The computer held files from 1999 to 2004. They included Social Security numbers for 677 students who attended Penn State during that period.
University officials say the laptop was stolen while the faculty member was traveling. They say it appears to have been a random theft.
Chief privacy officer David Lindstrom said in a statement Friday that he has no knowledge that the information has been accessed by unauthorized individuals.
The school is notifying those who may be affected.
