College Textbooks Burning Holes in Students’ Pockets

FARRAH LUU
Staff Writer

The cost of new college textbooks has risen 82 percent since 2002, costing $175 on average, according to the LA Times. However, it is not just one textbook being purchased, but multiple depending on the number of classes a student is taking. The national average for books and supplies is about $1,100 for every two semesters, and that figure is constantly rising as textbooks become more and more expensive.

Although not all students buy new edition textbooks, many of the older versions do not contain all of the information needed for the course. Professors should take into consideration how much the textbooks cost and find material to teach from that will not take such a huge toll on students’ pockets. It is not right for professors to require their students to purchase a new textbook every semester, especially in a period of slow economic recovery.

According to the L.A. Times, there are a few colleges where professors take into account the different demographics they are teaching. They are more lenient towards the prices of textbooks and the various editions their students purchase. Some professors, such as Cal State Northridge professor Lynn Gordon, purchase textbooks from their own pockets to lend to their students. Other colleges like UC Davis are working towards free e-textbooks that will eventually replace traditional text.

Students should not have to pay for expensive textbooks to pass a class. All professors should take into account how much their textbook choice costs. College students already have to pay for tuition and living expenses, and the added burden of textbook costs is unnecessary.