Average College Textbook Cost for 2025: How To Cut It Down Without Compromising Studies

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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When it comes to their budget, college students have more than tuition fees to worry about. College students also have to make sure they allot enough funds for housing, food, and college books. And given the average college textbook cost these days, accomplishing this feat is not easy.

In many cases, textbooks take one of the biggest portions of a college student’s budget. Some of these resources are even more expensive than college tuition, particularly at community colleges (Martin et al., 2017). Here is a look into how much an average college student spends on textbooks, how the cost affects students, and what students can do to cut down costs.

Average College Student’s Textbook Spending 2025 Table of Contents

1. How much does the average college student spend on textbooks for 2025?
2. Why are digital textbooks gaining popularity?
3. What is the role of degree programs in alleviating textbook costs?
4. How can academic libraries contribute to textbook affordability?
5. How can educators influence textbook affordability?
6. What is the impact of textbook expenditures on students?
7. What role do competency based universities play in lowering textbook expenses?
8. How can competency-based education lower textbook costs?
9. What future trends could further drive down textbook costs?
10. How can students reduce spending on textbooks?
11. How can working adult students further reduce textbook expenses?
12. Tips for Saving Money on College Textbooks
13. Can online graduate programs provide additional cost relief?
14. How does textbook cost impact students' mental health and academic performance?
15. Can accelerated degree programs further lower overall academic expenses?

How much does the average college student spend on textbooks for 2025?

There is a continuous decline in how much an average college student spends on textbooks and other course materials, as reported by several organizations.

According to Student Monitor’s Fall 2020 data, individual college students’ spending on course materials decreased by 7%, falling from $199 in Fall 2019 to $186 in Fall 2020. The revised College Board (2020) report shows a comparable figure of $410 spending on textbooks alone per year for public two-year and four-year institutions. Similarly, Student Watch (2020) reports $413 in spending for the 2019-2020 academic year.

The 2010 data shows nearly $700 spending on course materials (AAP Communications, 2020). Florida Virtual Campus (2016) also reported that 53.2% of the students in their 2016 study spent more than $301 in the spring term. Hence, the decline in spending is significant.

Why is there a decline in student textbook spending?

Over time, the average student has spent less on textbooks and digital course materials. Several studies consider the availability of alternative forms of materials, such as digital copies, and alternative means of acquiring them, like subscriptions or renting, as significant factors influencing the said decline. Student Monitor (2020) reports that renting has become more prevalent than purchasing new books.

Nemec (2020) notes that Student Watch attributes the decline in textbook spending to the growing use of digital materials and higher spending on technology. The percentage of students downloading free materials online doubled in one year to 26% in Spring 2020. Meanwhile, students spent at least $100 on technology for their courses; that is much higher than in the previous years. (Nemec, 2020)

Indeed, students have better access to such materials and multiple options in terms of formats. So, how much do college textbooks cost?

How much do books cost?

Despite the available alternatives now, the cost of textbooks is rising just as tuition is also increasing. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the costs of new college textbooks have increased by “roughly 6% per year since 2001," approximately triple the rate of inflation. (Hill, 2015)

Meanwhile, the General Accountability Office (GAO) reports that from 20022012, average textbook cost rose by 82%, while overall consumer prices increased only by 28% (Hill, 2015). So, how much are college textbooks? This really depends on the course you are taking. The average cost of a new college textbook is $105.37 in 2022. The books and supplies cost for college can cost more than $1,200.

Suffice to say, the continuous rise in the average cost of books for college may have contributed to many students’ decision to find alternative resources to cut down their expenditures.

Why are college textbooks’ prices high?

