Textbook costs are an increasing issue for students and parents trying to manage the cost of college. Students now may pay over a thousand dollars each semester for textbooks, a heavy burden on students and families. That cost can put college out of reach for some.
For others, it may delay their degree attainment. Why? Costs are a leading factor in students’ limiting the number of credit hours they take each semester. But the reality is that delayed degree attainment—by taking fewer than the 15 credit hours required each semester to graduate in four years—has a serious financial consequence for students and families. In fact, estimates show that just one extra semester can cost $30,000 to $50,000 in lost income and extra tuition.
There are three ways you can reduce text book costs for students. As you begin to plan for the next semester and academic year, please explore these alternatives.
1. Consider using only digital resources for coursework.
From a Follett Bookstore sampling of 282 courses taught at UNL this fall, printed retail versions of textbooks that cost an average of $150.17 per course are available to students in digital versions for an average of $39.39 per course, saving students $110.78 per course.
2. Use open educational resources (OER).
These resources can be packaged and loaded into Canvas at low cost. If you are not familiar with such materials, contact Brad Severa at bsevera@unl.edu to learn what’s available in your discipline and to see if you are eligible for a new grant initiative to support OER. UNL Libraries also has created a guide to support the use of OERs http://unl.libguides.com/oers
3. If you must use printed text books, order early!
Order them by April 15 for fall courses and Oct. 15 for spring courses to ensure best pricing. Our bookstore looks nationwide for used texts to cut costs for students. Ordering your textbooks early results in significant savings for our students.
Executive Vice Chancellor Donde Plowman has challenged all instructors to work together in reducing text book costs by 50% by the 18-19 academic year. Please join us in reducing textbook costs to support student success!
Contact: Brad Servera bservera@unl.edu