Lori Meadows
Cornell University is a private Ivy League university and land-grant university for New York State. It has a diverse student body, with 16,071 undergraduate students enrolled in the fall of 2023. The university recommends that all students have a personal laptop, with specific recommendations for different courses. The College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, for example, suggests that students have a laptop capable of running software like Rhino/VRay and Adobe Image and Video Editing. The price of laptops with the recommended specifications can range from $500 to $1,899.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommendation for students to have personal laptops | For the 2025–26 academic year, Cornell AAP recommends that all students have a personal laptop computer powerful enough to support demanding video and computational requirements. |
| Laptop specifications | Cornell AAP suggests a laptop with a dedicated video processor of at least Nvidia Quadro, Nvidia Geforce 4060, or 5060. |
| Laptop cost | The price of laptops with the recommended specifications can range from $500 to $1,500. |
| Laptop alternatives | Students can consider lightweight alternatives like the Microsoft Surface Laptop or gaming-branded laptops. |
| Laptop loans | Short-term laptop loans are available through Cornell Libraries and Student Disability Services for students with accommodations to use a computer during exams. |
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What You'll Learn
Laptops are strongly recommended for Cornell students
Cornell AAP, for instance, strongly recommends that all students have a personal laptop computer for the 2025-26 academic year. This is to ensure students can meet the demanding video and computational requirements of their coursework and have adequate storage for new software releases. A personal laptop also provides students with the mobility to collaborate with peers in various locations and easily access online platforms like Canvas, which is extensively used for class management and syllabus distribution.
While Cornell does provide high-end computer labs for its students, the university is steadily moving towards a mobile computing environment. This shift is likely influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted AAP to offer some lab equipment through virtual connections. Therefore, having a personal laptop ensures that students can adapt to any changes in the delivery of their courses.
Additionally, investing in a laptop that meets the recommended specifications can save Cornell students money in the long run. While cheaper models may be tempting, they tend to be less durable and unreliable. By contrast, a higher-end laptop can last a student through their entire time at Cornell, and models with upgradeable RAM and HD, such as Windows-based computers, offer even more value for money.
Finally, having a laptop can enhance a student's overall experience at Cornell. With a laptop, students can more easily access the university's expansive resources, connect with peers from diverse backgrounds, and take advantage of opportunities for personal growth, both on and off-campus. In conclusion, a personal laptop is a valuable tool that can empower Cornell students to make the most of their academic and extracurricular pursuits.
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Laptops are available for short-term loan from Cornell Libraries
Cornell University recommends that all students have a personal laptop, powerful enough to support demanding video and computational requirements. However, the university also provides two high-end computer labs for classes. Additionally, laptops are available for short-term loan from Cornell Libraries.
The Cornell Store provides laptops at a discounted rate, but for those who cannot afford to purchase a laptop, the Olin & Uris Libraries and the Mann Library offer laptop loans. The standard loan period for laptops is three hours, but they can be checked out overnight two hours before closing and are due back two hours after opening. These extended loans are also available for two-week borrowing periods, with the option to renew in person. Laptops must be returned to the library from which they were borrowed, and borrowers are responsible for any equipment lost, damaged, or stolen.
The Mann Library also offers phone chargers, computer chargers, power banks, headphones, calculators, and other peripherals for loan, available on a first-come, first-served basis. These items can be borrowed for up to three hours at a time.
For enrolled students, the Cornell AAP also offers multimedia production and presentation equipment, including laptops, for coursework support. Students must agree to the terms and conditions regarding their responsibility, limitations, loan periods, and fines before borrowing equipment. Reservations for longer than 24 hours require approval, and borrowers are liable for overdue fees, lost or damaged items, and maintenance fees.
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The Cornell Store provides discounted laptops
Cornell University recommends that all students have a personal laptop to support their coursework. While the university provides and maintains two high-end computer labs for classes, it is moving towards a mobile computing environment.
For example, a 14" MacBook Pro is estimated to cost $1,899 at the Campus Store. While this is a more expensive option, Apple has created a more powerful laptop at a cheaper price with the M series chips. Students can also purchase a Windows-based computer with similar or more powerful specs at a lower price.