With the digital transformation in college textbooks, alternative formats like digital books do not require printing or binding, but there remains an evident rise in the average price of textbooks. Hanson (2021) explains four reasons why college textbook prices are so high:

1. Full price or fail: Publishers make sure readers pay full price for e-books. Students almost always have to buy access codes for temporary use of course materials and other resources online. Despite e-books not being printed, bound, or shipped, prices rise or remain unchanged.
2. Compulsory purchasing: Publishers and colleges adopt the “inclusive access models" to include the cost of online course materials in the tuition. Hansons stresses that students cannot opt out of paying for materials in these inclusive access agreements.
3. Faculty indifference: Hanson cites a 2020 study, which shows that 41% of professors believe students learn better from print materials than digital, and very few used OERs; apparently, 42% of professors were “generally unaware" of OER.
4. Vanity publishing: Hanson narrates that textbooks with logos and minor layout changes were sold for $420 million in 2006, providing a small “royalty" to universities that adopted them. By doing so, publishers made sure books were not resold to non-students of the institution on the cover.

Why are digital textbooks gaining popularity?

Many college students are choosing digital textbooks. Their growing popularity stems from several advantages over traditional print editions, including affordability, convenience, and accessibility.

One major factor is cost. Digital textbooks are often cheaper than printed versions, saving students significantly on course materials. Students can also purchase or rent only the specific chapters they need, reducing expenses.

Convenience also plays a big role. Digital textbooks are accessible on various devices like laptops, tablets, or smartphones, letting students carry their study materials anywhere. Features such as search functions, note-taking tools, and interactive content enhance the learning experience.

Another benefit is their eco-friendliness. By choosing digital options, students reduce paper waste and contribute to a more sustainable environment.

The availability of open educational resources (OER) has further boosted the adoption of digital textbooks. These free online materials provide high-quality educational content without the financial burden of traditional textbooks.

Exploring affordable online degree programs is a smart option for students seeking even greater savings. Programs like the cheapest bachelors degree online combine cost-effective tuition with access to free or discounted digital textbooks.

As more students and institutions embrace digital options, the shift toward accessible and affordable education grows. This trend not only reduces financial strain but also modernizes the way students learn and succeed.

What is the role of degree programs in alleviating textbook costs?

For students seeking to minimize expenses, selecting the right degree program can profoundly impact overall educational costs, including textbook expenses. Accelerated degree programs online, for instance, offer a unique opportunity to streamline academic journeys and potentially reduce the number of textbooks required owing to condensed course schedules.

These programs often provide digital course materials, which are typically less expensive than traditional printed textbooks. Additionally, by completing courses in a shorter time frame, students can avoid accumulating costs over extended semesters. Institutions offering these programs are also increasingly adopting "inclusive access" models, where textbook costs are bundled into tuition at a discounted rate, ensuring affordability and accessibility.

Embracing this educational pathway not only addresses financial challenges but also promotes academic efficiency, allowing students to spend less on materials while expediting their career readiness. To learn more about these transformative academic options, explore accredited accelerated degree programs online for affordable and flexible opportunities.

How can academic libraries contribute to textbook affordability?

Academic libraries play an essential role in expanding access to course materials beyond traditional purchasing. They offer textbook loan programs, interlibrary loan services, and digital repositories that provide free or low-cost alternatives. Libraries also collaborate with educators to develop course reserves and support open educational resources, reducing the direct expense associated with textbooks. In addition, many academic libraries provide workshops and one-on-one consultations on navigating digital databases and discovering cost-effective educational materials. Students seeking further insight into resource management and alternative information access can benefit from a library degree.

How can educators influence textbook affordability?

Educators play a pivotal role in selecting and curating course materials that directly affect students’ financial burdens. They can prioritize high-quality digital resources and open educational materials that reduce costs while maintaining academic rigor. Faculty can also work with publishers to negotiate bundled pricing for digital copies and adopt inclusive access models that streamline expenses.

Additionally, educators can review curricula to eliminate unnecessary textbook requirements and promote alternative resources that support learning objectives without high costs. By guiding students toward more affordable academic pathways—such as online doctoral programs that offer condensed degree options—they help foster an educational ecosystem where affordability and quality coexist.

What is the impact of textbook expenditures on students?

Findings of a Florida Virtual Campus (2016) study suggest that expenditures on textbooks limit student access to needed learning materials. Cost affects their time to graduation as well as their access to courses. Students also reported taking fewer classes, not registering for courses, and dropping or withdrawing due to textbook costs.

