10 Best Printers For College Students 2025 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 HP DeskJet 4255e All-in-One printer is a versatile and compact device suitable for college students who need a reliable solution for printing, scanning, and copying. It's especially convenient for small study spaces due to its compact design and lightweight build, weighing only 10.6 pounds. The wireless connectivity is robust, allowing students to print directly from their smartphones or laptops through the HP app, which is user-friendly and supports additional functions like scanning and copying.

The printer’s print speeds are moderate, with 8.5 pages per minute (ppm) for black and white and 5.5 ppm for color, which might be slower than some would prefer but should suffice for typical college tasks like printing assignments and notes. The color print quality, with a resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 dpi, is excellent for detailed images and graphics, while the black and white resolution of 1200 x 1200 dpi is sharp enough for text documents. A notable benefit is the inclusion of three months of free HP Instant Ink, which can be a cost-effective way to manage ink refills and reduce the overall cost of consumables.

However, it’s worth noting that the printer only works with original HP cartridges, potentially limiting cheaper third-party options. The 60-sheet input tray and 25-sheet output capacity are adequate for personal use, although the manual duplex printing may be less convenient for those needing to frequently print double-sided documents. The printer is also environmentally friendly, made with 60% recycled plastic and has certifications for energy efficiency. The compact size and multifunctionality make it a strong contender for college students, but those who require faster print speeds or higher paper capacity might need to consider other options.

The HP OfficeJet 8015e Wireless Color All-in-One Printer is a versatile choice for college students, offering essential functions like printing, copying, and scanning. Its fast print speeds, with up to 18 pages per minute for black and 10 pages per minute for color, make it efficient for handling various academic tasks. The inclusion of 6 months of Instant Ink helps manage the cost of consumables, which can otherwise be a concern for students on a budget. However, do note that this subscription will incur a monthly fee after six months unless canceled, though it offers considerable savings on ink in the long run.

The print quality is professional, suitable for projects and reports requiring high-quality color documents. Connectivity is robust with dual-band Wi-Fi and mobile printing capabilities via the HP Smart App, which allows for convenience and flexibility. The all-in-one functionality is enhanced by features like an auto document feeder and two-sided printing, streamlining the user experience. Security features and the HP+ smart features add value but require an HP account, internet connection, and original HP ink cartridges.

One downside could be its weight, as at 18 pounds, it might be less portable for students who need to move frequently. Additionally, the printer's reliance on original HP cartridges might limit options and potentially increase long-term costs. Despite these drawbacks, the HP OfficeJet 8015e is a well-rounded option that meets the diverse printing needs of college students.