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It is no secret that the cost of many popular products that we all use regularly is rising. However, books are especially characterized by a great growth in price. Over the past forty years, the average cost of college textbooks in stores has increased more than eightfold. This may seem very strange, as educational goods should always remain affordable.
The problem of high prices for college textbooks is partly a result of rapid technological advances and the development of electronic publishing options. Yet, millions of people still need paper college textbooks for their education. This article will tell you the reasons behind today’s college textbook prices and actual ways to save money on buying textbooks.
Why Textbooks Are So Expensive?
Do you know how much the average cost of college tuition in the United States has increased? In 2016, the Bureau of Labor Statistics decided to do research and found out that in the previous ten years, the average student’s tuition cost had risen by 63%. At the same time, textbook publishers have also started raising prices, so the cost of books against tuition does not look huge. What other reasons have contributed in a big way to the fact that textbooks for college students in 2024 cost too much?
- Market capture by large sellers. Currently, a few major sellers dominate about 80% of the educational textbook market. As a result, they have the power to determine the prices of the products. Of course, there are also small players, but they are usually unable to offer competitive prices.
- Technological advancement. Experienced specialists discuss the technological process when it comes to the sharp increase in the prices of textbooks in recent years. This is related to the appearance and spread of eBooks, which are often cheaper than physical books.
- The problem with publishers. College textbook publishers initially blamed inflation for the increase in prices. However, over time, they admitted that they artificially inflated prices in order to get more profit.
College students are increasingly voicing their concerns about the rising costs of education today. For instance, scholarships available to students across various states in the United States often fall short of covering all the necessary expenses for a quality education during a semester. As a result, many students find themselves relying on student loans to acquire what they need. Statistics indicate that student spending on textbooks alone exceeds the £500 mark in a single semester. This certainly sounds prohibitively expensive, doesn’t it? In light of this, affordable online courses may offer a viable alternative for students seeking to reduce their educational expenses.
How to Make Textbooks Affordable?
As you may have realized by now, it’s difficult for students to cover all of their tuition costs, including the purchase of new college textbooks that professors require for classes. This has forced them to look for ways to get college textbooks more affordably. There are actually some really relevant methods to save money on educational textbooks today, which we will share below.
Buy used textbooks from senior students. The first thing that comes to any person’s mind when you need to acquire a particular thing cheaper is a used item. Colleges have a well-established system where textbooks are sold to other students after the semester is over. Typically, textbooks are mostly used during one semester or course, so the next year, that book becomes irrelevant. You can find students older than you who most likely have what you are interested in. Moreover, they won’t mind selling you the textbook you need at a nominal cost.
Rent books. Textbook rental is another working method that students have been using for a long time. Why would you buy a textbook when you can borrow one for a semester? Usually, the rental cost will cost you about 50% of the full price of the textbook. This arrangement is favorable for both students and vendors.
Get eBooks. This article has already mentioned eBooks and the fact that they look cheap compared to traditional options. However, before you buy or rent an eTextbook, talk to your professor. You should clarify whether it would be a good fit for his or her educational plan.
Buy used books online. Buying a textbook before the semester starts and selling it back after graduation is a great option for college students. Of course, you probably won’t get the full amount back. However, this way, you can greatly reduce your personal tuition costs.
How BooksRun Helps Make Textbooks More Affordable?
BooksRun is an online bookstore that has strived to provide students with favorable solutions for purchasing textbooks since its inception. That is why it has developed many things that make college textbooks more affordable for students.
- A large selection of both used and new textbooks. New and used textbooks are offered here so that students can choose which option suits them best.
- Free shipping. BooksRun covers textbook shipping costs and, by doing so, helps students save a bit more cash.
- Textbook rentals. BooksRun offers textbook rentals as an alternative, so students can choose whether to buy or rent for a short period (and pay less).
- Buyback. BooksRun helps students save money on their tuition by offering buyback services. It is very convenient and profitable for students: buy a book, use it during the semester, and then sell it back.
BooksRun is an important player in this market whose goal since its inception has been to help students buy and sell textbooks. For the past ten years, they indeed have helped hundreds of college students save money on textbook purchases.
How to Make the Future of Affordable Textbooks Even More Promising?
Despite everything described previously, the trend of rising prices for educational materials continues to persist. Many people don’t pay attention to this fact, although this is a real problem that requires effective solutions. This is why BooksRun continues to work on developing new profitable solutions for college textbook users.
“We’re always looking for new ways of implementing innovation to provide the best prices and accelerate handling and shipping services,” these words describe BooksRun’s current activities in the best way. They seem to have overcome one of the biggest challenges that comes with offering affordable textbooks—striking the right balance between the price, the quality of service, and operating costs.
Final Thoughts
Some people find it hard to believe that new textbooks can cost more today than headphones or other gadgets. The final cost also depends on the complexity and popularity of the subject and a few other factors. Besides, major publishers increase textbook costs every year, and they have been going on for a long time. That is why ordinary students should learn how to save money on buying textbooks in 2024. And BooksRun, undoubtedly, will continue to introduce new solutions to make textbooks for students even more affordable.