Backing the findings of Florida Virtual Campus is a study by Martin et al. (2017), which also shows that 66% of students did not purchase a textbook because of its cost. For many of them, not doing so negatively affected their grades in the class. One student was quoted as saying in the free response that “The $200-600 I save every three months is worth dropping a half GPA point."

Also, from the same study, 86% of students said they put off buying a textbook due to cost, and a great majority of them claimed it harmed their grades. A fifth of the students reported taking fewer classes due to textbook prices in terms of graduation time. Meanwhile, a third said they had postponed or skipped a course partly due to textbook prices. (Martin et al., 2017)

Impact of Money Saved

Primarily, saving on textbook costs significantly cuts down the cost of getting a bachelor’s degree or other types of degrees. Moreover, according to Martin et al. (2017), money saved from textbooks could improve students’ quality of life, lower the cost of education, not to mention they can spend it on educational pursuits. They would use the savings afforded by open textbooks to address personal financial requirements, such as housing and healthy eating habits. They would use this money to pay down debt and enhance their education. (Martin et al., 2017)

If students can address their personal financial requirements with their saved money, then it can subsequently help their parents recover from student debt, which is found to “have mental health implications for aging parents, particularly for fathers" according to Walsemann et al. (2020) in their study published in The Journals of Gerontology. Series B, Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences.

The findings of Walsemann et al.’s (2020) study titled “The Other Student Debt Crisis: How Borrowing to Pay for a Child’s College Education Relates to Parents’ Mental Health at Midlife" show no significant relationship between student debt and mothers, but among fathers, “having any child-related educational debt versus none was associated with fewer depressive symptoms, but having greater amounts of child-related educational debt was associated with more depressive symptoms and worse mental health."

Saving on textbook spending can ease a family’s financial burden, not to mention worries.

How can competency-based education lower textbook costs?

Competency-based education models streamline course requirements by emphasizing skill mastery over credit hours, which can lead to reduced textbook dependencies. These programs often incorporate integrated digital resources and curated content tailored to specific competencies, eliminating the need for multiple textbooks. Institutions embracing this framework typically negotiate comprehensive access to learning materials, thereby minimizing additional expenses. For detailed insights on such academic alternatives, explore our article on competency based universities.

What future trends could further drive down textbook costs?

Emerging models in education indicate that evolving digital platforms, subscription-based services, and adaptive learning tools could reshape how academic resources are delivered and financed. Institutions are increasingly experimenting with bundled pricing for entire digital course packages and rollouts of integrated open educational resource programs that respond to both technological advances and changing student needs. Additionally, the growing availability of online graduate options offers a promising path to not only reduce textbook reliance but to consolidate overall educational expenses through streamlined curriculum models, as seen with the most affordable online masters.

How can students reduce spending on textbooks?

According to Student Monitor (2021), many students still love physical textbooks. However, instead of purchasing a new traditional textbook, about two-fifths of students in 2020 rented at least one copy of course material over a semester or academic term.

How Students Are Reducing Costs

The findings of Florida Virtual Campus (2016) show that “the most-used cost-saving measure reported by students is purchasing books from a source other than the campus bookstore (63.8%)." Results also show that “a majority (84%) of survey participants reported a willingness to rent textbooks in order to reduce costs," and over a quarter of the students reported that “they chose to rent digital textbooks rather than buy lifetime access to a digital version of a textbook."

Eric Weil, a managing partner at Student Monitor, said that “students have at least 10 different options or combinations of options when it comes to deciding." They can purchase a new printed textbook or a used one, rent a book, or buy limited or unlimited access to e-books. (AAP Communications, 2020)

How can working adult students further reduce textbook expenses?

