Best Printers for College Students in 2025 – Top Picks & Reviews

In college, I thought I would never need a printer. However, life is 10 times harder as a college student. You have to complete assignments, learn quizzes, and prepare presentations, and this situation becomes terrible when you have to battle with a college printer. 

Because it’s always offline and working, college printers should be considered the 8th wonder of the world. 

That’s why I decided to make a complete guide on the best printers for college students. So you don’t have to suffer. 

So, whether you’re searching for the best printer for dorms or printers for university students, your struggle is about to end. I’ll cover all these areas so you can print your stuff without worrying about constant jamming. 

Let’s get started and make your college life easier with the best printers. 

In A Hurry? Here’s Best 3 Student Printers For You

1. Best All-in-One: HP LaserJet Pro M15w

It is a reliable all-in-one printer for university students. Its fast printing, scanning, and wireless setup make it great for shared apartments or dorms.

2. Best Budget Inkjet: HP DeskJet 2755e

Affordable and simple, this inkjet is ideal for basic printing needs. It includes HP+ with extra cloud features and prints in both colour and black & white.

3. Best Monochrome: Brother HL-L2350DW

This laser printer is ideal for students who mostly print text documents. It’s fast, efficient, and budget-friendly, with wireless printing and duplex support.

How To Choose The Best Printer For College Students?

To choose the best printer, you need clarity on the parameters. Let me elaborate. 

When buying anything, there are certain things you need to focus on. For example, some people focus on a car’s mileage, while others focus on the brand name. 

Likewise, there are also certain aspects you need to know before choosing a printer. 

Long-term Value >>> Cheap 

I know many college students are tempted to grab the cheapest printers. Because it’s affordable, right? 

Not at all. 

The real cost is of the inks. Some budget printers use cartridges quickly and require constant (and pricey) refills. Over time, you could end up spending more on ink than on textbooks.

So, is that a smart choice? 

No. The solution is choosing efficient, refill-friendly printers with lower per-page printing costs. 

Check If It Aligns With Your Needs

Do you mostly print essays? Scan notes? Submit forms? 

The best printer depends on how you study and submit your work. Wireless printing is becoming a norm, so choose these according to your requirements. 

If you often work from a mobile or tablet, there’s another aspect of printers you should consider. 

It’s their mobile-friendliness. 

Make a list of features you want in a printer. That way, you’ll be able to make the right decision. It also minimizes the chances of paying extra for features you’ll never use. 

Dorm Life = Limited Space and Thin Walls

College dorms are loud, cramped, and not made for a large office printer. Your dorm printer should be small and easily fit on your desk or shelf. 

But there’s another huge problem. 

It’s Sound.

It might wake your roommate at 1 a.m. when printing a last-minute assignment. No one wants complaints from their roommate because that’s directly proportional to stress. 

So don’t overlook its size and assess the sound the printers make. 

Speed Is Important, But Focus on Volume, Too

Do you think that:

Print Speed (Most of the Time) >>> Print Volume

Then you might be mistaken. Most student prints aren’t 100 pages long. But what matters is the printer’s ability to:

• Handle the printing of assignments without jamming 
• Printing properly without maintenance after every 2 days

Durability beats speed every time. Especially when it’s crunch time and your printer will not stop acting like a maniac. I know we have all been there. 

Inkjet, Laser Or Monochrome Printer? Which One You Should Get

I know there are several printers on the market, so getting confused is normal. But there are three primary printer types that you’ll often see. I’ll explain each of these in simple terms. 

An inkjet printer if you’re a student who frequently prints out colour charts, images, or creative projects (especially in design, architecture, or biology). Inkjet models are great for high-quality colour output. They are cost-effective, but you may have to pay more for ink cartridge replacements in the long run.

A laser printer could better fit those in engineering, business, or IT, where speed and volume matter more than colour. Laser printers are fast, print crisp text, and are ideal for long assignments, reports, or lecture notes. I like the fact that the toner lasts longer. Even if the initial cost is higher, it saves money over time. 

