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Technology Requirements

2024 - 2025 Academic Year

Technology forms an important part of the student creative tool kit right from the first day of class.

laptop requirement

The laptop you use during your time at PCA&D must be capable of running the latest versions of Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft Office Suite. Both software packages will be provided to all BFA students.

PCA&D recommends different laptop options based upon a student’s desired major.

Intended MajorSuggested Laptop
Animation & Game ArtWindows
Fine ArtMacBook Pro or Windows
Graphic DesignMacBook Pro
IllustrationMacBook Pro
Live Experience DesignMacbook Pro or Windows
Photography & VideoMacBook Pro

Below you will find the suggested base specifications and links for Apple and Windows laptops.

NameMacBook Pro (Click to Purchase)
RAM16GB
Hard DriveSSD 512 GB
CPUApple M1 Pro
GPU14-Core GPU
Screen Size14″ or 16”
WarrantyApple Care Coverage
Approx. Cost$2,100 – $2,700
NameDell G 15 Gaming Laptop (Click to Purchase)
Hard DriveSSD 512GB
CPUIntel i7 or AMD Ryzen 7
GPUNVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
Screen Size15”
Operating SystemWindows 11
WarrantyDell Warranty Coverage (3 years)
Approx. Cost$1,600
  • External hard drive (1 TB or greater)
  • A protective carrying bag
  • USB to USB-C Dongle
  • External mouse

Frequent Questions

Depending on whether you are choosing to purchase an Apple computer or Windows, laptop costs can range from $1,600-$2,700. Please note that information and prices are subject to change. If you have questions, please contact it@pcad.edu.

To ensure that you are entering PCA&D with the most current technology, we advise purchasing your laptop in the month before the semester starts. 

Apple laptops can be purchased through any reliable technology retailer (Best Buy, Office Max, etc.), any Apple Store (PCA&D has one close to our campus at Park City Center Mall), or online through the PCA&D Apple store.

Windows laptops can also be purchased through any reliable technology retailer (Best Buy, Office Max, etc.) or directly from the brand’s website: Dell.

Don’t forget to check with the retailer/website if there are any student/education discounts. 

For Apple Laptops – All students are required to purchase Apple Care, this covers issues that do not extend to damage or theft of the computer.

Read the details of Apple Care

Students should check with their family’s homeowner’s policy or their own renter’s insurance policy to determine coverage and deductibles. You may wish to cover the computer, camera, and software by adding a rider to an existing policy to deal with issues of damage or theft.

We will provide instructions on how to obtain Adobe Creative Cloud & Microsoft Office 365 from PCA&D as we get closer to the beginning of the semester. Watch out for emails from the College to your PCA&D email account.

Students can call or email the IT Department to set up an appointment to have one of our people assist them with computer needs or advice. The IT department can assist students with basic laptop difficulties (for example their Mac Book Pro will not boot or it will not connect to the wireless network). We are not able to do any computer repairs.

IT Department Assistance for Students
Hours: 8am to 5pm, Monday – Friday
Phone: 717-396-7833 xt.1004
Email: it@pcad.edu

Repairs and warranty service through your Apple Care can be taken to the Apple Store. The closest Apple Store to PCA&D is located in the Park City Mall. You will need to use the Apple Store online system to make an appointment with their Genius Bar prior to your visit.

You can opt to borrow additional money through a Parent PLUS loan or a Private/Alternative loan above and beyond tuition costs. All funds owed to the College will be deducted from the first available source of financial aid. For instance, if tuition and fees are charged, and a student loan has been credited to the student’s account, these charges will be deducted from the total loan amount and the balance (refund) returned to the student. PCA&D’s Business Office will issue refund checks for any amount above and beyond tuition. Students can then use this money for any educational expense including, rent, supplies, transportation, etc.

Generally, all cash payments from financial aid, including Federal Stafford Loans, Federal PLUS Loans, and Alternative Loans received by the Business Office, will be disbursed to students roughly four to five weeks from the beginning of the term. If you have additional questions, please contact the PCA&D financial aid office.

Yes. You should follow the laptop requirements that are listed.