Grad Gift Guide: Best Laptops for Each Type of Graduate (2025)

Ready to trade in your cap and gown for business casual? (Or sweatpants and slippers, if you're planning on working at home?) As the big day approaches, one of the biggest questions you might ask yourself is, “Which laptop do I need?” Embarking on the first leg of your professional journey, it pays to start with the right gear at your side. To that end, we looked at seven of the top graduating areas of study—from engineering to finance—and found our favorite laptops that meet each profession's in-the-field technical needs. Below are the best laptops for graduates in 2025, followed by up-to-the-moment buying advice that'll help you along—whether you're a soon-to-be diploma holder, or just shopping for one.

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Buying Guide: Grad Gift Guide: Best Laptops for Each Type of Graduate

A laptop can make a stellar gift for a university senior about to enter the workforce—but simply asking, “What’s the best laptop for a college graduate?” doesn't narrow things down much. According to the college advising website MyMajors.com, the list of common college majors comprises more than 1,800 areas of study, from agriculture to visual and performing arts.

So, we turned to data to see the most popular majors and professions, to help define the best laptops for their specific type of work. According to graduation statistics and search volume, the most sought-after recommendations come from media creators (working with video and music), photographers, graphic designers, programmers, engineers, stock traders, and writers, all representing office and home workers.

While some often-recommended laptops can be good picks for several different professions, each field has a distinct set of requirements, industry-specific software, and a unique mix of hardware needs and performance demands.

The specific needs of a given job will bring some features to the forefront, but the laptop-buying basics are pretty consistent across the board: You want something comfortable to use, durable enough to last, and powerful enough for your most demanding projects. Here’s the condensed version of our laptop-buying advice.

Processor

If a laptop is like a car, the central processing unit (CPU) is the engine that makes it go, handling all the actual computing tasks. From the operating system to the individual programs you use, the CPU makes it work.

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)

For an in-depth look at CPU selection, our guide How to Choose the Best Laptop Processor provides plenty of detailed advice. But for our purposes here, it’s pretty simple. Generally, you’ll want to stick to Intel, AMD, and Apple options for professional use, since they deliver not only the most variety, but they also have the widest compatibility with industry-standard programs. The specific processor name will tell you the series (such as Intel Core i5, Core Ultra 5, or AMD Ryzen 7), as well as the generation of the chip, or how recent the design is. A higher series number will generally denote better performance, while the latest chips will have the most up-to-date capabilities.

Memory

We don't need to discuss the specifics of memory functionality and format here. Random access memory (RAM) is your computer's short-term working memory, holding the data for the apps and files currently running. It’s fast and immediate, but if you don’t have enough RAM, it can become a bottleneck that slows your laptop’s overall performance as apps wait in line for RAM space to be freed up to run.

While we could provide plenty of specific advice on choosing the right RAM, the simple guideline is that more is better. We suggest a bare minimum of 8GB of RAM for any Windows machine, but more demanding systems should be equipped with 16GB or 32GB. Mobile workstations are the only models that generally employ anything more than that.

Integrated vs. Discrete Graphics

Most laptops rely on the CPU to handle the graphical demands, using what’s called an integrated graphics processor or IGP. More demanding visuals, such as those delivered by gaming laptops and workstations, will instead use a discrete graphics processor or GPU—a secondary chip that’s devoted entirely to graphics acceleration.

Laptop manufacturers don’t give shoppers the same range of choices for mobile GPUs, but if you expect to do photo and video editing, 3D rendering, or anything else that’s similarly demanding, look into laptops that have a discrete GPU from AMD (Radeon RX) or Nvidia (GeForce RTX or RTX A Series), instead of integrated graphics.

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)

Mobile workstations, meanwhile, are practically defined by the GPU (which, these days, is mostly Nvidia RTX A chips). In addition to delivering high-powered graphics processing, workstation systems are designed for rock-solid reliability for the most demanding programs. Look for Independent Software Vendor (ISV) certification and make sure your professional program is properly supported.

Storage

When it comes to storage, you have two main concerns: capacity and speed. Capacity refers to storage space, whether it’s a small 128GB drive or a massive two-terabyte (2TB) drive. Larger drives are more expensive, but they are invaluable if you routinely work with large project files. Writers may not need much storage for documents, but media and complex renderings will take up much more space.

Speed is the other concern. The biggest difference is between hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs). Traditionally, a platter-based HDD provided more storage space at a better price per dollar, but SSDs deliver much faster performance. SSD boot drives are now the rule (you'll seldom see hard drives in laptops, except rarely as secondary data drives), and dropping prices have made SSDs affordable for all users.

Battery Life

When in doubt, you always want a longer-lasting battery. Longer battery life lets you use your laptop longer between charges and allows you to leave the power adapter at home, making an ultraportable model that much easier to carry. Whenever possible, we recommend checking out the relative battery test results in our reviews and, if all else is equal, opting for systems capable of longer battery life.

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)

But battery life has an inverse relationship with processing and graphics prowess, which demand more power to handle more complex tasks. Media machines and mobile workstations may not provide battery life as long as a thin ultraportable might, but when you need horsepower, you accept the lower gas mileage.