Working adult students often leverage alternative educational models that integrate bundled digital resources and flexible payment options. Many programs tailored for non-traditional learners feature inclusive pricing models that consolidate tuition with access to digital textbooks, thereby reducing overall expenses. Additionally, working adults may benefit from employer tuition assistance programs that extend to cover course materials, further alleviating direct costs. For those seeking institutions with dedicated strategies for cost-efficient learning, refer to the best affordable online schools for working adults.

Tips for Saving Money on College Textbooks

There is quite a long list of ways students can cut down their spending on course materials without sacrificing their grades or time to graduation. Consider the following tips for saving money on college textbooks from DeAmelio-Rafferty (2021) and Powell et al. (2021):

1. Open Educational Resource (OER)

Several states have passed legislation supporting the use of OER in public institutions. These free online textbooks often do not “expire" once the student completes a class, according to DeAmelio-Rafferty, thus allowing students to use them throughout a program. Studies also show that OERs potentially eliminate the textbook barrier to a college education. (Martin et al., 2017)

2. Digital Textbooks

Print books have digital or loose-leaf formats that would be much cheaper. The same could be the case for a mandatory reading list for a course, so it is worth checking.

3. Book Rental

Renting textbooks can be much cheaper than buying them outright. It is even better if a copy is available in a local library, as it can be rented for free.

4. Used Books

Several sites, like eBay, sell used books, which will be significantly cheaper than new ones. However, note that there are books with access codes to additional online resources, so make sure any code needed for added resources is included before purchasing a used book.

5. Discounted Books

Schools may offer discounts on textbooks, especially since some colleges partner with publishers to get cheaper deals. Also, DeAmelio-Rafferty notes that some local bookstores partner with nearby schools and institutions to offer student discounts.

6. Textbook Scholarships

Some colleges and organizations provide book scholarships. Some organizations may even cover lab and materials costs, according to DeAmelio-Rafferty.

7. Sell Old Books

After a semester, consider selling old books through the school bookstore or online stores like Amazon to get some funds for a new book. The return may not amount to the book’s original price, but it can still reduce the needed amount to purchase a new book.

8. Book Swap

Due to the exorbitant cost of many textbooks, some students have created textbook swap schemes, which some institutions even host, according to Powell et al. (2021).

9. Borrowing from a Friend

Borrow a book from someone who has already taken the course. Share a book with a classmate, with whom the cost of the book could be split.

10. Older Text Version

Publishers release new book editions every few years. However, recent editions are often more expensive but only slightly different from the older version, making old versions another option to save money. If in doubt, it is best to ask a professor if an older edition, which likely has a different pagination, will cause problems in assignments.

11. Membership Services

Some subscription-based programs offer textbook discounts. A fixed price may allow unlimited access to countless course materials. Cengage and Pearson are among the platforms that provide such services.

12. Accessible Program

Sometimes, if a professor opts in, institutions make books available digitally at a discounted price to students even before the first day of class. Students can either keep the digital material access or decline and buy it elsewhere.

13. Colleges with Textbooks Included

A small but growing number of colleges include all course materials with college tuition. Some charge a separate fee from tuition costs. This setup helps students save money in the long term since universities often get better rates in bulk.

Apart from finding ways to cut down spending on textbooks, another option, according to Powell et al. (2021), is to reduce other personal expenses or additional costs and control their spending habits. For instance, instead of staying in a costly apartment or room, they could get a cheaper space or share a room with someone. Instead of eating out all the time, students could cook. Of course, the reduction in spending from these suggestions may be minimal, but what is saved in total could still help purchase new course materials.

Can online graduate programs provide additional cost relief?

Advanced degree programs offered online increasingly integrate bundled tuition models and comprehensive digital resource packages that diminish the dependency on costly printed textbooks. These initiatives provide a framework for reducing long-term educational expenses through inclusive access and streamlined operational efficiencies. Prospective students may benefit from evaluating programs that proactively address material costs while enhancing academic outcomes. For further insights into cost-effective advanced studies, explore the easiest online graduate schools to get into.

How does textbook cost impact students' mental health and academic performance?

