Recommended Laptop Computers

(Updated July 2026)

Students in a degree or certificate program at Cincinnati State may purchase a laptop computer from the Campus Store that meets standards established by the academic and technology leadership of the College.

• 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 Campus Store (see options below).
• If you purchase a computer and open the package, you will NOT be able to return the computer to the College Store 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 Campus Store or another store of your choice.

Computers recommended for Cincinnati State students:

(Note: Specifications for computers are subject to change. If the computers listed below are not available from the Campus Store, comparable computers should be available.)

Students in all degree and certificate programs (except AVP, GRD, and WEBM) can purchase recommended computers from the Cincinnati State Campus Store.

• 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

Computer Specifications – Dell Inspiron 15

Computer Specifications – Dell 16 Plus 2-in-1 Laptop

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 ends Sept. 1, 2026:

The Cincinnati State “Loaner Laptop” program will end on September 1, 2026. Students who are using a laptop computer that was provided through the Student Technology Loaner Program must return their computer to the Technology Helpdesk (Main Building, third floor) by September 1, 2026.