Lori Meadows
Whether or not students have to pay for printing at college is a contentious issue. While some colleges offer free printing services, others charge per page, with costs varying depending on whether the print is single or double-sided and in black and white or colour. Some colleges offer printing credits, but these are usually enacted by the college administration rather than the library systems. Students have expressed frustration at having to pay for printing, especially when many classes require printed assignments. As a result, some students opt to buy their own printers, although this can also be costly due to the price of ink and paper.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cost of printing | Between $0.05 and $0.16 per page for black and white, and $0.40 per side for color |
| Cost of printer | Around $100 for a decent printer |
| Cost of ink and paper | Varies, but compatible/recycled printer cartridges are available at half the cost |
| Free printing | Some colleges offer free printing to a limit, while others provide a printing credit |
| Payment methods | Payment is made through a portal or app |
| Security | User authentication, encryption, and document release code ensure secure printing |
| Accessibility | Campus printing services are available 24/7 and promote shared printing between institutions |
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What You'll Learn
Cost of printing at college
The cost of printing at college can vary depending on the institution and the type of printing required. Some colleges may offer free printing services to a certain extent, while others may charge per page. For example, the University of Texas (UT) charges 10 cents for a one-sided black-and-white page, 16 cents for double-sided, and 40 cents per side for colour ink. On the other hand, some colleges may charge around $0.05 per page for black-and-white printing.
While some colleges provide free printing, there may be limitations, and students may need to utilise these services wisely. For instance, printing large documents or books is generally discouraged and may incur additional costs. To save money, students can take advantage of free printing services offered in libraries, writing centres, or department offices. Additionally, printing on both sides of the page, reducing text size, and widening margins can help reduce paper consumption.
For students who prefer to print in their dorms or require a significant amount of printing, investing in a personal printer may be more cost-effective. A decent printer typically costs around $100, and the cost-effectiveness of owning a printer compared to paying for printing services depends on the number of pages printed. Students should also consider the cost of ink and paper refills, which can add up over time. To save money, students can opt for compatible or recycled ink cartridges, which offer similar quality at a lower price.
Some colleges offer printing credits or allowances to help alleviate the financial burden on students. For example, civil, architectural, and environmental engineering students at UT receive a printing credit of $40 each semester. However, students in other majors, such as design, may require more printing, especially in colour, which can be costly. Ultimately, the cost of printing at college can vary, and students should be mindful of their printing habits and explore options to minimise expenses.
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Cost of buying a printer
The cost of buying a printer varies depending on the printer type, functionality, and brand. Here is a breakdown of the cost of buying a printer for college students:
Cost of Printers for College Students:
Epson EcoTank ET-2850:
TechRadar recommends the Epson EcoTank ET-2850 as the best printer for students overall. While the exact price is not mentioned, it is described as having an economical running cost and offering key features. These features include auto duplex (two-sided printing) and Wi-Fi with AirPrint compatibility, making it a compact and affordable option for students.
HP Smart Tank 6001:
The HP Smart Tank 6001 is an all-in-one printer with printing, scanning, and copying capabilities. It offers auto two-sided printing and borderless photo support. While the exact price is not mentioned, it is described as having cheap ink, making it ideal for students who need to print frequently or share the printer with classmates.
Canon PIXMA TR7020a:
The Canon PIXMA TR7020a is a compact wireless all-in-one printer with scanning and printing functions. It features a clear 1.44" OLED display, auto-duplex printing, and front and rear paper feeding. While the exact price is not provided, reviews from college students highlight its great price and ease of use, making it perfect for beginners.
Canon PIXMA TS6420a:
The Canon PIXMA TS6420a is another compact and sleek all-in-one printer from Canon. It includes a 1.44" OLED window for clear status messages and front and rear paper feeding for various paper types. While the price is not specified, one college student review mentions getting it on sale for $90, calling it a "steal."
Canon Supertank Printer:
This Canon supertank printer is unique as it features an internal blade that can cut A4 paper down to A5, helping to reduce paper costs. While the exact price is not given, it is described as having high ink costs due to its cartridge-based inkjet system. However, the strong print quality justifies the price, making it suitable for students who print a lot of black-and-white documents or print infrequently.
Other Considerations:
When purchasing a printer as a college student, it is essential to consider factors beyond the initial cost of the printer. Here are some additional expenses and factors to keep in mind:
- Ink or Toner Costs: The cost of ink or toner refills can vary significantly depending on the printer brand and model. Some printers, like the Canon supertank printer, may have higher ink costs due to their cartridge-based systems. In contrast, others, like the Epson EcoTank and HP Smart Tank, are known for their economical ink usage.
