Ways to save on textbooks, compared
Textbooks can cost hundreds of dollars a semester. Before you pay full price, work down this list. The free options come first.
Free Lower cost Compare Highest cost
| Option | Cost | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Wait for the syllabus | Free $0 | Some "required" books are barely used. The first class tells you what you really need. |
| Library course reserves | Free $0 | Many libraries keep a copy of course books to borrow for a few hours at a time. |
| Open textbooks (OER) | Free $0 | Some courses use free, openly licensed textbooks. Ask your professor or library. |
| Share with a classmate | Lower cost Half the cost | Agree who keeps it when, and who sells it back at the end. |
| Older edition | Lower cost Often much cheaper | Ask the professor first; page numbers and problem sets may differ. |
| Buy used | Lower cost Often cheaper | Check the edition and whether it needs an access code that can't be reused. |
| Rent | Lower cost Often cheaper | Return dates and damage fees apply. Good for books you won't keep. |
| Ebook or digital rental | Compare Varies | Can be cheaper, but may expire after the term and can't be sold back. |
| Inclusive access (billed by the school) | Compare Varies | Convenient, but compare the price. You can usually opt out by a deadline. |
| Buy new | Highest cost Most expensive | Sometimes needed for a one-time access code. Sell it back if you can. |
General information. Prices and policies vary by school, store and course. We don't sell textbooks or earn anything from any store.
Four habits that save the most
- 1
Look up the ISBN before buying, so you get the right edition.
- 2
Compare at least two places before you buy or rent.
- 3
Keep receipts and return dates in one place.
- 4
Sell books back, or pass them on, as soon as the course ends.
Put your textbook total into the semester budget calculator, or read saving on textbooks.