I wouldn't buy a laptop without an SSD, or else I'd swap one in immediately.
but of these 3 I'd pick the top Asus since it has a better screen resolution. If the HP is also 1080P, I'd probably pick that since 1) the GPU is probably better and 2) replacement parts are more plentiful just in case.
It depends on the type of programs you will make in your course. Personally I would pick the top asus as it has the best screen which is important when writing lots of lines of code. I would only go for the hp if you need the cpu power.