How You Can Save Money on College Textbooks

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As the average yearly cost of a four-year college education steadily increases, students and parents are looking for ways to save on school expenses. Rising tuition costs are reported regularly by the media, however escalating prices for textbooks continue to be a frustrating part of campus life. Students attending a four-year institution will pay an average amount of $1000 on books and supplies during the academic year.Student organizations have accused college bookstores of taking advantage of college kids who must purchase their books. Some of these student groups have turned to the government for help, however, book prices remain a significant portion of a student’s budget (or, perhaps more accurately, a parent’s budget). The following strategies offer a range of options for those looking to save money on college textbooks.

Buy New Books Online When Possible

Online booksellers like Amazon.com, Textbooks.com and Half.com offer new editions of textbooks. Most of the time, students can purchase course materials online for much less than they cost at most campus bookstores. However, students should be sure to consult class instructors before purchasing an older edition of the textbook, in case there have been significant changes in content.

Look for Opportunities to Buy Used Books

Most college students buy a textbook to use for one class, then sell it back to the college bookstore for cash. Most bookstores offer very little cash for used books, compared with the new book price. Campus bookstores often stock used books alongside new ones. Even so, these used books are marked up far above the price that the book’s former owner received when he sold it back to the store.

Purchase Used Books Online for a Fraction of the Cost of Buying New

Ordering used books online can be very cost effective. However, used books may not ship on the same schedule as a Web site’s new books. A student risks missing reading and assignments if the book isn’t received on time. Larger online booksellers like Amazon have guarantee programs that extend to their used products and employ rating systems for their independent sellers, so that you can avoid disreputable vendors.

Purchase Used Books on Campus

Local campus efforts to reduce the strain of textbook expenses on students include organized Book Swaps or other textbook-trading events where students can name prices for the books they sell and retain all or most of the return. Students should watch for e-mails and fliers on campus about upcoming textbook events.

Check the Facebook.com Marketplace

Facebook and other social networking sites also offer opportunities for purchasing new and used textbooks online. These may require varying degrees of personal interaction between sellers and buyers, but a student may be able to save on shipping by arranging to pay for and pick up books on campus.

Find Friends Who Took the Class Last Semester

Friends are more likely to sell a book to you for a reasonable price. The dorm bulletin board is also a great place to post “books wanted” or “selling books” fliers.

Share Books with Roommates or Friends

Students might find that other people living in their dorm, apartment building, fraternity or sorority take the same classes. If they plan to study together, the students can split the cost of books for that class. This option requires some planning when it comes to coordinating schedules, especially when studying for exams or completing assignments.

Borrow Books from the Library

If a book is only needed for a short period of time—say, a novel that the student will read and discuss for a few weeks—it may be available to borrow at the campus library. If all copies are checked out, it may be worth looking into the local public library. Libraries usually don’t have full textbooks to check out but may have several copies of novels or other shorter books.

Online Resources to Buy Textbooks:

Amazon.com                                   http://www.amazon.com
BestWebBuys.com/books               http://bestwebbuys.com/books
CampusBookSwap.org                    http://campusbookswap.org
Half.com                                         http://www.half.com
Textbooks.com                               http://www.textbooks.com
TextbookX.com                               http://www.textbookx.com

Additional Sources of Information:

National Association of School Stores FAQ on College Textbooks: http://www.nacs.org/common/research/faq_textbooks.pdf
The Affordable Textbooks Campaign

http://www.maketextbooksaffordable.org