Facts about Inclusive Access for college administrators.

Understand how Inclusive Access can impact your institution.

Institutions today are seeking ways to keep students engaged and make education more affordable. Some are turning to Inclusive Access models, which automatically bill students for digital course materials as part of their tuition and fees. While these programs are advertised as supporting affordability and access, what isn’t always advertised is that students can end up paying more than they would spend on used, rental, or borrowed materials—and that students typically lose access to the digital content after the course ends.

If students “opt out” of Inclusive Access, they can miss out on important course components that affect their grade, like online homework. What’s more: the fine print of most Inclusive Access contracts allow unlimited price inflation in the future.

Key decisions about Inclusive Access are made at the administrative level. You deserve more information on how this sales model can have an impact on your students and faculty.

College Textbook Prices vs. Inflation, 2003-2023

The cost of college textbooks has increased sharply over the last several decades. While Inclusive Access is intended to address high textbook prices in the short term, questions remain about whether prices will rise again in the long term.

 

Graph represents the percent increase to prices over time. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index. Updated January 11, 2024.

Having doubts about Inclusive Access? Here’s what you can do next:

Let's work together toward solutions.

InclusiveAccess.org was created to promote awareness of the challenges around Inclusive Access. We know that the conversation cannot end there. We invite you to join a working group of administrators who have concerns about this model and want to identify better practices for contracting, procurement, and implementation. Complete this form to let us know you’re interested, and we’ll follow up, or reach out to us at contact@inclusiveaccess.org.

 

10 Questions Administrators Should Ask About Inclusive Access

  1. What methodology is used to calculate the advertised student savings? Are there citations to back it up?

  2. How does the cost of Inclusive Access compare to what students actually spend?

  3. How do base Inclusive Access prices compare to the digital prices advertised on the publisher’s websites?

  4. Are there any limits on how much base Inclusive Access prices could increase in the future?

  5. How are vendors fulfilling their obligation to inform faculty about textbook prices under 20 USC §1015b?

  6. Can the program be implemented on an opt-in basis for students? If not, why not?

  7. If students exercise their right to opt out, will they be able to purchase the same materials from other sources?

  8. Is it possible for our library to purchase a copy of the material to put on reserve? If not, why not?

  9. How long do students have access to Inclusive Access materials? Are there any limits on print copies?

  10. What data do Inclusive Access materials collect from our campus, and how is it used?

Explore the Facts