10 Best Printers For College Students 2026 in the United States

The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is a solid choice for college students looking for an all-in-one printer that combines functionality and cost savings. One of its biggest strengths is the cartridge-free printing system, which uses high-capacity ink tanks. This feature greatly reduces costs, allowing students to save up to 90% on ink expenses compared to traditional cartridge systems. With enough ink included to print thousands of pages, it minimizes the frequent need to purchase replacement supplies, which is ideal for busy students.

Print quality is impressive as well, thanks to Epson's Micro Piezo technology that ensures sharp text and vibrant color photos, making it suitable for both documents and creative projects. The built-in scanner and copier add further value, allowing students to handle various tasks without needing separate devices.

The print speed is relatively slow, at 10 pages per minute for black and 5 for color, which might be a drawback for those who need to print large volumes quickly. The EcoTank ET-2800 also lacks automatic duplex printing, meaning users have to manually flip pages for double-sided prints, which could be inconvenient for extensive printing tasks. In terms of connectivity, the printer offers both wired and wireless options, making it easy to print from laptops or mobile devices, which is a plus for students who are often on the go. The printer's size is manageable and can fit into most small dorm rooms or study spaces. The Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is notable for its cost efficiency and versatile functionality, though it may not be the best fit for those needing fast print speeds or automatic duplexing.

The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is a versatile all-in-one printer ideal for college students who need high-quality prints for projects and presentations. Its standout feature is the cartridge-free printing system, which allows users to save significantly on ink costs. This printer produces vibrant, lab-quality photos and graphics, making it perfect for creative projects. With a print speed of up to 12 pages per minute in color and the ability to print borderless photos up to 13" x 19", it caters well to a variety of printing needs. The low cost of consumables is a major plus, as each 4" x 6" photo can be printed for about 4 cents, a substantial savings compared to traditional printers.

However, while the ET-8550 excels in print quality and cost savings, it does have some drawbacks. Weighing in at 24.5 pounds, it may not be the most portable option for students who have to frequently move their printer around campus. Additionally, its larger size might be a concern for those with limited space in dorm rooms or apartments. The initial cost is higher than standard ink cartridge printers, but the long-term savings on ink can balance this out.

The wireless connectivity and mobile device compatibility through the Epson Smart Panel app are excellent features for tech-savvy students, allowing for easy printing from smartphones and tablets. The intuitive touchscreen display enhances user experience by making navigation simple.

The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8550 is a strong contender for college students who prioritize print quality and cost-efficiency, but its size and weight may make it less appealing for those needing a more portable solution.

The Brother DCP-L2640DW is a solid choice if you need a dependable black-and-white laser printer that also copies and scans. It prints quickly—up to 36 pages per minute—which is great for busy students handling lots of assignments. The print quality is crisp at 1200x1200 DPI, perfect for text documents, though it only prints in monochrome, so no color options here. Its built-in duplex feature lets you print on both sides automatically, saving paper and money. This model is compact enough to fit in a dorm room but weighs about 25 pounds, so it isn’t the lightest if you plan to move it frequently.

Connectivity is flexible, offering Wi-Fi (dual-band), Ethernet, and USB, so you can print easily from laptops, tablets, or smartphones. The Brother Mobile Connect app adds convenience by letting you print and scan from your phone. One of its standout points is the Refresh subscription service, which can help control toner costs by delivering supplies on time and offering discounts—important since laser toner can be pricey.

Paper handling is decent, with a 250-sheet input tray and 50-page automatic document feeder for scanning or copying multiple pages quickly. It only supports paper sizes up to legal (8.5x14 inches), which should be fine for most college needs. This printer is best suited for students who primarily print text documents and want reliable, fast, and cost-manageable performance without color printing. If you need a color printer or ultra-portability, you might want to consider other options.