The Cost of Learning: Are Textbooks Worth It?
Marist students express their views on textbook prices, rooted in their experiences at college.
Students debate the neccesity and need for their college textbooks based on their pricing. Photo by Olivia Locarno '28
College students are shelling out hundreds of dollars each semester on textbooks, many of which end up collecting dust. The College Board suggests that students budget over $1,000 each semester to spend on textbooks.
There is growing frustration with the burden of the cost for course materials. Are there more affordable alternatives? Does the need for textbooks vary based on majors? Marist College students have weighed in on their experiences.
According to a Student Public Interest Research Groups nationwide survey, “nearly one-third of students stated they used their financial aid to pay for their textbooks.” This means that students are unable to use their full financial aid offers on their tuition and instead have to put some of that aid towards materials that are required for classes, as many of them are too expensive to be purchased right out.
In an increasingly digital world, it can seem unusual that students are expected to spend hundreds of dollars on physical copies of textbooks, some of which are never used. Alternatives to physical textbooks have been growing in popularity, with options like ebooks or PDF versions of textbooks, some of which are free.
Mabel Aronson ‘25 is studying fashion merchandising at Marist College, and she said that she would highly recommend PDF versions of textbooks because “you can search through them more easily” and “find free versions online.”
Similarly, Giavanna Jimenez ‘27, majoring in criminal justice, stated that she would “always prefer the digital copies of textbooks because they are cheaper.”
Aronson and Jimenez both described how, despite the high cost of textbooks, they regularly use them.
“I feel like the amount I use the textbook depends on the class, but I usually use most of them. Sometimes they are a waste, though,” Jimenez said.
Aronson estimates that she uses the textbooks she purchases or rents about “70% of the time,” and Jimenez estimates that she uses them about “75% of the time.” With that being said, it is important to note that the estimated 30% of the time that they are not using the textbooks, they are still spending money on them. This money could be put towards their tuition or other supplies.
Sydney Wexler ‘27, who studies psychology, said “it really depends on the person” when it comes to a preference of physical or digital textbooks.
“I know people who prefer physical copies, but having PDFs to rent for cheaper may be accessible for more students,” she said.
Wexler also pointed out how renting textbooks — whether you prefer the physical copies of books or if they are required for your class — is a smarter investment than purchasing the books because it is less expensive, and you may never use the textbooks again after the class.
The Marist Bookstore offers rental services for textbooks; however, they are typically only less than $50 off the purchasing price.
According to the bookstore’s textbook page, purchasing the physical copy of an Introduction to Psychology textbook costs about $119, renting it costs about $104 and buying the digital version costs about $52. These price comparisons highlight how much more affordable it is to buy the digital version, compared to purchasing a physical copy of the textbook.
According to a survey conducted by the U.S PIRG, 65% of students reported skipping buying or renting textbooks due to the cost of them. This can put students who cannot afford the required texts at a disadvantage when it comes to studying, completing homework and understanding the concepts being taught during class.
Expensive course materials are a barrier to student learning, so making these less expensive, digital versions more readily available can decrease students’ financial stress and lead to more equity in colleges.