🚀 go-pugleaf

Your question is the wrong one to ask.   First you must determine what
the student will be using the computer for.  Then you prioritize the
uses and determine the best program(s) for each use.  Then you find
which computer will cover your needs best.  If you can afford it, you
buy.

The needs of an art major will differ from the needs of a physics major.
All students can use a word processor.  Other programs/features depend
on the course of study.  These include spreadsheets, data base,
graphics, communications,  and many others.

There may also be considerations relating to the 'footprint' of the
machine, its portability, its compatibility with other computer
resources at the school, price, and the machine's future (Is the machine
to be used after graduation?)

To predetermine that the choice is limited to Mac or Clone is skipping
too many steps.  If you have overriding considerations forcing the
limited choice, however,  answer the questions anyway, and ignore
anything except the two finalists.  Then you will know that you made the
best choice.

No-one but the user can answer these questions.