Departments, libraries, and student centers must print academic assignments, research papers, event posters, and administrative documents.
This guide explores some of the best printers for educational institutions, offering solutions for different campus environments, including libraries, faculty offices, and administrative offices.
Key Considerations for Printers on College Campuses
Before diving into the specific models, it is essential to consider the unique needs of a college setting:
Volume and Speed
- Campus printers must support high-volume printing with minimal downtime.
- Fast print speeds ensure students and staff don’t face long waits during peak periods, such as midterms or final exams.
Cost-Efficiency
- Institutions need budget-friendly printers with a low total cost of ownership (TCO).
- Toner-efficient models and printers with duplex printing reduce paper and consumables costs.
Network and User Management Features
- Printers with Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or cloud-based printing enable easy access for students from various devices.
- Features like PIN printing or authentication ensure privacy and prevent waste by ensuring only the right person collects their print job.
Durability and Reliability
- Machines should withstand constant use in high-traffic areas, such as libraries.
- Maintenance contracts or leasing agreements with manufacturers can help reduce downtime.
Eco-Friendliness
- Many institutions seek sustainable printing solutions with energy-saving modes, recycled paper support, or eco-friendly toner cartridges.
>Best Printers for Student Centers and Libraries
These printers are designed to handle large volumes and multiple users simultaneously, making them ideal for libraries and common areas with high printing demand.
Kyocera TASKalfa 3554ci
Type: Multifunction Printer (MFP)
Print Speed: 35 pages per minute (ppm)
Features:
- Duplex printing, copying, scanning, and faxing
- Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and mobile printing support
- Large paper capacity and robust toner yield
- Why it’s great: Kyocera’s TASKalfa series offers outstanding reliability and high-capacity printing, perfect for libraries with heavy usage. The built-in security features also ensure safe printing for students and faculty.
HP LaserJet Enterprise MFP M725dn
Type: Laser Multifunction Printer
Print Speed: 40 ppm
Features:
- A3 (tabloid) and A4 printing support
- Advanced user authentication and tracking software
- Large monthly duty cycle up to 200,000 pages
- Why it’s great: This HP model is ideal for college libraries and student unions with high-volume needs. Its versatility for printing everything from posters to research papers is due to its ability to handle different paper sizes.
Best Printers for Faculty Offices and Administrative Departments
Faculty and administrative staff require reliable printers with excellent text and graphic output. These printers must be easy to use and support wireless connections for convenience.
Canon imageCLASS MF743Cdw
Type: Color Laser Printer
Print Speed: 28 ppm
Features:
- Duplex printing and scanning
- Wireless, Ethernet, and mobile printing support
- 5-inch color touchscreen for ease of use
- Why it’s great: This Canon printer offers excellent text quality, making it perfect for printing reports, academic papers, and lecture materials. Its color printing feature ensures vibrant graphics for presentations and flyers.
Brother HL-L6400DW
Type: Monochrome Laser Printer
Print Speed: 52 ppm
Features:
- Automatic duplex printing
- Wi-Fi Direct and NFC support for mobile printing
- 520-sheet paper tray capacity
- Why it’s great: Known for durability and speed, this Brother printer is perfect for busy faculty offices and administrative departments. Its fast-printing speed ensures smooth workflows even during peak periods.
Best Large Format Printers for Art and Design Departments
Art and design students often need printers to produce high-quality images, posters, and blueprints. Large-format printers are essential for printing these materials with precision and detail.
Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300
Type: Inkjet Large Format Printer
Print Speed: 4 minutes for a 13×19-inch print
Features:
- Borderless printing up to 13×19 inches
- Supports various media types, including canvas and glossy paper
- LUCIA PRO ink system for superior color accuracy
- Why it’s great: This printer delivers gallery-quality prints, making it perfect for art students who need to showcase their work or prepare portfolios.
Epson SureColor P900
Type: Inkjet Large Format Printer
Print Speed: 3 minutes for an 11×14-inch print
Features:
- Supports prints up to 17 inches wide
- UltraChrome PRO10 ink system for vibrant colors
- Customizable print settings via the Epson Print Layout software
- Why it’s great: The SureColor P900 is ideal for design students and faculty, offering exceptional color reproduction for posters, presentations, and digital artwork.
Best Eco-Friendly Printers for Sustainability Initiatives
With sustainability becoming a priority, many colleges aim to reduce their carbon footprint. Eco-friendly printers with low energy consumption and recyclable consumables are an excellent investment for institutions focusing on green initiatives.
Ricoh SP C261SFNw
Type: Color Laser Multifunction Printer
Print Speed: 20 ppm
Features:
- Eco-mode to reduce energy consumption
- Recyclable toner cartridges
- Duplex printing for paper savings
- Why it’s great: Ricoh’s eco-friendly features align with sustainability goals, making it suitable for environmentally conscious campuses.
Kyocera ECOSYS P3155dn
Type: Monochrome Laser Printer
Print Speed: 57 ppm
Features:
- Low power consumption and long-life components
- Duplex printing to save paper
- High-volume toner cartridges for minimal waste
- Why it’s great: The ECOSYS line is known for its low environmental impact, and the P3155dn is a durable option that reduces the need for frequent maintenance or replacements.
Let BDS Help You Focus on What Matters Most – Your Students and Staff
By choosing BDS printing solutions, your educational institution can streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance productivity, allowing your team to focus on what matters most – your students and staff. From managing print workflows to offering sustainable and secure printing options, we deliver tailored solutions that address schools, colleges, and universities’ unique needs.
With our comprehensive support, cost-effective programs, and reliable technology, BDS ensures that your institution’s printing infrastructure works efficiently and effortlessly so you can concentrate on fostering academic success.