Ten Tips to Save on College Textbooks and Avoid Extra Fees

With a new semester approaching, students and parents are getting ready for a new case of sticker shock on college textbooks. While some studies show students are spending less on course materials, a new model known as “Inclusive Access” may be adding some of these costs to students’ tuition and fees. Read on for updated tips for navigating textbook costs this semester.

1. Determine if your school has Inclusive Access fees. Many campuses have started programs that automatically bill students’ tuition and fee bill for materials in some or all courses, so it’s important to know how this applies to you. Check your bookstore website for information about “Inclusive Access” (or see this list of other possible names) and look out for notices that textbook costs are “included” in the course. Most of the time, fees are charged based on the actual cost of materials, but sometimes it may be charged per credit hour.

2. Learn your campus’s opt-out process. If your campus has Inclusive Access fees, they are required to offer you a way to opt out of being charged if you’d rather shop around for better deals. Some campuses make opting out more difficult than others, so make sure to research how the process works. Usually it’s explained on the bookstore website or in an email you receive near the start of class. Keep in mind that opting out won’t always be the best option, but it’s important to know how.

3. Choose your courses carefully. Did you know that federal law requires institutions to disclose information about textbooks in the course catalog you use for registration? When you are signing up for courses, look for a link to look up the assigned textbooks and see how much they cost. Also be on the lookout to see which courses might have Inclusive Access fees. Some campuses even offer a filter for courses that use lower-cost textbooks or free open educational resources (OER). Depending how much flexibility you have on which courses you take, this can be a great way to minimize your costs. At the very least, you can plan ahead for the expense.

4. Get your book list. Once you’re registered and ready to start buying textbooks, look up your assigned materials on the campus bookstore website. Every book has a unique identifying number called an ISBN that helps you find the exact product you want no matter where you shop, so make sure to note that down. Also look for the title, author, edition, and whether there are any access codes or extra options included. Don’t forget to consider the bookstore’s price, since it can end up being the best deal.

5. Shop around online. Once you’ve gathered all of your information, head online to price shop. A simple internet search will reveal a wide range of retailers that may offer big discounts. Popular sites include Amazon.com and Chegg.com, and you can also compare prices from multiple retailers at sites like CampusBooks.com. You’ll often have a choice between new, used, rental, and digital options. Consider what format you prefer and how long you are likely to need it. Take note of the lowest price options, and remember to factor in shipping costs.

6. Get creative in your search. The best way to know you have the right material is to search by ISBN. However, sometimes publishers use custom ISBNs that make it harder to shop around. Try searching by the title, author, and edition to find more versions of the same book. Just be extremely careful to ensure that you are getting the right material, since many textbooks look alike and may come bundled with custom add-ons.

7. Beware access codes and online homework. Some textbooks come with single-use codes that you need to buy in order to complete your homework, and some Inclusive Access codes are impossible to find off-campus. It may not seem fair that you need to pay to turn in homework, but sometimes that’s how it works! Be extra careful with access codes when shopping online, and when in doubt, check with your professor.

8. Compare prices and pick the best option! Once you’ve figured out the options for all of your assigned materials, researched how to opt out of any automatic charges, and double checked you have the exact materials you’re assigned, it’s time to compare! For each of your materials, decide which purchasing option is best for you. That definitely means considering price, but also make sure to factor in convenience and how long it will take to receive materials. When buying materials off campus for Inclusive Access courses, make sure you opt out immediately so you don’t forget.

9. Check for alternatives. If you reach the end of this process and can’t afford all of your textbooks, there may be other options to help. Campus libraries sometimes have copies on reserve that you can check out for a few hours at a time. Also see if you can get in touch with classmates or people who have taken the class before, since they may have helpful advice. Some campuses also have social media groups that make it easier to connect.

10. Save your receipts. Finally, a $2,500 federal tax credit is available to some students for textbook costs and other qualifying higher education expenses. That means you may be able to count the money you spend toward your federal taxes. More information is available from the IRS.