Statistics show that students spend on average $1,200 a year on textbooks. As many university students struggle to afford a university education, many look to cut costs by not purchasing a classroom textbook, which have risen in price by nearly 82 percent in the past decade.
“If the textbook isn’t necessary, I won’t buy and I’ll just save the money,” WSU senior Jonathan Kelley said. “I won’t buy the book until I know I need it or I know I have someone I can share it with.”
According to a study conducted by the College Board where 2,000 students were surveyed, 65 percent said they chose not to buy an expensive textbook due to costs. Results showed that students would often risk a lower grade by avoiding the purchase of mandatory materials than spend the extra cash.
Renting textbooks instead of buying them full price has been the next step in reducing costs for college students. Students can even sell their used books to bookstores and online to gain back a little of what they originally paid. However, as publishing companies update their books with newer and newer editions, students find that selling their books can be unreliable.
Another option for students is purchasing their book in an online format, a PDF or e-book. While this might be cheaper than owning the hard copy, it requires an electronic device such as a computer or e-reader that might not be readily available.
“If I can find textbooks as PDF’s on the Internet, I totally download them for free. Who wants to spend that much money on a book that you’ll hardly use?” Senior Heather Clauson said. “If it’s something I might care about later—something useful and interesting, something directly related to my major—Ill buy it.”
In the end, students are faced with costs that might be difficult to afford. Looking for used books, buying from a friend or renting from a reliable vendor might be the best way to obtain mandatory materials and be prepared for class.
