Carnegie Mellon University

Print Quota

A quota of $40 per semester is granted to active students, faculty and staff with Andrew accounts and a valid CMU ID card. The intent is to eliminate waste and encourage conservative printing habits.

Check your print quota balance and transaction history in the Campus Printing Web Portal. 

To purchase additional print quota, visit Plaid Cash Printing.

  • Quota takes effect the first day of classes for a given semester through the day prior to the first day of classes for the subsequent semester. Summer session includes the first day of the first summer session through the day before the start of fall classes.
  • Any unused portion of your quota is forfeited the day before classes resume for the subsequent semester. Because your quota does not represent actual funds, it cannot be transferred or exchanged.
  • Your quota is charged per sheet of paper and your account is not debited until you tap Print at a release station.
  • Refunds will not be issued for jammed, defective or cancelled print jobs. You may be eligible for a free one-time print job release, however. Contact Computing Services for details.
  • If you run out of quota in the middle of a print job, the printing system will charge your Plaid Cash account for the remaining pages.

The following lists the amount that is DEDUCTED from your print quota. Costs are the same single or duplex.

Option

 Size

Price per sheet

Black & White

Letter (8.5x11)

$0.05

Tabloid (11x17)

$0.10

Color

Letter (8.5x11)

$0.75

Tabloid (11x17)

$1.50


Note: Coated paper is available by request at the CFA computer lab for no additional charge.