But if you’re on a tight budget and need something basic for occasional document printing, a monochrome (black-and-white) printer is ideal. It is perfect for literature, law, or social science students who mostly deal with text-based assignments.

Here’s a quick overview for each. 

Feature	Inkjet	Laser	Monochrome
Best For	Photos & color	Fast, high-volume	Text-only documents
Speed	Slow	Fast	Fast
Cost/Page	High	Low (mono), high (color)	Very low
Initial Cost	Low	High	Medium

2 Best Inkjet Printers for Students

1. HP DeskJet 2755 Printer – Best All-in-one 

College students’ biggest concern is saving money. That’s why I’m adding this printer to the list. It doesn’t break the bank and you don’t have to worry about quality as well. 

You can easily connect it with different electronic devices. According to customers, even a 4-year-old can set up this printer, so you don’t have to worry about hiring an expert for the entire setup. 

Specifications

• Category: All-in-one Inkjet Printer 
• Print speed: 7.5 ppm 
• Paper sizes: A4; B5; A6; DL envelope
• Connectivity: ‎Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB
• Weight: 7.55 lbs

Printer Quality

No one wants to compromise on quality, so I precisely checked it and noticed this factor. The color prints were actually clear. The printed photos are extremely similar to the provided file. 

If you want to print high-quality graphics for your dorm or class, this is the model you need. Its clear graphics and text make it better than most expensive models. 

Speed

In just 40 seconds HP DeskJet 2755e printer can easily print 5 pages of a textual document. The average printing speed is 8.8 ppm. 

The speed is slower for colour documents, especially in comparison to black-and-white prints. It can scan documents in approximately 19.4 seconds. In a nutshell, it has a fast printing speed. 

Connectivity

One thing I hate the most is setting up any technical appliance. If the process takes endless hours, it’s a huge red flag for me. But the initial setup for this printer is easy peasy lemon squeezy. You can download its app on your phone or laptop for better connectivity.

Being wireless is another plus point, and if you’re having any issues, you can contact technical support. According to reviews, they typically reply within 15 to 20 minutes. 

Costing

This printer uses two ink cartridges, which are of two types: 

• Pigment-based black ink 
• Dye-based tri-colour cartridges

Read our guide for: Best Pigment-based ink printers.

If you’re using standard cartridges, a page will cost approximately 8 cents. However, a colour print is estimated to cost 25 cents.

But I understand that it can be costly for a college student. So you should opt for XL cartridges. They cost around 10 cents for text and 22.5 cents for colored pages. 

Best Features

• Wireless mobile printing via HP Smart App
• Compact, lightweight build for small spaces
• Built-in scanner and copier
• Dual-band Wi-Fi for better connectivity
• Instant Ink is eligible for lower ink costs 

2. Canon PIXMA MG3620 Printer – Best For Cost-conscious Consumers

The Canon PIXMA MG3620 solves the most common printing problems with its reliable wireless printing. It’s lightweight with a compact design, an ideal printer for dorm. 

From last-minute assignments to colourful charts, scanning notes to printing guides, all is possible with this incredible model. According to users, it’s a user-friendly printer and easy to maintain. 

What if there’s troubleshooting? 

You can then refer to the manual. I’ve noticed several videos on this printer, so you won’t be confused. 

Specifications

• Category: Colour Inkjet Printer 
• Print speed: 9.9 ipm
• Paper sizes: 8.5 inches
• Connectivity: NFC
• Weight: 11.9 lbs

Printer Quality

In this printer, there are dye as well as pigment inks. But there’s an interesting theory behind it: 

• Dye inks: crisp and vibrant colours
• Pigment inks: sharp and heavy text

If you print on standard paper, the text looks heavy, which is extremely close to the quality of HP printers. But if you want high-quality and exceptional results, then opt for inkjet paper. It’s ideal for everyday documents and occasional photo printing.

