Did you know new college textbooks can cost you more than $1,200 a year? That’s many months’ rent and an additional $4,800 to put on your student debt tab come graduation. Not ideal which is why discount textbooks are the answer.
Prices are on the rise and they’re leaving students unprepared for their classes. Worse, not having class books leads to shortcutting assignments and picking classes for the wrong reasons. Discount textbooks are a great way to offset financial stress.
A new school year doesn’t mean your books need to be new. In fact, there are many benefits to buying cheap textbooks, even beyond saving money.
Read on to learn why college books don’t have to break your bank.
Used Book Benefits
If you’ve been stuck in the new textbook loop for several terms, it can feel unfairor even scam-like as you watch them sit in the corner of your room, untouched. If your college textbooks have become bedside stands or dust collectors, it’s time to shop smarter.
There are only two reasons why new textbooks would be worth the money:
- If you use them every. single. day.
- If it’s a book you know you love that you’ll keep forever
More often, however, the case remains that the syllabus change and you don’t get to half of the required books. Even more often, your class topics are obscure and not forever-favorites.
Books on the law of probability or English literature from the 1600s aren’t exactly personal bookshelf material. That’s hundreds of dollars wasted. That’s a lot of weekends babysitting.
When it comes to buying used textbooks, you have several freeing options. You can:
- Buy used books
- Sell textbooks
- Rent textbooks
These methods can help you save money, get bonus highlights and annotations, and feel greater authority over your college learning experience.
Discount Textbooks
Buying used textbooks can save you up to 95%! The CheapestTextbooks.com database lets you buy, rent, and sell back paperback, hardcover, and eTextbooks. Here’s how it works.
Buy Textbooks
When it comes to finding the cheapest used college books, you can leave that to us. Just follow these three steps.
- Punch in the book’s ISBN number
- Choose an older version for maximum savings
- Sell back the book when it’s done!
Our search engine scans 1,000s of sellers, offers a variety of editions, free shipping coupons and cashback when you’re finished!
It’s as easy as 1-2-3. Legitimately.
Sell Textbooks
Selling textbooks after semester makes your initial used book purchase that much easier. As you run your credit card, remind yourself, This is only temporary.
All of your commitment issues may be put to rest; what sweet relief.
When it comes to selling textbooks back, we want you to get the highest price. Taking good care of the book makes that possible. It’s also possible to get store credits instead of cash if you’ll buy more books from the same merchant again!
Either way, you can choose which benefit is right for you based on where you are in your schooling.
Rent Textbooks
Renting your books can save you 70%! There are a couple of differences between renting and buying textbooks. Similar to checking out a book from the library, renting books have due dates and late fees.
The best way to know whether to rent or buy your college books depends on your use for it. If you’ll need it for the semester, it’s better to buy it. If you need it for one unit or only a week or two, renting is the way to go.
Just keep an eye on those due dates so all runs smoothly!
The other perk of renting books is that you don’t have to worry about selling the book back afterward. If you’re someone who “turns off” when the semester is over, perhaps renting is a no-brainer. Literally.
eTextbooks
More schools are transitioning to eLearning platforms today. As such, eTextbooks are becoming popular options for book selections. If you’re interested in a digital textbook, there are a few things to consider.
You may want to consider the following questions.
- Do I do better reading online or on paper?
- Do I do better with hand annotations or typed?
- How do I best integrate information?
- Which is easiest to reference when writing essays and doing assignments?
- Does the class allow for it?
- Does the eTextbook require certain software?
eTextbooks are environmentally-friendly, weightless, and quick. That said, consider what type of student you are and what how your class will be using the book before you decide. If your class doesn’t allow laptops, it may be difficult to participate in a class discussion.
Also make sure it’s available as a used book option! eTextbooks may have limited editions.
Ultimately, finding the best book option for you is an easy way to feel in control over your classes. Now you can truly focus on what you’re meant to focus on—school!
Unexpected Used Book Benefits
There’s something special about receiving a book with highlights and annotations. Used books already have innate charm because they’re worn. Annotated used books have an additional charm because they’re lived.
Not only do you get to benefit from randomly penciled insights, but used college textbooks show that college really is a collective and collaborative experience. Holding a book that’s been used by other students is its own secret code. Perhaps its been around the world!
Buying, selling and renting used books reminds us what books should be—unique, treasured, sacred texts to be used for growth and learning.
Used Books Are Better Books
If there’s one time to be money-conscious, it’s in college. There are lots of mistakes to be made; don’t let pricey new textbooks be one of them. Discount textbooks make sure you do college right.
Your studies don’t happen on the first day of class. They happen the day you choose your classes. Study your syllabus and research your used book options for optimal savings.
We’ve got you covered on finding books for classic college subjects. Browse here to get a jump start on your used book bonanza. Have fun, study hard and make things easier for yourself with cheap college textbooks.