Textbook Alternatives
Textbooks are
expensive, but necessary to the successfull completion of many courses.
According to James Rosser, President of CSULA:
- Between
academic years 2004-05 and 2007-08, student fees charged by CSU
rose by approximately 18%, but retail prices for textbooks increased
by 28%;
- CSU students
spent an average of $812 on textbooks in academic year 2007-08,
which was roughly 23 percent of the total for both mandatory fees
and textbooks.
Most instructors
are sympathetic to students regarding education costs. It wasn't
easy for us, and we know it hasn't become any easier. Here
are some ideas to reduce the cost of your textbooks:
- Chegg.com
- RENT your textbook for nearly half the original cost. Plus,
Chegg.com will plant a tree for every book you rent!
- eTextbooks
- there are several websites out on the 'net where you can purchase
an eTextbook. What is an eTextbook? Basically, it's your textbook
online. The cost is about half the original price. The downside
is that you have to download each chapter individually, and you
should have a fast (ie, not dial-up) connection or the course
will be over before you've finished downloading. Many sites have
new and used books for sale, too. Here are two for you to check
out:
- Online booksellers
- many major bookstores will also sell textbooks, too. Not always
at such a great price, but it is an alternative.
- Borders
- Barnes
& Noble
- Powell's
- I love this place. Deadly to the pocketbook, but fortunately
I'm not in Portland, OR that often . . .
- eBay
- what can't you buy there?
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