Design

The standard laptop design will be fine for most users in most situations. But keep two major considerations in mind when selecting your next PC. The first is portability, with thin-and-light ultraportables making it much easier to tote around your work machine. They’re a bit more expensive, but if you expect to take your laptop on the go, you want one of these featherweights.

Touch capability is the other consideration. While you can get touch screens in a standard laptop design, you may want something more hands on, especially for digital art and graphic design. In these instances, we recommend 2-in-1 laptop designs, which combine the usual notebook form factor with tablet functionality. Whether the machine flips, folds, or splits into two pieces, having a tablet option for drawing and note-taking on the screen can be a game-changer.

Different Careers, Different Needs: Here's What to Consider

With such a wide variety of professions and majors open to college students, it’s worth remembering one core concept: The best laptop for you starts with knowing what you need to do with it. For digital artists, that means running Photoshop or drawing on the screen. If you’re an engineer or a day trader, though, you need something much different, like high-end 3D rendering graphics or super-fast number crunching.

To find the best laptops for our seven professional categories, we examined each profession's actual demands and the hardware and performance needed to support them.

The Best Laptops for Film School and Audio Production Grads

“Media” can be a broad category, but video editing and music production dominate the field for grads. Multimedia production all requires similar equipment because it involves scrubbing through hours of footage or finessing layer upon layer to create the perfect track.

If you work in film or audio production, you need a laptop that can handle speedy edits and deftly manage multiple large files simultaneously. Ideal laptops have a fast CPU, at least 16GB of RAM (more is recommended for working with 4K video), an SSD of at least 1TB capacity, a dedicated graphics chip (GPU), a high-quality display, excellent audio output, and a wealth of physical connectivity.

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)

Display quality is also a top concern, so we recommend looking for laptops with OLED displays or similar image-enhancing technologies, like mini LED or (more broadly) HDR support. Color accuracy is also a must-have for video work, so look for laptops with factory calibration or similar professional-grade color.

When choosing a laptop, it is also recommended to consider an external HDD or cloud storage for additional storage space. Even on a laptop with plenty of storage space, you'll want to back up footage and edits to a suitable external drive.

Portable designs and features, like a touch screen and a premium keyboard, are less important for media production. Also, longer battery life isn't critical if most work is done in a stationary location, like a studio or editing bay. If you're frequently working on location, however, you will want something with all of the power for your editing software, and necessary color accuracy, audio quality, and connectivity, but also portability and adequate battery life. (Check out the best laptops for video editing to see additional recommendations.)

The Best Laptops for Graphic Design Grads

Next, we have visual and graphic design. From high-powered machines that can run Photoshop with speed to 2-in-1 laptop models that let an artist draw directly on screen, the visual arts depend more than ever on the proper hardware.

For graphic design graduates, a laptop with a fast CPU, at least 16GB of RAM, an SSD with at least 1TB of storage room, a dedicated graphics card, and a high-quality display with precise color representation is recommended. Battery life, comfortable input devices, and support for a stylus or an external drawing tablet are also important considerations.

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)

Regarding processors, look for an Intel Core Ultra 5, Core Ultra 7, Core i5, or Core i7 chip. If it's an AMD laptop, focus on the Ryzen 5 or 7 CPU options. For graphics, a midrange Nvidia GeForce (RTX 4060/4070 class, or RTX 5070 class) or AMD Radeon RX GPU is recommended. An IPS or OLED panel display is also important for better color accuracy and wider viewing angles. Ideally, the display should be able to produce 100% of the sRGB or Adobe RGB color spaces.

While many creative pros start and finish their laptop search with Apple, touch and pen capability won't be available on a Mac. For that, we recommend a Windows-based 2-in-1, either a convertible laptop or a detachable tablet. With so many touch-capable Windows laptops available, we suggest looking for a convertible system that has proper on-screen pen support. This will give you all the functionality of a dedicated digital drawing pad, but without needing an extra peripheral on the side.

The Best Laptops for Business Grads

Though it’s not as exciting as shooting movies or crafting a visual masterpiece, most college grads are headed to the office. White-collar jobs and slipper-wearing work-from-home situations have made the day job more diverse than ever, but everyone needs a reliable machine that lets them get their work done.

For business grads looking to buy a laptop, you have several key features to consider. First, a powerful processor is essential for running business applications such as spreadsheet software and data analysis tools, so look for Intel Core i5 or i7 (or Core Ultra 5 or 7 tier) or AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 CPUs. At least 8GB of RAM is recommended for running multiple applications simultaneously and handling large datasets, though 16GB of RAM is much better for complex multitasking.

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)

An SSD should come standard for storage. (Aim for at least 512GB of capacity.) A 14- or 15-inch display with full HD (1,920-by-1,080-pixel) resolution is ideal for business tasks, delivering balanced portability and screen real estate.

Battery life is also essential, so look for a laptop with at least eight hours of battery life to avoid interruptions during meetings or while working remotely. Portability is key if you plan to take the computer to conferences or on business trips, so look at ultraportable laptops with durable construction. Multiple physical ports for connectivity, including USB, HDMI, and Ethernet, are also important.

