How to Save Money on College Text Books
By Allan Hoffman
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Other than tuition, the biggest cost for college are those expensive books.
Your student will spend more than a thousand dollars a semester on books alone.
So here is some information that could help:
• ConsumerWorld.Org says ditch the hard cover books in favor of electronic books.
• That can save you 50 % of the cost per book.
• Try Coursesmart.com which sells subscriptions to digital text books.
• How about textbook rentals.
• You could pay as little as a third of the price of a new book.
• Try chegg.com; bookRenter.Com; or CampusBookRental.com
Here is a website that is good for more information:
http://www.smartmoney.com/deal-of-the-day/index.cfm?story=20080804-save-on-college-textbooks
COMMENTS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NACS Busts College Store Myths
Nat’l. Assn. Of College Stores Sets Record Straight on Textbook Statistics
August 14, 2008 (OBERLIN, OH) – Recent news reports and commercial promotional
releases related to the cost of textbooks sold by college stores perpetuate several inaccuracies
that reporters should beware. The myths perpetuated by these generalizations and inaccuracies
mislead students and unfairly attack an industry that works hard to ensure all students on their
campuses have affordable access to the educational tools they need.
MYTH #1: Buying textbooks online is always cheaper.
FACT: A recent study by the Florida Office of Program Policy & Analysis and
Government Accountability found that students purchasing new college textbooks online saved
an average of only $2.15 per item. In fact, online prices were higher for 27 percent of the
textbooks examined by the study.
MYTH #2: Buying textbooks online is always safe.
FACT: Students face real risks in purchasing course materials from unknown,
unidentifiable sellers – they face bait-and-switch tactics, hidden fees, and fraud. The FBI is
currently investigating a recent case involving 568 fake seller accounts and 100,000 orders by
students on a major online site that resulted in defrauding buyers of $5.3 million. If the deal
sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
MYTH #3: Students spend an average of $900 a year on textbooks.
FACT: According to the 2008 Student Watch™ Survey Student Attitudes and Buying
Habits Revealed, students reported spending an average of $702 on required course materials a
year. The higher College Board statistic often quoted in articles includes supplies.
MYTH #4: My college store is getting rich off what they charge me for textbooks.
FACT: College stores generate an average profit of only 4.5 cents from every dollar spent
on new textbooks. All excess revenue is contributed back to the campus community to help hold
the line on tuition and fees, provide book scholarships and student jobs, and fund student
activities and organizations. Click here for graphic:
http://www.nacs.org/public/nacs/mediaroom.asp
MYTH #5: College stores aren’t active student advocates.
FACT: Through NACS and individually, college stores advocate at both the state and
federal level for textbook sales tax exemptions and tax credits. They also support initiatives that
increase financial aid available for course materials.
About NACS
Headquartered in Oberlin, Ohio, the National Association of College Stores is the trade
association of the $10 billion collegiate retailing industry. NACS’ 3,100 member stores serve
America’s college students while supporting the academic missions of higher education
institutions everywhere. Additional information can be found online at www.nacs.org.
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