Student Computing
North Park recognizes that access to technology is critical for our students. As you prepare for the semester please keep in mind how important the online components of education are in the current environment. We recommend that students come equipped with a computer ready to use, both for in-person and online learning.
The Information Technology department has recommendations about personal computer specifications here. Limited computers are available for shared use in the Library and some campus housing. Wireless access is available virtually everywhere on the main campus.
Computer Recommendations
North Park recommends a recent model laptop computer with the following:
- Memory: 8 GB RAM or higher
- Hard Drive: 256 GB or higher (SSD preferred)
- Operating System: Windows 10 or MacOS (10.15, 11, or higher)
- Webcam, microphone, and headset or earbud w/mic.
We recommend purchasing from a reputable vendor and encourage you to evaluate warranty options when purchasing. offers student discounts. The and many other Windows computer vendors offer back-to-school discounts.
An Apple iPad with an external keyboard may also be sufficient for some students if a laptop is not available. Chromebooks are not recommended and may not work with some necessary campus software.
A basic Windows laptop, Mac laptop, or iPad will allow you to access the internet, compose papers, install the Microsoft Office suite of applications made available by North Park, use Microsoft Teams for online classes, and access the Learning Management System.聽If you are considering a course of study (or hobby) that requires 鈥渕ore power鈥� (such as graphic design, video production, computer gaming, etc.), you may consider upgrading to at least 16 GB RAM, a larger hard drive, and an improved graphics card.
Available Software & Services
Students can install the Microsoft Office Suite on their computers to use while at North Park, for free, thanks to our use of Office 365.聽聽to access both online versions of Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and more, and to download the software to your personal computer.
聽access is available virtually everywhere on the main campus.
Printing services are available in most common buildings. Students can print from personal devices as well as University computers. Please see the聽聽for more information about printing on campus.
Assistance with Personal Computers
IT Support Services is happy to assist questions that you may have about technology services on campus. Please see the聽聽for more information and instructions, or open a聽聽to request assistance.