Finance

Purchasing Technology

You need your own computer and technology accessories to study at NSCC. What you need depends on the program you choose — if you already have a computer, it may already meet your program requirements. Check first.

Confirm what you need

Having a computer that meets the College’s minimum software and system requirements ensures you can use the tools and services we offer.

Note: Technology prices change frequently. The figures below are estimates only.

Technology accessories

Students only need to purchase these accessories if their computer or laptop doesn’t already include them.

  • Headset with microphone

    ~$80

    A Teams-certified USB or Bluetooth headset is recommended.

  • Webcam

    ~$100

    An external Teams-certified webcam may be required if your computer does not have a built-in camera.

Windows computers

These are the recommended minimum system requirements at each price point.

  • Budget

    $700 – $1,100

    • Windows 11
    • Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor or higher
    • 256 GB SSD or higher
    • 8 GB RAM or higher
    • Integrated graphics

  • Mid-range

    $900 – $1,300

    • Windows 11
    • Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor or higher
    • 256 GB SSD or higher
    • 16 GB RAM or higher
    • Integrated graphics

  • Performance

    $1,000 – $2,300

    • Windows 11
    • Intel Core Ultra 7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor or higher
    • 1 TB SSD or higher
    • 32 GB RAM or higher
    • Integrated or discrete graphics
  • Option 1

    High-Performance Workstation

    $4,500 and up

    • Windows 11
    • Intel Core Ultra 9 or AMD Ryzen 9 series processor
    • 512 GB SSD
    • 64 GB RAM
    • 6 GB dedicated video card or higher
  • Option 2

    High-Performance Gaming

    $3,400 and up

    • Windows 11
    • Intel Core Ultra 9 or AMD Ryzen 9 series processor
    • 2 TB SSD
    • 32 GB RAM
    • NVIDIA RTX 5080 series or better with min. 8 GB GDDR6, or equivalent

Macintosh computers

MacBook computers are only recommended for specific NSCC programs. Review the costs and fees information for your program to find out which system is recommended for it. If you already own a Macintosh, confirm with your instructor that your program doesn’t require software that operates only on Windows.

  • Budget MacBook

    ~$900

    • A18 (Neo) M4 or M5 processor
    • 8 GB memory (RAM)
    • 256 GB SSD internal storage

  • Mid-range MacBook Pro

    ~$1,400

    • M4 or M5 processor
    • 16 GB memory (RAM)
    • 512 GB SSD internal storage

Verify your program-specific requirements

Each program publishes its own technology requirements. Open the page for your program to confirm what’s required.