North Dakota State University: laptop requirements
Yes — a conforming laptop is required. North Dakota State University (Interior Design program only) publishes a minimum specification students are required to meet: 32GB RAM, 1TB storage.
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The published specification
Operating system: Microsoft® Windows® — "All computers purchased for use in the interior design program MUST use Windows 11."
Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7 (Ultra 9 Preferred)
Memory (RAM): 32 GB RAM
Storage: 1 TB Solid State Drive (SSD)
Graphics: Dedicated video card (NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 8GB or better). "Graphics card must be dedicated, NOT integrated".
Warranty: RECOMMENDED, not required: "We strongly recommend purchasing a warranty that will last the duration of your academic career and features 'in home' support. Consider accidental coverage as well." The NDSU Bookstore stocks design laptops with a four-year warranty covering accidental damage.
What this specification rules out
"No Macs for the Interior Design program will be allowed". "Windows emulation is not supported." "Intel-based graphics cards WILL NOT WORK."
Also listed on the same page
Monitor: 16" or 17" monitor size; 1920 x 1200 with true color, maximum Ultra-High (4k) definition monitor. Also listed: webcam (integrated or external), ergonomic three-button USB mouse, 2x USB flash drives (32+ GB each), earphones/ear buds with microphone, computer case/bag. A personal printer and digital camera are "strongly recommended" (not required).
Source
Taken from North Dakota State University's own published page: https://www.ndsu.edu/interior-design/for-students/laptop-requirements-software-information — stated for Page carries no explicit academic-year label. It states the specs are "based on Autodesk Revit 2027, Autodesk AutoCAD 2027, SketchUp Studio, and various rendering software packages", and applies to students entering in the fall semester.. Verified 2026-08-25. Specifications change every intake, so confirm against that page before you buy.
Laptops that meet this specification
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North Dakota State University laptop requirements: common questions
Does North Dakota State University require students to have a laptop?
Yes — a conforming laptop is required. North Dakota State University (Interior Design program only) publishes a minimum specification students are required to meet: 32GB RAM, 1TB storage.
What laptop specification does North Dakota State University publish?
North Dakota State University (Interior Design program only) publishes 32GB RAM, 1TB storage, on Microsoft® Windows® — "All computers purchased for use in the interior design program MUST use Windows 11.". It is a minimum, not a target. Confirm against the source page before buying.
What does North Dakota State University's specification rule out?
"No Macs for the Interior Design program will be allowed". "Windows emulation is not supported." "Intel-based graphics cards WILL NOT WORK."
Where does this North Dakota State University laptop specification come from?
North Dakota State University's own published page at https://www.ndsu.edu/interior-design/for-students/laptop-requirements-software-information, stated for Page carries no explicit academic-year label. It states the specs are "based on Autodesk Revit 2027, Autodesk AutoCAD 2027, SketchUp Studio, and various rendering software packages", and applies to students entering in the fall semester.. Verified 2026-08-25. Specifications change every intake.
Packing for North Dakota State University
A laptop is one line on a longer list. See the full North Dakota State University dorm packing list for bedding, storage and the rest of move-in.
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