Where to Find Cheap Textbooks: 8 Ways to Save on College Books
College textbooks can get expensive fast. One class may require a traditional textbook, another may use an online access code, and another may assign a book you only open a handful of times all semester.
The good news is that you usually have more options than simply buying a brand-new copy from the campus bookstore. Depending on the class, you may be able to buy used, rent, choose a digital edition, borrow a copy, or even find a legitimate free textbook online.
Before you spend anything, use these strategies to find cheap textbooks and keep your college book costs under control.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some links in this article are paid links.
1. Wait Until You Know You Actually Need the Textbook
Unless your professor has specifically told you to have the book before the first day of class, it can make sense to wait before ordering.
Sometimes a book listed for a course turns out to be optional. Your professor may use only a few chapters, provide readings another way, or explain that an older edition will work just fine.
You don’t want to wait so long that you fall behind, but you also don’t need to automatically purchase every book on your course list the moment it appears.
Before buying, confirm:
- Is the textbook required or recommended?
- Which edition do you need?
- Do you need an online access code?
- Will an older edition work?
- Is a digital version acceptable?
2. Search for Textbooks Using the ISBN
If you want to compare textbook prices, the ISBN is your friend.
An ISBN is the unique number assigned to a specific book and edition. Searching by ISBN instead of just the book title can help you avoid accidentally ordering the wrong version.
You can usually find the ISBN on your syllabus, course materials list, campus bookstore website, or the book’s listing.
Once you have it, copy the ISBN and search several places before buying. You can start by searching Amazon for your textbook (paid link), then compare that price with your campus bookstore and other booksellers.
3. Compare New, Used, Digital, and Rental Prices
Don’t assume the least expensive-looking listing is automatically the best deal.
A used textbook may cost less than a new copy, while a rental may cost even less if you don’t need to keep the book. A digital version may also be worth considering, especially if you prefer reading and studying on a laptop or tablet.
Compare the total cost, including:
- Purchase or rental price
- Shipping
- Required access codes or online course materials
- Rental return deadlines
- Potential resale value if you buy the book
A $25 used textbook isn’t a bargain if you later discover that your class also requires a separate $100 access code.
4. Buy Used Textbooks
Buying used is one of the simplest ways to reduce textbook costs.
For many courses, a used copy contains exactly the same material as a brand-new book. A little highlighting or wear usually doesn’t matter if you’re mainly interested in the content.
Check your campus bookstore, local bookstores, online marketplaces, and used textbook listings on Amazon (paid link).
Just make sure you confirm the ISBN and edition before ordering. Also check whether the course requires a one-time-use code or other materials that may not be included with a used book.
5. Consider Renting Instead of Buying
If you only need a textbook for one semester and don’t expect to use it again, renting may make more sense than buying.
Compare rental prices from your college bookstore and online textbook sellers. Before choosing a rental, read the terms carefully. Pay attention to:
- The return deadline
- Late-return fees
- Rules about highlighting or writing in the book
- What happens if the book is lost or damaged
- Whether you can extend the rental if necessary
Renting isn’t always the cheapest option. If a used copy costs only slightly more and you can resell it later, buying may ultimately cost less.
6. Look at Digital Textbooks
Digital textbooks can be convenient, especially if you don’t want to carry several heavy books around campus.
Depending on the textbook and platform, digital editions may include search, highlighting, bookmarks, notes, or other study tools.
Before choosing an eTextbook, though, check the details. Some digital textbooks are purchased permanently, while others provide access only for a specific period of time.
If you’re comparing options online, see whether your textbook has a digital edition and compare its price with new, used, and rental copies before making your decision.
7. Check Your College Library Before Paying
Your campus library may have a copy of the textbook you need, especially for commonly taught courses.
Some colleges place textbooks on course reserve, which allows students to use them in the library or check them out for a limited period. Libraries may also provide electronic access to some assigned books.
Availability can be limited, so check early. You probably don’t want to discover the night before an exam that somebody else already checked out the only copy.
You can also ask your professor or librarian whether another campus resource provides access to the book.
8. Look for Free and Open Textbooks
Some college courses use Open Educational Resources (OER) instead of traditional commercial textbooks. These materials are designed to be freely accessible to students.
One of the best-known sources is OpenStax, a nonprofit initiative from Rice University that publishes peer-reviewed, openly licensed textbooks. Students can access OpenStax textbooks online for free, and free PDF versions are available as well.
OpenStax currently covers subjects including math, science, business, social sciences, humanities, computer science, nursing, and more.
Of course, you shouldn’t substitute a different textbook without checking with your instructor. But if your professor has assigned an open textbook—or is willing to recommend one—your textbook cost could be $0.
Can You Buy an Older Edition of a Textbook?
Sometimes. But ask your professor first.
A previous edition can be significantly less expensive than the newest version, and the core material may be very similar. The problem is that chapters, page numbers, homework questions, examples, and supplemental materials can change between editions.
If your instructor says an older edition is acceptable, it can be an easy way to save money. If assignments depend on specific page numbers, problem sets, or an access code bundled with the newest edition, you’re probably better off getting the required version.
Don’t Forget About Access Codes
This is one of the easiest textbook-shopping mistakes to make.
Some courses require access to an online homework, quiz, or learning platform in addition to the textbook. Those access codes may be sold separately, bundled with a new textbook, or provided through your college.
Before buying a used textbook because it looks dramatically cheaper, figure out whether you will still have to purchase digital access separately.
Compare the total price of the book plus any required online materials—not just the price printed next to the textbook.
Sell Textbooks You Don’t Need Anymore
If you buy instead of rent, remember that the textbook may still have value when the semester ends.
You may be able to sell it to another student, your campus bookstore, a local bookstore, or an online marketplace.
Keep the book in reasonably good condition and don’t wait forever to sell it. A new edition can reduce the resale value of an older textbook.
The Cheapest Way to Buy College Textbooks: A Quick Checklist
When you get your book list for the semester, follow this order:
- Confirm the book is actually required.
- Get the exact ISBN and edition.
- Find out whether you need an access code.
- Check your campus library or course reserves.
- Look for a legitimate free or open version.
- Compare used, rental, new, and digital prices.
- Include shipping and other required materials in the total cost.
- Think about resale value before deciding whether to buy or rent.
There isn’t one cheapest place to buy every college textbook. Prices change, availability changes, and the best option depends on the book and your course requirements.
The smartest strategy is to slow down, confirm exactly what you need, and compare your options before clicking “buy.” A few extra minutes of searching at the beginning of the semester can keep you from spending money you didn’t need to spend.