Speed

MG3620 is not the fastest, but it easily handles small to medium workloads. It’s useful if you need to print lecture notes or study guides. It can print one page of text in around 16 seconds. 

However, the time duration increases if you’re operating it in Quiet Mode. For text plus graphics, printing time is approximately 24 seconds per page.

Connectivity

You don’t have to watch endless YouTube videos to understand how to connect the MG3620 printer. The procedure is straightforward for Wi-Fi and USB as well. 

This wireless printer supports printing via Wi-Fi, Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and the Canon PRINT app. So, if you have a laptop, smartphone, or tablet, you can connect in a few steps without worrying about tangled cables. 

Costing

It’s a highly economical choice with relatively cost-effective ink usage. The black ink costs $0.04 per page and colour around $0.10. There are also option yield cartridges that reduce overall printing expenses. 

Although the purchase price is low, lifetime costs may become high, especially if proper maintenance is not done regularly. 

Best Features

• Auto-duplex (double-sided) printing
• Wireless mobile printing support
• High-resolution photo printing
• Compact and lightweight design
• Easy-to-use Canon PRINT app

2 Best Laser Printers For College Students

1. Brother HL-L3290CDW – Best Heavy Duty Printer

As a student, I was tired of learning from prints that were of poor quality. At one point, it was starting to impact my eyesight. But with HL-L3290CDW, you don’t need to worry about that. It’s an ideal solution for students requiring dependable, high-quality colour printing.  

Due to its fast and efficient performance, it is suitable for handling academic tasks such as reports, presentations, and study materials.

Specifications

• Category: Duplex Colour Printer
• Print speed: 25ppm
• Paper sizes: Up to A4 (8.25 x 11.7 inches)
• Connectivity: Hi-Speed USB 2.0, Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct
• Weight: 47.8 lbs

Printer Quality

I loved the printing, from text to graphics. Everything was sharp and clear, which is why it’s really good for academic documents in which you need to maintain clarity and a professional appearance.

But one thing I liked about this printer is its laser technology. It ensures that every print is high-quality. As a student, you need to print several materials, like: 

• Detailed charts
• Graphs
• Images 

The HL-L3290CDW printer can print all these student project items, but I won’t recommend it for high-end photo printing. 

Speed

You have a deadline and want quick prints? 

If so, this printer might be ideal for you. It prints over 25 pages per minute, while a 12-page text document is printed at 23.6 ppm. 

So, the waiting time is reduced, and you can quickly get the prints. The warm-up time is also relatively fast, which enhances overall productivity.

Connectivity

Several connectivity options are available, such as Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and High-Speed USB 2.0. You can print wirelessly using any device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

But what about software compatibility? 

It’s compatible with Apple AirPrint and Google Cloud Print, further streamlining the printing process. 

Its advanced security features, like saving documents with ID numbers and specific PINs to the scanner, contribute to additional security. If you want to restrict usage, simply block usernames, groups, or IP addresses. 

Costing

The estimated cost per page is around $0.026 for black and white prints. As for colour prints, the cost is approximately $0.155. 

But do you know what contributes to its longevity? 

1. High-yield toner cartridges 
2. Duplex printing capability

It minimizes the frequency of constant replacements and page usage. It’s not expensive if you want to print 150 or 250 pages. But if you’re printing over 1500 pages, this colour printer can be costly. 

Best Features

• Voice control available
• Auto duplex printing
• The LED display shows toner and status
• Toner Save Mode to reduce costs
• Manual feed slot handles envelopes

2. Canon Color imageCLASS LBP632Cdw – Best For Speed & Reliability

Do you face frequent printing tasks such as reports, assignments, and notes?

The Canon Colour image class LBP632Cdw is an excellent choice for you. It offers high performance, and you don’t need to do constant maintenance. 

If you’re someone who always remembers assignments a few hours before the deadline, then you’ll love that it’s stopped. It is wireless, so forget about juggling cables. 

