College in America isn’t cheap. But while scholarships are available to assist students, there’s an extra added expense of textbooks that burns a hole in students’ wallets.
According to CBS News, the cost of college textbooks has increased four times faster than the rate of inflation. The average college student spends $1,200 on college textbooks per year. About 65% of students don’t buy textbooks because they cannot afford them.
Fortunately, the market for discounted and rented textbooks is booming. But many college students ask, is renting better than buying? Let’s explore both options to determine which is best for you.
Is Renting Better Than Buying?
When it comes to determining if it’s best to rent or buy textbooks, examine each course individually. There are a few questions to ask yourself, such as:
- Why am I taking this cause?
- Will I need the book later in my college career?
- Do I need supplemental materials that come with the textbook?
- What edition does my professor require?
- Are there buyback programs available?
- Can I keep this book in proper shape to return it at the end of the semester?
By answering these questions, you should be able to determine if it is better to rent or buy textbooks.
Why Am I Taking This Course?
The type of college course can help you determine if renting or buying textbooks is best. For general education classes, renting is usually a good option.
Some college students think buying textbooks for general education courses won’t be too expensive. They’re wrong. But students who rent books save up to 70%.
The bottom line is if you’re taking a philosophy course because your school requires it, you don’t need the textbook forever. Renting supplies you with the book temporarily, so you can ace the class and never have to worry about it again.
Will I Need This Book Later?
When it comes to taking classes within your major, buying may be the better option. While renting textbooks is often more affordable, textbooks required for your major may come in handy later in your college career.
You may finish college by writing a thesis. After graduation, you may need to pass license and certification exams. Old textbooks come in handy for studying and researching industry-specific topics. Textbooks are an excellent source when writing professional papers and research documents.
Therefore, buying a textbook in your field of study is a worthwhile purchase. But you don’t have to buy new. There are many places to purchase second-hand textbooks that you can use throughout your college career.
Do I Need Supplemental Materials?
Before renting or buying a used textbook, check your syllabus. Many professors require textbooks and supplemental materials, like access codes to online programs, for the course. Access codes cost an average of $100 and 60% of students are using them in college courses.
If the supplemental materials are only available with the textbook, your options are limited. In this scenario, you must buy a new textbook that includes the required elements.
But in some cases, you can buy the supplemental materials and the book separately. If this is possible, rent the textbook and buy the extra supplies individually.
If you’re a bargain shopper, do a little research. Compare prices of textbooks and supplemental materials. In most situations, renting the textbooks and purchasing the materials separately is more cost-efficient.
What Edition Does My Professor Require?
Renting textbooks is a popular way for students to get through college without emptying their piggy banks. With so many online textbook rental retailers, students can usually find the exact book they need for their college courses.
However, problems arise when it comes to getting the right edition of a textbook. If a professor requires a new edition of a textbook, some rental carriers may not have it in stock yet.
Renting an older edition may cause slight issues. The information in varying editions of textbooks should be similar, but older editions may contain outdated statistics. Different editions also make it more difficult to follow along and use page references.
If your professor requires a special edition of the textbook, reach out to him or her. Ask if an older edition is suitable. If so, you can rent your textbook.
Some professors use the book for a guide, in which case the edition doesn’t make a huge difference. If the professor bases exams off of the information in the book, it’s best to buy the correct edition.
Are There Buyback Programs Available?
When determining whether to rent college books or buy them, consider buyback programs. Renting is the cheapest way to receive a college textbook. However, if you buy a textbook, you have the option to sell it at the end of the semester.
Reselling books won’t turn a profit. But it will help you earn back some of the money you spent at the beginning of the semester.
Consider buyback programs available at your school. Talk to your friends and classmates to see if anyone is taking your courses in the next semester. Browse online stores that buy college textbooks back from students.
If you’re up to the task, buying a textbook and reselling it later can be worthwhile. If buyback programs aren’t available for your textbook, renting is the more economical alternative.
Can I Keep This Book in Proper Shape?
Finally, determining between buying and renting comes down to how you handle your textbooks.
If you are prone to losing items, don’t rent. If your textbooks tend to become damaged, don’t rent. If you want to highlight and write notes in your textbook, don’t rent.
Returning a ruined textbook can cost you. The supplier may not accept the book and charge you a replacement fee. If you lose the textbook, you will have to pay for buying the book.
When it comes to choosing between buying and renting, know yourself. When renting, you need to keep the book is decent condition. If that’s not something you can do, buying might be the better option.
Discover Discounted Textbooks
Is renting better than buying? Asking yourself a variety of questions can help you determine which is the best option for you and your wallet.
If you’re looking for a reputable source for renting textbooks, you’ve come to the right place. We have plenty of hardcopy and e-textbooks for college students. Browse our selection now.