The Catholic University of America

Student Computer Initiative

The Student Computer Initiative offers several venues from which to purchase computers at discounted educational prices.

Before purchasing a computer, please review the recommended system configurations on this page.

Dell Computers

The Dell purchasing program offers discounted educational prices.

Visit the CUA page at Dell.com

Apple Computers

Apple computers may be purchased at educational prices through the CUA Apple Education Store.

Recommended System Configurations

Minimum Recommendations for Microsoft Windows Computers

Architecture students:
please click here for
specific requirements.

Desktop. An example of a good mid-level desktop computer is one that has:

  • Processor: Intel Core i5 or i7 processor
  • Memory: 8 GB DDR3 SDRAM
  • Video Card: integrated HD Graphics -or- 1GB PCI Express x16
  • Hard Drive: 1TB SATA 6.0Gb/s 7200 RPM -and/or- solid state disk
  • Optical Drive: 16X DVD+/-RW DL
  • Display: 22 inch HD widescreen flat panel
  • Communications: internal 10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN card (consider adding an internal 802.11n wireless network card)
  • Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional or Ultimate 64-bit
  • Productivity Software: Microsoft Office Home and Student 2010
  • Other Software: Enhanced software for DVD writer

 Notebook. Students can purchase a general-purpose notebook with the following specifications:

  • Processor: Intel Core i3, i5 or i7
  • Display: 13, 14, or 15 inch HD LED
  • Memory: 4 GB shared DDR3 SDRAM (more is better)
  • Hard Drive: 500GB Hard Drive 5400 rpm
  • Optical Drive: DVD+/-R DL
  • Video Card: integrated HD Graphics
  • Communications: integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN
  • Wireless: integrated wireless networking card 802.11n
  • USB Ports: one or more USB 3.0
  • Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional or Ultimate 64-bit
  • Productivity Software: Microsoft Office Home and Student 2010
  • Other Software: Enhanced software for DVD writer

If, however, you are looking for more a more powerful notebook, or for those students who hope to make their notebook last for their entire four year track, we recommend that you include the following options:

  • fast Intel Core i5 or i7 processor
  • 6 GB DDR3 SDRAM memory or more
  • 500GB 7200 rpm hard drive or solid state disk
  • 8x DVD+/-RW DL
  • 1GB ATI or NVIDIA video card
  • 8- or 9-cell extended life additional battery
  • four-year extended warranty with accidental damage coverage

Minimum Recommendations for Apple Computers

Desktop. We recommend at least an Apple iMac 21.5 inch 2.5Ghz Intel Core i5 with 4 GB memory and 500GB SATA hard drive running Mac OS X 10.7 Lion with AppleCare Protection Plan.

Notebook. We recommend at least an Apple MacBook Pro 13 inch 2.4GHz Intel Core i5 with 4 GB memory and 500GB hard drive running Mac OS X 10.7 Lion with AppleCare Protection Plan.