In the age of digital learning, many students rely on laptops, tablets, and cloud-based platforms to complete assignments and collaborate. But let’s face it: printers are still an essential tool for college life. Whether it’s printing assignments, lecture slides, lab reports, or even resumes, a good printer can save you from last-minute stress.

The challenge? Students need something that’s affordable, reliable, compact, and cost-efficient in terms of ink or toner.

In this guide, we’ll explore the 10 best affordable printers for college students, breaking down their features, pros, cons, and why they’re worth considering.

Why College Students Need a Printer

Before diving into the list, let’s look at why printers are still valuable in college:

• Convenience – No need to rely on campus printers that may be crowded or broken at the worst time.
• Cost-Efficiency – Over time, owning a printer may be cheaper than paying per-page at the campus print shop.
• Versatility – Print assignments, notes, lab results, research papers, and even posters or photos.
• Time-Saver – You can print right before class without waiting in line.

Things to Consider Before Buying a Student Printer

When choosing a printer, students should consider:

1. Price – Budget-friendly without compromising quality.
2. Ink/Toner Cost – Look for printers with refillable ink tanks or affordable cartridges.
3. Size & Portability – Compact printers fit better in dorm rooms.
4. Wireless Connectivity – Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or AirPrint for printing directly from your phone or laptop.
5. Print Speed – Especially important during deadline rush hours.
6. Multifunctionality – Some printers include scanning and copying, which are useful for coursework.

The 10 Best Affordable Printers for College Students

1. Canon PIXMA MG3620 (Best Overall Budget Printer)

The Canon PIXMA MG3620 is one of the most popular all-in-one printers for students. It offers printing, scanning, and copying at an affordable price.

• Pros:
  • Compact and stylish design, fits in small dorms
  • Wireless printing via AirPrint and Google Cloud Print
  • Good print quality for documents and photos
• Cons:
  • Ink cartridges can be costly over time
• Best for: Students who want a reliable, budget-friendly printer with Wi-Fi.

2. HP DeskJet 2755e (Best for Wireless Printing)

The HP DeskJet 2755e is perfect for students who rely heavily on cloud printing and mobile devices.

• Pros:
  • Wireless printing from smartphones and laptops
  • Comes with HP+ Smart App for easy management
  • Includes 6 months of free Instant Ink subscription
• Cons:
  • Slower print speeds compared to other models
• Best for: Students who want easy wireless connectivity at a low cost.

3. Brother HL-L2350DW (Best Monochrome Laser Printer)

If you mostly print lecture notes and essays in black and white, this compact laser printer is ideal.

• Pros:
  • Super fast printing speed (32 ppm)
  • Affordable toner cartridges with high page yield
  • Compact design, perfect for dorm desks
• Cons:
  • No color printing
• Best for: Students who mainly print text-heavy assignments.

4. Canon PIXMA TS3520 (Best Compact All-in-One)

This affordable Canon model offers print, scan, and copy in one sleek package.

• Pros:
  • Easy wireless printing
  • Simple control panel for beginners
  • Good print quality for both text and images
• Cons:
  • Ink can get pricey if used heavily
• Best for: Students in dorms with limited space.

5. Epson EcoTank ET-2800 (Best Long-Term Savings)

Epson EcoTank printers are refillable ink tank printers, which means no more expensive cartridges.

• Pros:
  • Extremely low cost per page
  • Ink bottles last for thousands of pages
  • Great for heavy-use students
• Cons:
  • Higher upfront price
• Best for: Students who print a lot (like research-heavy majors).

6. HP Envy Inspire 7955e (Best for All-Round Use)

This HP printer balances performance, features, and affordability.

• Pros:
  • Wireless and mobile printing
  • Scanning and copying included
  • HP Smart App integration for cloud-based work
• Cons:
  • Slightly larger footprint for dorms
• Best for: Students who want one printer for both schoolwork and personal use.

7. Canon PIXMA TR4520 (Best for Multi-Tasking Students)

This model is designed for students who want more than just printing.

• Pros:
  • Print, copy, scan, and fax (yes, some courses or internships still use fax!)
  • Auto duplex printing saves paper
  • Affordable starting price
• Cons:
  • Print speed is on the slower side
• Best for: Students who need a true all-in-one device.

8. Epson Expression Home XP-4100 (Best for Color Printing on a Budget)

A compact, colorful, and efficient option for students who need good visuals.

• Pros:
  • High-quality color prints
  • Wireless printing and voice-activated printing (Alexa/Google Assistant)
  • Affordable price point
• Cons:
  • Ink replacements can add up
• Best for: Students in design, arts, or majors that require color printing.

9. Brother MFC-J4335DW (Best Inkjet with Low Running Costs)

This Brother model balances cost and performance with Inkvestment tank cartridges that last longer.

• Pros:
  • Low ink cost per page
  • Duplex printing included
  • Strong wireless connectivity
• Cons:
  • Slightly bulkier than others
• Best for: Students who need heavy-duty printing but want to save on ink.

10. HP Tango Smart Printer (Best Modern Option)

A stylish, modern printer designed for students who love sleek setups.

• Pros:
  • Works seamlessly with smartphones
  • Voice-activated printing (Alexa, Google Assistant)
  • Compact and dorm-friendly
• Cons:
  • Not ideal for heavy use
• Best for: Tech-savvy students who print occasionally but want convenience.

Ink Costs vs. Printer Costs: What Students Should Know

One of the biggest mistakes students make is buying the cheapest printer upfront without considering long-term ink or toner costs.

• Inkjet printers – Cheaper upfront, but cartridges need frequent replacement. Great for light printing.
• Laser printers – More expensive initially, but toner lasts longer and is better for heavy text printing.
• Ink tank printers – Higher upfront investment but the cheapest long-term option, especially for high-volume printing.

Tip: If you print more than 100 pages a month, consider a laser or ink tank printer.

Final Thoughts

The best printer for college students depends on your major, workload, and budget:

• If you want affordable all-in-one printing, go with the Canon PIXMA MG3620.
• For low-cost long-term printing, the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 is unbeatable.
• If you need fast black-and-white printing, the Brother HL-L2350DW is a solid choice.

No matter which printer you choose, make sure to balance upfront cost with ink/toner expenses. For students, having a reliable printer means fewer last-minute panics and smoother academic life.