Laptop Requirements

Marion Technical College requires all students to obtain a computer with the following minimum specifications per program of study. Laptops are used in the classroom, outside of class using our learning management system, and to complete assignments using Microsoft Office 365. Marion Technical College does not provide support for student-owned laptops.

Engineering Programs

• Processor: i7 or better (note: Intel processor required)
• RAM: 16 GB
• SSD: 256 GB
• Minimum Screen Size: 15.6”
• Video Card for SolidWorks
• Windows Operating System
• Internet Connection
• Webcam

Information Technology Programs

• Processor: i7 or better (note: Intel processor required)
• RAM: 16 GB
• SSD: 256 GB
• Minimum Screen Size: 15.6”
• Windows Operating System
• Internet Connection
• Webcam

All Other Programs

• Processor: i5/Ryzen 5
• RAM: 8 GB (4 GB would also work – 8 GB gives flexibility if requirements change)
• SSD: 256 GB
• Minimum Screen Size: 15.6”
• Windows Operating System
• Internet Connection
• Webcam

Frequently Used Software

Marion Technical College utilizes Microsoft Office 365.  As such students get free access to Microsoft Office 365.

Note: Tablets, iPads, MacBooks, and Chromebooks will not meet the laptop requirements as they are unable to run Microsoft 365 ProPlus.

Purchase Eligibility with Financial Aid

All MTC students are eligible to purchase one laptop through e-Campus with Financial Aid monies during their enrollment at Marion Technical College. Leftover Financial Aid after tuition is paid, will be held at e-Campus where the laptop can be purchased at the same time as textbooks once Financial Aid is released to e-Campus. A credit card will be held on file through e-Campus to ensure payment for the laptop by the student, should the student drop off before the drop date; at that time, the credit card will be charged for the laptop. While Financial Aid funds can be used to purchase laptops, it is STRONGLY encouraged to purchase your required course materials first.

When placing orders, do know computers cannot be shipped to or held for pickup at Marion Technical College. Shipments come directly from the vendor. Orders are typically shipped within 5-7 business days.

Should the laptop be defective or broken, the student will be referred to the Return and Service Policy provided by e-Campus (below). Should the student change majors and need a laptop with higher specs (i.e. Health Information Technology to Engineering), the student will be referred to the program director to verify that the student’s computer meets the program requirements.

Return Policy and Service Policy for Tech Items

(Provided by e-Campus)

• Dell (Laptops)
• Returns will be fully refunded minus the return shipping fee.
• All returns (except for dead on arrival units) must be factory sealed.
• Need to gain ‘Return Authorizations’ from The Douglas Stewart Company prior to returning the items/issuing a refund to customers. To speed up the process, contact e-Campus, and e-Campus will work with Douglas Stewart and Dell to obtain the return authorization number.  e-Campus Customer Service is available by chat (7 days a week), phone (M-F), or email: https://mtc.ecampus.com/help/topic/customer-service/6
• Return Authorizations are valid for 14 days after the approval from Douglas Stewart. Douglas Stewart/ Dell must physically receive the product within 14 days of the return authorization issue date.
• For Dead on Arrival (DOA) units, the customer must contact Dell Customer Care directly (see contact information below). A DOA unit has one of the following characteristics upon the initial opening of the packaging:
• The system won’t power on
• The system won’t stay on
• The system turns on with a black or blue screen
• Cracked screen
• Cracked chassis
• Performance issues – any other performance issue outside DOAs, customers must contact Dell Customer Care directly (see contact information below). All Dell laptops we offer have at least a 1-year warranty.
• Products with performance issues are NOT returnable to Douglas Stewart.
• Customers must register their unit with Dell to obtain a warranty and will also need to provide the service tag number to initiate service with Dell Customer care.
• A service tag is found on the back or bottom of the device and the outside of the packaging.

Service Contact Information

Dell Customer Care Service:

• Phone: 1-800-624-9896
• Online Chat
• Email