Recommended Laptop Computers
(Updated August 19, 2025)
Students in a degree or certificate program at Cincinnati State may purchase a laptop computer from our Bookstore that meets standards established by the academic and technology leadership of the College.
Click to see the recommended Dell and Apple computers at the Campus Bookstore.
- Students in some degree programs may need to purchase software subscriptions, and other tools and materials.
- Some software used in Cincinnati State classes will be available for downloading at no charge.
- Students are responsible for proper setup, software installation, and maintenance of their personal computer systems.
Financial Aid considerations:
If you are using or planning to use financial aid to help pay your Cincinnati State costs, ask a Financial Aid Advisor if your financial aid award includes funds you could use to cover all or part of the cost of a laptop computer and (if applicable) required software.
- If you are using financial aid to purchase a computer immediately, you MUST purchase a “Cincinnati State recommended” computer from the College Bookstore (see options below).
- If you purchase a computer and open the package, you will NOT be able to return the computer to the Bookstore for a refund. Only unopened computers can be returned/refunded.
- Students may purchase only ONE laptop using financial aid per academic year.
- If you wait for your refund of “excess” financial aid (after tuition and fees are paid), you can purchase a computer from any store of your choice.
- If you are NOT using financial aid, you may purchase from the College Bookstore or another store of your choice.
Computers recommended for Cincinnati State students:
Students in all degree and certificate programs (except AVP, GRD, and WEBM) can purchase one of three recommended computers from the Cincinnati State Bookstore.
- Dell Inspiron 15 Non-Touch with 3-year premium support & accidental damage service – $857.99
- Dell Inspiron 15 with 3-year warranty & accidental damage service – $1,152.44
- Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 Laptop with 3-year warranty & accidental damage service – $1,621.71
Note: Recommended computers available are subject to change based on supply chain issues.
Students in Audio/Video Production (AVP), Graphic Design (GRD), and Web & Multimedia Design (WEBM) should click for more information about recommended computers for these programs.
If you already own a computer:
If you already own a computer, talk to your Program Chair or Academic Advisor. If your current computer meets/is close to the specifications for recommended laptops, you should be able to continue using your current computer.
Computer Specifications – Dell Inspiron 15 Non-Touch
| Display | 15.6 inches |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 7520U |
| Memory | 8 GB |
| Storage | 512 GB M.2 PCle NVMe Solid State Drive |
| Additional Features | 3-year premium support with onsite service after remote diagnosis (including accidental damage service) |
Computer Specifications – Dell Inspiron 15
| Display | 15.6 inches |
| Processor | 13th Generation Intel Core i7-1355U |
| Memory | 16 GB |
| Storage | 1 TB M.2 PCle NVMe Solid State Drive |
| Additional Features | 3-year Basic Onsite Service (including accidental damage service) |
Computer Specifications – Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 Laptop
| Display | 16 inches, Touch WVA Display with ComfortView |
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 256V, 8 cores |
| Memory | 16 GB |
| Storage | 1 TB M.2 PCle NVMe Solid State Drive |
| Additional features | 3-year Basic Onsite Service (including accidental damage service |
Computer Specifications – Apple Computers – click for more information
Technical support:
Students are responsible for proper setup, software installation, and maintenance of their personal computer systems. Technical support is not provided by Cincinnati State.
Loaner laptop program:
Cincinnati State has a limited number of laptop computers available for loan to students at no cost.
Students eligible for loaned computers are:
- Students who are part of the CState Accelerate program
- Students who are admitted into a Cincinnati State degree or certificate program and are enrolled for 9 or more credits in a semester
To make a request to borrow a computer:
- First, log in to MyCState
- Then, click this link: Student Technology Loaner Program (the form is available to students during designated times prior to the start of each semester)
- Loaned computers are distributed during the week before each semester begins
Click to download the Student Technology Loaner Program Policies and Guidelines