For those seeking an ultrabook, the Microsoft Surface Laptop is a lightweight alternative that meets the recommended laptop specifications. These can also be found heavily discounted on sites like Amazon as refurbished or renewed. The Cornell Store also offers discounted gaming laptops, such as the Razer, which have robust materials and tend to be less expensive than workstation-branded laptops.
Overall, The Cornell Store provides a range of discounted laptop options to meet the diverse needs and budgets of its students.
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The cost of a suitable laptop ranges from $500 to $1,899
Cornell University recommends that students have a personal laptop to support the demanding video and computational requirements of their coursework. While the university does provide two high-end computer labs for classes, much of the work is collaborative and happens in a variety of locations, making the mobility of owning a laptop essential.
The cost of a suitable laptop can vary depending on the specifications and features required. For the 2025-26 academic year, Cornell AAP recommends a 14" MacBook Pro, which is available at the Campus Store for $1,899. This laptop is powerful enough to support the demanding video and computational requirements necessary for coursework. However, it is important to note that the RAM and HD in Macs cannot be upgraded as they are soldered to the motherboard.
For students on a budget, there are other options available that still meet the recommended specifications. Cornell AAP suggests that a Windows-based computer with similar or more powerful specs can be purchased for a lower price. For example, the original M1 MacBook Air is available for $649, and the M2 or M1 models are more affordable options for macOS fans on a budget. The Acer Aspire 3 is another budget-friendly option, offering snappy processing, support for Wi-Fi 6, and long-lasting battery life for less than $500.
Additionally, the Microsoft Surface Laptop is a lightweight alternative that meets the recommended laptop specs for CRP students. These devices can often be found heavily discounted on sites like Amazon as refurbished or renewed. For students who want an affordable and functional modern laptop with AI features, the HP Chromebook Plus x360 is an excellent choice, offering a versatile, portable design and a colorful touchscreen.
Overall, the cost of a suitable laptop for students at Cornell University can range from $500 to $1,899, depending on the specifications, features, and brand. It is important to consider the student's specific needs and requirements when choosing a laptop to ensure it can support their coursework and other activities.
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Students can request to use their own laptop for exams
Cornell University strongly recommends that all students have a personal laptop for the 2025-26 academic year. This is to support the demanding video and computational requirements necessary for coursework, as well as adequate storage to accommodate new software releases. The college provides two high-end computer labs for classes, but it is moving towards a mobile computing environment.
Students can request to use their own laptops for exams. However, this is a lengthy process and permission is not guaranteed. Students with disabilities or special educational needs may be more likely to be granted permission to use a laptop for exams. For example, if a student has a disability that makes writing too painful, or if they struggle with reading and writing or concentration due to a special educational need, they may be given access to a laptop. Students with poor handwriting may also be given access to a laptop, but only in very rare cases.
Students at Cornell University who wish to request to use their own laptop for exams should first check the school's policy on laptop use. They should also discuss with the school what access arrangements they might be given and how these will impact the exam process. If a student is unable to use their own laptop, they can request to borrow one from the Student Disability Services (SDS) department. Reservations for laptops must be made at least five business days in advance of the scheduled exam. The SDS department will communicate information about picking up and returning the laptop in the confirmation email. Laptops are to be used for only one exam and must be powered off before being returned.
Cornell University offers a range of laptops at a discounted rate for students. These include the Microsoft Surface Laptop and gaming laptops such as Razer. The university also provides recommendations for purchasing laptops from other vendors, such as the 14" MacBook Pro and the M1 MacBook Air.
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Frequently asked questions
While it is not mandatory, Cornell University strongly recommends that students have a personal laptop.
Cornell University suggests that students buy a laptop that is powerful enough to support demanding video and computational requirements. The recommended specifications include a dedicated video processor of Nvidia Quadro, Nvidia® Geforce 4060, 5060 or greater.
Students can purchase laptops from the Cornell Store, which offers discounted rates on Windows-based and Macintosh laptops.
The cost of buying a laptop with the recommended specifications can range from $500 to $1,899.
Yes, students can borrow laptops from Cornell Libraries and the SDS for exams, especially if they have an accommodation to use a computer for exams.