While the financial burden of textbooks is well-documented, one aspect often overlooked is how high textbook costs can negatively affect students' mental health and academic performance. The pressure of finding the funds for essential learning materials can lead to stress, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness, particularly for students already facing financial difficulties.

Here are some ways textbook costs impact students' mental health and academic outcomes:

• Increased financial stress: The high price of textbooks adds to the overall financial burden of tuition, housing, and other living expenses. This pressure can lead to anxiety and stress, making it harder for students to focus on their studies and perform well academically.
• Limited access to learning materials: Many students delay or avoid purchasing textbooks due to their high cost. This lack of access can lead to poor preparation for classes, lower grades, and difficulty keeping up with coursework, all of which contribute to academic stress and frustration.
• Compromising study habits: Students may resort to sharing textbooks with classmates or relying on incomplete or outdated materials, which can hinder their ability to fully engage with the content. This compromises their learning experience and leads to a cycle of stress as they fall behind.
• Balancing work and study: To cover the cost of textbooks, many students take on part-time jobs, which can reduce the time available for studying and rest. This additional workload can lead to burnout, further impacting both mental health and academic performance.

Can accelerated degree programs further lower overall academic expenses?

Accelerated degree programs compress the academic timeline, thereby reducing the frequency of course material purchases and related costs. These programs often bundle digital resources and adopt cost-efficient learning models that streamline textbook requirements. By completing coursework in a shorter period, students may face fewer instances of textbook purchases or rentals, leading to long-term savings. For example, exploring options such as an accelerated associate degree can offer a strategic pathway to not only fast-track educational completion but also alleviate cumulative academic expenses.

Opting for Alternative Textbook Formats

There are alternatives to the costly printed textbooks now. Thanks to technology that allows the creation of alternative formats of course materials, there is a continuous decline in student textbook spending.

Feldstein (2016) says that “students are getting better and better all the time at avoiding buying the textbook." He adds that at the same time, “market options proliferate and improve." As for book rentals, he says, “textbook rental companies are getting four or five semesters of rental out of one book." That is “four or five semesters’ worth of sales that publishers are missing." As such, Feldstein says that major publishers have responded by offering rental services and low-priced options. He calls it “defensive actions" in the publishing industry.

Textbook costs should no longer hinder students from reaping the benefits of a college education. Other means of acquiring course materials are making college education more accessible.

Key Insights

• Declining Textbook Spending: The average college student spends less on textbooks now compared to a decade ago, primarily due to the availability of digital materials and alternative means of acquisition like rentals and subscriptions.
• High Costs and Rising Prices: Despite the availability of alternatives, the cost of new textbooks continues to rise, driven by factors like compulsory purchasing models and faculty preferences for traditional materials.
• Impact on Students: High textbook costs negatively affect students' academic performance, course enrollment, and overall financial stability, often leading them to seek cheaper or free alternatives.
• Multiple Cost-Saving Strategies: Students can reduce textbook costs by using open educational resources (OER), renting textbooks, buying used or discounted books, and taking advantage of book scholarships and swap schemes.
• Technological Influence: The shift towards digital materials and the availability of subscription services have contributed significantly to the decline in textbook spending, providing students with more affordable and flexible options.