Specifications

• Category: Colour Laser Printer
• Print speed: Up to 22 ppm 
• Paper sizes: 3 x 5″ to 8.5 x 14”
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB-B, Ethernet, USB-A (Flash Drive) 
• Weight: 35.3 lbs 

Printer Quality

The printer quality is truly impressive. The colour, text, and graphics prints are top-notch with 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution. Technically, it’s enough to print professional-looking academic papers, resumes, project handouts, or even light graphic content.

Since it’s a laser printer, you don’t have to worry about smudges. The text is razor-sharp, even in tiny font sizes. It has built-in Canon technology, but what’s its purpose? 

It ensures toner is used efficiently and the print is clear. 

Speed

Do you know what’s the biggest issue is when you’re in college? 

It’s managing your time properly. 

Canon LBP632Cdw supports fast printing with a speed of around 22 pages per minute. You’ll get the first page in 10 seconds, so there’s no need to panic during last-minute assignment printouts. 

The 250-sheet paper capacity reduces how often you need to refill it. What I like about this printer is its quick warm-up and minimal lag between prints. 

Connectivity

This printer is for modern student life, with multiple options for connecting devices. It has built-in Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB-B, and USB-A, so it supports everything from smartphones and laptops to flash drives.

But there’s more.

Mobile printing is easy with the Canon PRINT Business app. So if you’re printing directly from a dorm’s router or hotspot, LBP632Cdw will connect seamlessly. 

Costing

The upfront cost might be high for some students, but in the long run, it’s a cost-effective option. Its laser toner cartridges yield more pages than ink. 

So what does that mean?

• Fewer replacements
• Lower cost-per-page

The cost of black toner is around $75, and you can print 1,500 pages easily, so the cost per page will be approximately $0.05. 

Best Features

• Fits easily into small spaces.
• ENERGY STAR and EPEAT Silver certified. 
• Auto 2-sided printing
• Quick and easy setup 
• 5-line black-and-white LCD for easy navigation

Pros

• IP/MAC address filtering and TLS 1.3
• Direct USB printing
• No loud mechanical noise 

2 Best Monochrome Printers For College Students

1. HP LaserJet Pro M15w – Best For Small Spaces and Mobile Printing

Do you’ve a small dorm? 

I know most college students face this issue. They live in a small dorm with very little space, but they need a printer. 

LaserJet Pro M15w is ideal for you. Its compact size makes it easy to fit into tight dorm rooms or small apartments. Although it has a small footprint, it offers fast printing speeds and reliable performance. 

If you prefer printing from a mobile device, it’s a convenient option. 

Specifications

• Category: Portable Laser Printer
• Print speed: 19ppm
• Paper sizes: A4, A5, A6, C5, DL envelopes, custom sizes
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, USB 2.0, HP Smart App, AirPrint, Mopria
• Weight: 8.4 lbs

Printer Quality

The text quality is extremely sharp at 600 x 600 dpi resolution, so all your study material will be professional and have clear prints. 

I’ve seen many notes with smudges and inconsistent printing, but with LaserJet Pro M15w, there’s no need to worry. The print quality is consistent, which means text remains sharp even on long print runs. 

Speed

When I checked reviews for this printer, I found one thing everyone was praising: its speed. 

It prints up to 19 pages per minute. The first page is produced in just 8.1 seconds, and sometimes even less. I know how busy college life is, and this quick processing of the printer ensures you can print multiple pages in no time. 

Connectivity

It’s a wireless printer with multiple connectivity options, such as Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi Direct. Furthermore, it supports USB 2.0, so you can also opt for a traditional wired connection. 

But what about its mobile-friendliness?

You can connect it with HP Smart App, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria. With LaserJet Pro M15w, printing isn’t limited to a specific location or device. 

Costing

It’s affordable upfront and has low operational costs. LaserJet Pro M15w uses toner cartridges that yield about 1,000 pages. The cost per page is also low. 

But how is it beneficial for students? 