Less essential features for business graduates include dedicated graphics cards or gaming features, touch screens, and audio performance beyond basic capabilities. For most business tasks, a laptop with a fast CPU, at least the minimums for RAM and storage, a decent display, and a long-lasting battery should suffice. While more-affordable options may be available, investing in a high-quality business laptop can be a career move that pays off in the long run.

The Best Laptops for Computer Science Grads

With so much of our lives now spent online and in digital worlds, programming is more vital than ever. From straight coding to full-stack web development, programmers and coders need a machine that can keep up.

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)

Specifically, that means a laptop with both processing muscle for compiling code and enough RAM that you’re never bogged down. We recommend something with at least an Intel Core i5 (or Core Ultra 5) CPU, and 16GB of RAM or more. Dedicated graphics are optional—unless you’re also doing game development, or something else with a visual component that needs graphics horsepower to simulate playback. If you’re adding design to the mix, you’ll want a GPU that can handle it.

Long battery life is helpful if you’re on the go, but screen resolution is more important. A high-quality display with a minimum resolution of 1080p and an IPS panel for better color accuracy and wider viewing angles will make it easier to view and edit code and multimedia content. When you spend hours looking at raw code in an IDE or emulating whatever app or website you’re developing, you want it to be clear and accurate. But you also want to give your eyes a break.

Decent connectivity options, including multiple ports like USB, HDMI, and Thunderbolt, are also important to connect to peripherals. Less crucial features for the programming include portability (unless you do a lot of off-site meetings or conferences), touch-screen capability, and audio performance.

You can also find more recommendations in our favorite laptops for programmers.

The Best Laptops for Engineering and Science Grads

Engineers find work in diverse fields: chip design, refining engine parts, planning city-wide infrastructure. But the core tools all demand one thing above all: power.

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)

Look at both processing and graphics. You need more power than the average laptop can provide. That’s why we’ve chosen from our list of the best mobile workstations to find one that goes above and beyond, providing rock-solid performance and graphics horsepower for tools like AutoCAD and Solidworks.

A high-quality display with a resolution of at least 1080p (ideally, 1440p or 4K) and an IPS panel is essential for analyzing complex data and models. Battery life of at least eight hours and multiple ports—including USB, HDMI, and Thunderbolt—are important for connecting to the latest peripherals.

Durability is another factor to consider. You'll want a laptop that can withstand the rigors of travel and daily use, especially if you're working at a remote job site.

The Best Laptops for Finance Grads

Money movers and stock traders have their own needs, in a business where downtime and sluggish performance can cost big. You may not need massive processing power for accounting or day-trading work, but a well-blended mix of decent performance, go-anywhere portability, and professional-looking design is necessary.

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)

For finance majors, a laptop with a fast CPU, sufficient RAM and storage, a high-quality display, a comfortable keyboard, a long-lasting battery, and decent portability is recommended. Look for an Intel Core Ultra processor or Core i5 or i7 (or an AMD Ryzen 5 or 7) CPU, 8GB of RAM at the minimum, and at least 256GB of SSD storage. A 14-inch, 1080p-or-better display is the minimum, and a responsive, well-spaced keyboard is non-negotiable.

Less important features for finance majors include graphics performance, a touch screen, audio performance, and gaming features. When choosing a laptop for financial tasks, keep in mind the specific needs of your job. Steady performance, portability, and professional-looking design are a must. Whether you’re living the nomad lifestyle or working shoulder-to-shoulder with an office full of traders, our favorite business laptops provide plenty of ideal options for trading and finance.

The Best Laptops for Communications and Writing Grads

Finally, a topic near to our hearts: the best laptops for writers and editors (as well as communications and marketing pros). While the work may not be demanding in terms of processing or graphics requirements, certain special considerations make some laptops stand out above the rest. Basic office software will get the job done, and internet access will let you research and share your work. But these basics are standard on every laptop.

A high-quality display with decent color representation and at least a 13-inch screen is important, as is a comfortable and responsive keyboard with backlit keys for typing in low-light conditions. A fast CPU, at least 8GB of RAM, and an SSD with at least 256GB of storage are also recommended for multitasking and running demanding applications.

(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)

Battery life is another important consideration, especially if you plan to take your laptop on the go. Look for a tested running time of at least eight hours, and consider the weight and size of the laptop for portability.

While decent audio capabilities are important for video conferencing and multimedia content, most laptops have sufficient audio performance for basic tasks. Graphics performance, GPU acceleration, and gaming features are also less critical for writing and communication tasks.

What isn’t so standard are the niceties, like a backlit keyboard with a comfortable layout and a wide selection of ports. Look for a full-size keyboard that allows for a sufficient depth of key travel and a comfortable typing feel—we recommend trying one out in person before you commit to buying it. (Of course, if you'll often be at your desk, you could always invest in one of the best mechanical keyboards—your fingers will thank you.)

Thankfully, you can get all these features at wallet-friendly prices by shopping for the best budget laptops, if you know what you’re looking for (which our guide will certainly help with). In a pinch, you might even get by with a Chromebook in the writing and media fields.