- Paper Costs: The cost of paper can add up, especially if you need to print a large volume of documents. Using both sides of the paper or reducing the document size can help save on paper expenses.
- Maintenance and Repair: Over time, printers may require maintenance or repairs, which can incur additional costs.
- Running Costs: Some printers have higher running costs than others, which can impact your overall expenses over time.
- Printing Requirements: Consider the type of printing you will need for your courses. Some majors, like design, may require more colour printing than others.
In conclusion, while the exact prices of the recommended printers for college students are not always provided, it is clear that affordability, compactness, and functionality are key considerations. Students should also be mindful of the ongoing costs associated with printer ownership, including ink, toner, and paper expenses.
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Cost of printer paper and ink
The cost of printer paper and ink is a concern for many students, especially those who have to print a large number of pages for their courses. While some universities offer free printing services, others charge students for printing, with costs varying depending on the number of pages, whether the printing is single or double-sided, and whether it is in colour or black and white. For example, at UT, students are charged 10 cents for a one-sided black-and-white page, 16 cents for double-sided, and 40 cents per side for colour.
The cost of printing can add up quickly, and it is important for students to be mindful of their printing habits to avoid unnecessary expenses. The quality of paper and ink used can also impact the overall cost. While cheaper options may be tempting to save money, they often result in lower-quality prints, with issues such as ink bleeding and poor text or graphic quality.
To calculate the cost of printing per page, it is essential to consider the price of the printer paper and ink cartridge, as well as the page yield of the cartridge. The page yield refers to the number of pages a cartridge can print and is usually indicated on the packaging or user manual. However, it is important to note that the actual page yield may be lower if you print documents with more text or graphics, as this will increase ink usage.
Standard printer paper typically costs between half a cent and two cents per sheet, depending on weight and quality. Premium and specialty paper can cost significantly more, ranging from 10 cents per sheet or higher. As for ink cartridges, the cost per page varies depending on the printer model and the type of cartridge used. For instance, a $100 printer may have an average black-and-white printing cost per page of 5.5 cents, while a $1,000 printer can produce the same page for around 3.9 cents.
Students can also consider using draft mode, which reduces ink consumption by up to 30%, for non-critical documents to save on ink costs. Additionally, some universities provide printing credits to students in certain majors, recognising that specific courses require more printing than others.
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Free printing on campus
On the other hand, Columbia University has a printing system called PawPrint, which allows students and faculty to send documents to print from any computer and then print them at any PawPrint station on campus. The University of California, Berkeley, also offers free printing to its students through the Open Computing Facility, which provides 200 pages of free printing per semester, limited to 20 pages per day. Similarly, UCLA offers its graduate students free printing through the Graduate Student Resource Center, providing 250 pages per quarter, including double-sided printing.
Students at universities that charge for printing often face financial barriers, especially when classes require printed assignments. Some universities provide printing credits to alleviate this burden, but it is often up to the administration to make printing free or offer semesterly printing credits.
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Cloud printing for students
Cloud printing is a service provided by educational institutions that enables students to print documents from anywhere through a cloud-based service. Students can upload their documents to a cloud server and print from anywhere on campus as long as they have an internet connection and access to the cloud printing service. This eliminates the need to be physically connected to a printer or transfer files to a specific computer, making the printing process more efficient and convenient.
Benefits of Cloud Printing for Students
- Accessibility and Convenience: Cloud printing allows students to print documents from any mobile device, such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops, without the need for device-specific drivers or software installations. They can choose the closest print location and select their preferred payment method.
- Security: Cloud printing offers features such as user authentication, encryption, and document release codes to ensure that printed documents are secure and released only to the intended student.
- Cost-effectiveness: With cloud printing, students only need to pay for the printing credits they use, and there are no additional costs for maintenance or upgrades.
- Sustainability: Cloud printing reduces waste and streamlines workflows, helping educational institutions become more sustainable.
- Ease of Use: Students can easily set up an account with the cloud printing platform and upload their documents for printing. The cloud printing service provider manages the print jobs, including queuing, releasing, and tracking.
Examples of Cloud Printing in Higher Education
- PaperCut Hive: Implemented by the Diocese of Norwich Education and Academies Trust (DNEAT) in the UK, PaperCut Hive is a fully cloud-based print management solution. It eliminated the need for on-site servers and provided centralized control and seamless printing.
- UniPrint InfinityCloud: This cloud printing solution is recommended for organizations seeking an end-to-end secure print solution. It offers kiosk stations that can replace outdated printers, generating revenue and reducing IT support costs.
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