This low per-page cost means you can print large quantities of documents without spending much money.  It uses energy-saving Auto On/Off technology, which minimizes electricity usage. 

Best Features

• Ultra-compact size that fits even in tight dorm spaces
• Fast mobile printing via HP Smart App
• HP Auto-On/ Auto-Off Technology
• Energy-saving Auto On/Off technology
• Simple USB and wireless setup

Pros

• Quick first page out (under 9 seconds)
• Includes pre-installed cartridges
• Lightweight and easy to relocate

2. HP LaserJet M110we – Best Budget-Friendly Printers with Low Operational Costs

It won’t be wrong to say that this monochrome laser printer is designed with students in mind. 

Its dimensions of 13.6 x 7.5 x 6.3 inches and weight of approximately 3.8 kg make it ideal for small study areas or dorm rooms. It’s considered the world’s smallest laser printer in its class. 

Specifications

Category: Compact Monochrome Printer 

Print speed: up to 21ppm

Paper sizes: A4, A5, A6, Envelopes (C5, DL), and custom sizes

Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB 2.0, Bluetooth

Weight: 8.3 lbs 

Printer Quality

It offers clear black-and-white prints at a resolution of up to 600 x 600 dpi. How is that possible? 

It uses HP’s FastRes 600 technology, which enhances print quality without compromising speed. However, it’s not suitable for printing PowerPoints because there might be some smudges.

Speed

The M110we didn’t disappoint me in the speed category. Its print speed is 21ppm, allowing for rapid production of lengthy documents. 

The first page out time is as fast as 8.3 seconds. 

It ensures you can quickly print last-minute assignments or study materials without any delays. 

Connectivity

It supports Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n), USB 2.0, and Bluetooth LE, enabling easy integration with multiple devices. 

The setup is straightforward for most monochrome laser printers. It doesn’t support Ethernet, but you can connect it using a USB cable. You don’t need to remove or shake the toner cartridge.

Costing

The HP LaserJet M110w printer costs around 3.9 cents per page. However, it’s important to know that more than 3 cents per page is considered normal for an entry-level monochrome laser printer. 

Want to reduce expenses? 

Enrolling in HP’s Instant Ink for lasers will help. The basic plan starts at $1.99 per month. It offers timely toner replacements, and you can save on toner costs. 

Best Features

• HP+ smart printing system
• Works with Alexa
• Auto On/Off technology 
• Compact design
• Prints in just 8 seconds

Conclusion

The best printer for university students, college students, and YOU depends on your needs and usage. In this list, I’ve suggested the best printers for college students that are not only affordable but also high-tech. 

So, if you need vibrant visuals for presentations, quick black-and-white notes, or a reliable scanner for class documents, there’s a printer on this list for you.

After assessing your budget, workload, and space, you should consider the printer. 

But before clicking the Purchase button, ask yourself: What will I print most? How often? And where will this printer sit?

After answering these, you’ll be able to shortlist the right printer. This is one of the smartest investments for students. 

FAQs

Is It Worth It To Buy A Printer In College?

Yes, as a college student, it’s a must-have. It’s not just for printing essays, but also useful for printing textbook pages (instead of reading 40 pages on a screen), printing shipping labels when you’re returning stuff, or even printing out resumes and forms for job fairs. It’s also cost-effective because you don’t have to pay the campus for printing per page. 

Which Type Of Printer Is Most Useful?

An inkjet or laser printer that prints fast and doesn’t take up much space is best. A black-and-white laser printer is super helpful if you mostly print papers and notes. Since most college students have a tight budget, keeping that in mind, this printer is usually cheaper in the long run.

Do You Need A Personal Printer For College?

Most people state that a college student doesn’t need one. But here’s the harsh truth I experienced in college: campus printers often don’t work when you need them most, like 10 minutes before class. But with a personal printer, I had prints on time. Meanwhile, some college mates were panicking to find a working printer when Wi-Fi is down or the lab is full.