FAQ

1. How much does the average college student spend on textbooks? The average college student spends around $410 to $413 per year on textbooks, with recent trends showing a decline in spending due to the availability of digital and rental options.
2. Why are college textbooks so expensive? College textbooks are expensive due to factors like compulsory purchasing models, the inclusion of access codes for online materials, faculty preferences for traditional materials, and vanity publishing practices by universities.
3. How do high textbook costs affect students? High textbook costs lead students to take fewer classes, delay course enrollment, or drop out. They also negatively impact students' grades and financial stability, often forcing them to seek cheaper or free alternatives.
4. What are some effective strategies for reducing textbook costs? Effective strategies include using open educational resources (OER), renting textbooks, buying used or discounted books, securing textbook scholarships, participating in book swaps, borrowing from friends, and opting for older textbook editions.
5. What are Open Educational Resources (OER)? OER are free online textbooks and course materials that do not expire after a course is completed, allowing students to use them throughout their academic programs and potentially eliminating the textbook barrier to education.
6. Can digital textbooks help save money? Yes, digital textbooks are often cheaper than printed versions and are available in various formats, providing a cost-effective alternative for students.
7. What are the benefits of renting textbooks? Renting textbooks can significantly reduce costs compared to buying new ones, and some local libraries may offer free rentals for certain books.
8. How can students sell old textbooks to save money? Students can sell old textbooks through school bookstores or online platforms like Amazon to get funds for purchasing new books, though the resale value may not match the original price.
9. What is the impact of textbook costs on students' graduation time? High textbook costs can delay students' graduation time, as many take fewer classes or postpone course enrollment due to the financial burden of purchasing expensive course materials.
10. How can students benefit from textbook scholarships? Some colleges and organizations offer book scholarships that cover the cost of textbooks and related materials, helping students reduce their financial burden and focus on their studies.

By implementing these strategies, students can manage their textbook expenses more effectively and ensure that financial constraints do not hinder their academic success.

References:

• AAP Communications. (2020, June 25). AAP Video: Student Spending on College Course Materials Continues Multi-Year Decline. Vimeo. https://vimeo.com/432496326
• DeAmelio-Rafferty, L. (2021). How Much Does the Average College Student Spend on Textbooks? Edmit.me. https://www.edmit.me/blog/how-much-does-the-average-college-student-spend-on-textbooks
• Feldstein, M. (2016, October 22). The Great Unbundling of Textbook Publishers. E-Literate. http://mfeldstein.wpengine.com/the-great-unbundling-of-textbook-publishers/
• Hanson, M. (2021, August 12). Average Cost of College Textbooks. EducationData.org. https://educationdata.org/average-cost-of-college-textbooks
• Hill, P. (2015, March 25). How Much Do College Students Actually Pay For Textbooks? E-Literate. http://mfeldstein.wpengine.com/how-much-do-college-students-actually-pay-for-textbooks/
• Hill, P. (2016, October 25). About The New Florida Virtual Campus Survey On Textbooks. E-Literate. https://eliterate.us/new-florida-virtual-campus-survey-textbooks/
• Hill, P. (2020, November 8). Fall 2020 Updates: What do college students actually spend on course materials PhilOnEdTech. PhilOnEdTech. https://philonedtech.com/fall-2020-updates-what-do-college-students-actually-spend-on-course-materials/
• Ma, J., Pender, M., & Libassi, C. (2020). Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2020. In College Board. College Board. https://research.collegeboard.org/pdf/trends-college-pricing-student-aid-2020.pdf
• Nemec, J. (2020, June 25). NACS Report: Student Spending on Course Materials Continues to Decline. Nacs.org. https://www.nacs.org/student-spending-on-course-materials-continues-to-decline
• Office of Distance Learning & Student Services 2016 Student Textbook and Course Materials Survey Results and Findings. (2016). https://dlss.flvc.org/documents/210036/361552/2016+Student+Textbook+Survey.pdf
• Powell, F., Kerr, E., & Moody, J. (2021). 14 Ways to Cut Your Textbook Costs. US News & World Report; U.S. News & World Report. https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/slideshows/ways-to-cut-your-textbook-costs
• Student Monitor Fall 2020 Preview: Multi-Year Decline in Student Spending on College Course Materials Continues AAP. (2020, November 5). AAP. https://publishers.org/news/student-monitor-fall-2020-preview-multi-year-decline-in-student-spending-on-college-course-materials-continues/
• Student Spending on College Course Materials Continues Multi-Year Decline AAP. (2020, June 25). AAP. https://publishers.org/news/student-spending-on-college-course-materials-continues-multi-year-decline-2/
• Walsemann, K. M., Ailshire, J. A., & Hartnett, C. S. (2020). The Other Student Debt Crisis: How Borrowing to Pay for a Child’s College Education Relates to Parents’ Mental Health at Midlife. The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences, 75(7), 14941503. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbz146