College & University Information

An Education in Saving on Textbooks


Every year students flock to the college bookstore to purchase the various textbooks that they require for their classes. Little do these students realize that, in doing so, they are throwing good money away. As unbelievable as it may seem textbooks, in some cases, actually cost as much, if not more, than tuition.

On the surface the college bookstore may seem like a convenient source for textbooks. Titles are usually in-stock and students may purchase new textbooks or opt for the cheaper alternative of used books. In truth the money saved by purchasing used textbooks from the college bookstore is only a fraction of the amount that students could be saving if they shopped online.

More and more online booksellers have begun selling textbooks at a considerable discount off of the cover price. In fact, many major booksellers now have special areas of their web sites that are devoted to selling nothing but textbooks. Online used bookstores are another source for college books as they stock a large number of textbooks, which means sizable savings for students. There are also web-based retailers whose inventory is entirely devoted to college books.

Students should avoid purchasing their textbooks at the first store that they browse. Instead, they should investigate the alternatives offered by other online booksellers. Price isn't the only factor to consider when making an online purchase. Students should also factor in shipping costs and delivery time when making their buying decision.

Online auctions are another option for students seeking a bargain. This option, however, has its pros and cons. A plus is that students can get incredible bargains when obtaining books via online auctions. One downside is that established retailers have channels in place to ensure that you receive your order within a reasonable amount of time. With an auction purchase, however, you are at the mercy of the auction seller's timetable.

One way that students can really save is by obtaining books for free. Project Gutenberg is one resource that English majors will find invaluable. At this site students can peruse a vast collection of classics that have entered the public domain. In the past students seeking assistance with their studies had to pay for the privilege of that help by purchasing study guides. Today that is no longer the case. Cash-strapped students can now visit Spark Notes for free downloadable study guides as well as free downloadable classics.

Students who elect to buy online will no longer be able to resell their books to the college bookstore at the end of class, but that doesn't mean that they are stuck with the textbooks. Many web sites that sell textbooks also offer students the option of selling their books to fellow bargain-seekers. This allows students to easily recouping a portion of their money.

Textbooks normally consume a major portion of a student's budget, but that doesn't have to be the case, because while the cost of tuition may be set in stone the price of textbooks isn't. By taking the time to do a little research on the best textbook values available college students can save money now rather than acquiring debt to be paid back later.

Copyright © 2004 Heather Wallace

Heather Wallace is founder of http://www.BargainMartian.com Visit to take advantage of the out of this world bargains from leading merchants found in this comprehensive directory of deals, rebates, bargains, coupons, and money-saving offers.


MORE RESOURCES:

Free Webinar Dec. 3rd for College/University Administrators Will ...
MarketWatch - Nov 20, 2008
NEEDHAM, Mass., Nov 20, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- NEEDHAM, Mass., Nov. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- A free webinar, aimed at assisting college and university ...


Man's suicide involves drugs — and a webcam
Seattle Times, United States - 14 hours ago
The Broward College student took a lethal mixture of three drugs Wednesday and then blogged about it while a webcam broadcast his actions, including his ...


College, University Endowments Take Hits
KHBS/KHOG 40/29, AR - Nov 20, 2008
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Many colleges and universities have a lot riding on the stock market. They rely on interest gained from endowments to fund things such ...


Students protest cancellation of admission in BBA course
Times of India, India - 2 hours ago
PATNA: Protesting against the reported cancellation of admission of as many as 145 candidates against additional sections in BBA course of Patna College, ...


College, university to receive county cash in 2009
Barrie Advance, Canada - Nov 20, 2008
Simcoe County will support Georgian College and Lakehead University in their quests to expand – but not beyond 2009. In formulating its 2009 operating ...


W. Liberty OK’d As University
Wheeling Intelligencer, WV - 17 hours ago
By BETHANY ROMANEK WEST LIBERTY - It began as West Liberty Academy in 1837, and on Friday West Liberty State College officials received word that the ...


Stetson Selects First Female President
Tampa Tribune, FL - 17 hours ago
By LINDSAY PETERSON GULFPORT - Stetson University has picked the first female president in its 125-year history, Wendy Libby, from Stephens College, ...


AU women get first win of season
Aurora Beacon News, IL - 12 hours ago
Kim Voiles had a game-high 22 points, grabbed five rebounds and added four assists and four steals as Aurora University picked up its first win of the year, ...


Malaysia Star

Cause to celebrate
Malaysia Star, Malaysia - 12 minutes ago
SUNWAY University College (Sunway) made a milestone achievement recently when it bagged two gold awards and the High Commissioner’s Award, all on the same ...


UA leaders greenlight mergers for small units
Arizona Daily Star, AZ - 17 hours ago
By Aaron Mackey The UA's top two leaders have given their blessing to about a dozen small academic-program mergers designed to make the institution more ...

College-University - Google News

home | site map
© 2006