Penn State University: laptop requirements

Yes — a conforming laptop is required. Penn State University (College of Information Sciences and Technology, University Park) publishes a minimum specification students are required to meet: 16GB RAM, 256GB storage.

📌 This is a requirement, and it is college-specific. It binds the College of Information Sciences and Technology, University Park, not necessarily every Penn State University student — check your own program before buying.

The published specification

Operating system: Windows 11 (Windows option) / Mac OS Sequoia (Mac option)

Processor: Windows: "Intel Ultra 7 or equivalent AMD Ryzen processor". Mac: "M4 or M4 Pro processor".

Memory (RAM): 16GB RAM (minimum). Windows recommended spec is 32GB RAM.

Storage: 256GB hard drive

Warranty: Windows: "Hardware service warranty". Mac: "AppleCare".

What this specification rules out

Tablets and mobile devices — page states "there are currently no tablets or mobile devices that meet the minimum required specifications"

Also listed on the same page

WiFi and Bluetooth listed in the minimum spec. Students "may be required to bring your laptop to class".

Source

Taken from Penn State University's own published page: https://ist.psu.edu/admissions/laptop-requirement — stated for Page states "Last Updated: June 9, 2026". No academic year is named on the page.. Verified 2026-08-25. Specifications change every intake, so confirm against that page before you buy.

Laptops that meet this specification

Product links go to Amazon search — as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Links never change the checklist.

Search Amazon for laptop 16GB RAM 256GB SSD →

The search is built from the capacities Penn State University actually prints, so compare each result against the published specification above before ordering — listings change and this page does not track stock or price.

Packing for Penn State University

A laptop is one line on a longer list. See the full Penn State University dorm packing list for bedding, storage and the rest of move-in.

Laptop requirements at other schools: Portland State University · Purdue University · Radford University · Rutgers University · San Diego State University · San José State University