Where to find cheap textbooks
New textbooks can cost hundreds of dollars a term. You rarely need to pay full price. Here are the options, roughly from cheapest to most expensive.
1. Free options first
Before you spend anything, check these:
- Your library: many keep course textbooks on reserve for short loans
- Open textbooks (OER): some courses use free online books; ask your instructor
- Students giving books away: search for free listings at your school
- Book swaps: trade a book you have finished for one you need
2. Buy used from another student
Students who took your course last term often have exactly the edition you need. Buying from them usually costs much less than the bookstore, and you can check the book before you pay.
Search by ISBN or course code to find the exact book. If nobody has it yet, post a request and we email you when someone lists it.
3. Ask if an older edition is fine
Older editions often have the same chapters with small changes, and cost far less. Ask your instructor whether the previous edition works, and check that the homework problems match.
4. Rent or buy digital
Rentals and e-books can be cheaper than new print copies, but you cannot sell them on afterwards. Compare the rental price with buying used and selling it back at the end of term.
Watch out for access codes
Some courses need an online access code for homework. Used books usually come with a used code that will not work. Check the syllabus before you buy, and buy the code on its own if you need it.
Ready to save on textbooks?