The average college student will spend about $630 throughout the academic school year on books, but this is just the average; what about the students who have to spend a few thousand dollars per year for at least four years of schooling? This average annual cost does not include course materials not provided by the University or the access codes needed. Free college textbooks have been an ongoing discussion for years, but recently, the Panel finally began talking about reducing these costly dues.
About 65% of students opt out of buying textbooks or course materials because of their costs. Approximately 82% of students skip meals, and numerous students decline to accept the access codes these professors require to take quizzes and assignments. Many students feel this isn’t fair as they have already paid the increasing tuition every year.
Instead of buying brand new textbooks, students will be prompted to purchase used textbooks, share the cost, or even look for free online PDF versions of these textbooks, which aren’t always as accurate as the new ones.
However, a new system is said to reduce the cost of textbooks. The California Community College system recently received funding to pave the way for zero-cost textbooks. There was a starter funding 2016 of 5 million dollars, and now 115 million dollars in 2021. With this newfound system, students’ grades increased 3% higher than usual. On the other hand, Pell Grant recipients’ grades rose upwards of 7.6%; they didn’t have to use their grant money on textbooks but could use the money on other necessities.
The State funding won’t last forever; it’s not enough. For this zero-cost textbook pathway to continue, “The money is not enough; we need sustainable funding,” details Ruan-O’Shaughnessy.
Only community colleges in California have received this funding; the Cal State and UC schools have yet to receive this. This doesn’t mean that nothing is being done; efforts are being made to reestablish new and lower costs behind the scenes.
Nagle has commented on this and does not believe that the costs will go down due to the big three in the publishing industry regarding school textbooks. They have a monopoly behind them and are the reason for steep textbook costs.
Only time will tell whether or not these costs will go down or not, but for now, the community colleges are taking a big win with a rise in grades and a low price for textbooks.
