Saving on College Textbooks

College tuition costs are rising steadily as well as other related costs for attending college, such as book purchases. Textbooks are a huge expense for the college bound student, thus I thought that it would be a good topic to cover on this blog.  

For planning purposes, the college typically will give a family an estimate of wha tit will cost for books for each academic year. I find that it is always a useful exercise to think about ways that a student can slice college costs, specifically in the textbook buying deparmebt.

For the creative-minded individual that plans ahead, a student can find deals on college textbooks and save some money. This post will share ways that a student can decrease the cost of college books.

There are a many things to think about when planning your book purchases. A student can buy used books and/or sell back books to the college or online bookstore at the end of each semester. This is a smart option for shaving off book costs right from the beginning and then recouping some money at the end of the semester.

In addition to college bookstores, online bookstores also carry used textbooks which gives students the option to reduce book expenses and potentially live within or below the standard book estimate provided by the college. Check out online booksellers, such as amazon.com, for used text book options. I have links to a number of discount retailers on the Financial Aid Sense site at http://www.financialaidsense.com. Check them out and comparison shop!

In addition to purchasing used text books, students have the option of renting text books. There are a number of online stores that rent college textbooks so be sure to shop around and compare prices. Renting books can potentially be a big money saver. Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, Chegg.com, and Campusbookrentals.com – are just a few online companies offering this service. Shop around and compare! Again, I have hotlinks to each of these textbook rentail companies on the Financial Aid Sense site at http://www.financialaidsense.com.

With the introduction of e-books into some curricula, students may find this money-saving option particularly appealing. Amazon’s Kindle shop as well as the other online merchants mentioned above  (as well as others) have some great deals and options for e-textbooks. Research several online stores and compare carefully before making any purchases or rental commitments. 

If you think like a bargain hunter, shop around, and comparison shop, you should be able to find some deals and save money on college textbooks!