campus. The laptop specifications should provide students with a machine that is powerful enough to use during all four years and even after graduation.
The majors that have minimum specifications/requirements for PC laptops for students are:
- Civil Engineering
- Civil Engineering Technology
- Computer Engineering Technology
- Cybersecurity
- Electrical + Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
Students enrolled in majors not listed above (so majors not included in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or Cybersecurity) are encouraged to consider the following general computer requirements when purchasing a laptop to attend college:
Windows 11 or Apple Computer
- Intel Core i5 Processor
- 12 GB Memory
- 500GB or better hard Drive
- Standard Video/graphics
Laptops are available on a semester basis for eligible students that do not have a personal computer, while supplies last. Students may contact studentaffairs@sunypoly.edu for an application. If approved, students are notified to schedule a time to pick the laptop up.
The laptop comes preloaded with Windows and students are allowed to download software for educational purposes only. Students will be required to sign a Laptop Use Agreement upon pickup.
PLEASE NOTE: Because this is an academic requirement, students in academic programs that require specific specifications may be eligible to receive financial aid to cover the cost of the laptop, primarily through additional loans. Please contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss your individual financial situation: Email (finaid@sunypoly.edu, call (315) 792-7210), or Request a Virtual Appointment.
When you purchase a laptop, we recommend it is one that features the listed specifications. If you purchase one that does not meet the minimum specifications, you may need to upgrade your laptop in the future.
You can find all of the free or discounted software and hardware options on our website.
