Facts about Inclusive Access for policymakers.

Understand how Inclusive Access can impact tuition in your state.

Everyone agrees that college textbooks are too expensive. Some institutions are turning to a new sales model called Inclusive Access, which automatically bill students for digital course materials as part of their tuition and fees. While these models are advertised as supporting affordability and access, what isn’t always advertised is that students can end up paying more for Inclusive Access content than they would for used, rental, or borrowed materials—and that students lose access to the digital content after the course ends.

There’s also a lot of fine print. If students “opt out” of Inclusive Access, they can miss out on important course components that affect their grade. What’s more: textbook prices have more than doubled in the last two decades, and there’s nothing to stop Inclusive Access from becoming a runaway fee.

If Inclusive Access is starting to impact students in your state, it is important to ensure these programs are transparent, accountable, and designed to meet student needs.

College Textbook Prices vs. Inflation, 2003-2023

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

“The cost of textbooks is the difference between staying in school and dropping out. ”

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

How does inclusive access impact the cost of tuition and fees?

While the details vary by campus, all Inclusive Access programs charge the cost of textbooks to students’ tuition and fees. This raises important questions about the long term costs. Although Inclusive Access can promise up-front discounts, the textbook market has a long history of rapid price increases that far outpace inflation. Before considering Inclusive Access, it is important to thoroughly evaluate the long range impact it could have on tuition and fees.

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How does inclusive access work?

Inclusive access, also known as automatic textbook billing, is a sales model for college textbooks. Temporary digital content is delivered to students by the first day of their course, often through a learning management system. Students have a short period to “opt out” before they are automatically billed for the content as part of their tuition and fees. At the end of the course, students lose access to the content.

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Does inclusive access save students money?

Since inclusive access content is digital and only temporary, the price is typically lower than a new print textbook. However, the discount is much smaller when compared to digital textbook prices. Plus, inclusive access can be more expensive than used books or print rentals, and there’s no way to share or borrow copies. Inclusive access may save money for students who normally buy new print textbooks, but it can cost other students more.

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10 Questions Policymakers Should Ask About Inclusive Access

What methodology is used to calculate student savings for Inclusive Access, and does it consider the price of used books?
Are students asked for consent before being charged for Inclusive Access, or are they automatically charged?
If a student opts out of Inclusive Access, will they still be able to complete their required coursework?
Are students informed about the amount of the Inclusive Access charge at the time they register for courses?
Are students informed about the terms of service of digital textbooks at the time they register for courses?
What assurances do you have from vendors that textbook prices will not skyrocket all over again?
What is your strategy to ensure that Inclusive Access does not become another runaway fee?
Has your campus entered into any agreements with quotas for the number of students billed?
What support is in place for students who still cannot afford Inclusive Access materials?
Has Inclusive Access been consulted with the student government and faculty senate?