Can You Really Find
Cheap College Textbooks?

Can you really find cheap college textbooks? Now that we’ve addressed why textbooks are so expensive, you’re probably wondering this yourself. As well as: How much will textbooks really cost me, and are there any other ways to save money on textbooks? To answer those questions you need to understand your shopping habits and decide how much effort you’re willing to invest toward becoming more resourceful.


Studies have shown that the average full time student can expect to pay as much as $900.00 for one semester of textbooks. In my opinion there’s a large random spread from one student to the next. If two students with similar case loads were forced to buy all their learning materials brand new, one student could end up spending twice as much as the other depending on field of study and other factors. You can really start cutting your costs when you opt for used books and other alternatives. I’ve put together a scale with descriptions of textbook consumers and what their net costs could be depending on their shopping habits. Read through them to find out where you are now:

Convenience Seeker

Thrifty Convenience Seeker

Discriminating Convenience Seeker

Apathetic Discriminators

Thrifty Shopper

Resourceful Shopper

The Entrepreneur

The Process

Most freshmen enter college as Convenience Seekers, using the college bookstore reservation program to reduce the stress level of their first semester. After that they'll usually find their place at one of the preceding descriptions. Resourceful students will increase their savings each semester as they gain more experience and knowledge of the alternatives. Unfortunately by the time they've become proficient at finding cheap college textbooks, they’ve completed their course work and are finished with school.

You can maximize your time available to accumulate textbook cost savings if you’re willing to read and use the resources provided on this Web site. Consider returning here at the beginning and end of each term to refresh your strategies; or simply subscribe to my advisor service and get an update each time you need to be taking action. I’d love the opportunity to assist you, sign up here:

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