1. THE 2018 TEXTBOOK AND COURSE MATERIALS SURVEY: RESULTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Presented by:
Dr. Pam Northrup, Vice President
University of West Florida

2. SURVEY QUESTION: OVERALL COST
“Excluding textbooks, how much did you spend on required instructional materials for the term (handbooks, guides, course packets and other print or digital learning materials)?”
$0–100
$401–500
$101–200
$501–600
$201–300
$601 or more
$301–400

3. TEXTBOOK COSTS BY MAJOR
UNDER $300
OVER $300
Business
49.2 %
50.8 %
Health Sciences
49.3 %
50.7 %
Science Technology Engineering Math
Industry Manufacturing and Construction
52.1 %
47.9 %
Social Behavioral Sciences and Human Services
57 %
43 %
Public Safety
57.8 %
42.2 %
Education
60.1 %
39.9 %
Arts Humanities Communication Design
64.2 %
35.8 %
N = 21,430 public college and university students

4. TOTAL TEXTBOOK COST TO STUDENTS
For the first time since the 2012 survey, the overall textbook costs to students is trending lower.
Percent
N = 21,430 public college and university students

5. SURVEY QUESTION: MEASURES TO REDUCE COST
“In your academic career, what measures have you taken to reduce your required textbook costs? Check all that apply.” (Multiple Response)
I do not attempt to reduce textbook costs
Use a reserve copy from the campus library
Buy used copies from the campus bookstore
Share books with classmates
Buy books from a source other than the campus bookstore
Sell used books
Rent digital textbooks
Buy lifetime access to a digital version of a textbook
Rent only the digital textbook chapters needed for the course
Rent printed textbooks

6. STUDENT COST SAVINGS MEASURES
2018 %
2016 %
Difference %
I do not attempt to reduce textbook costs
4.4
3.2
1.2
Buy used copies from the campus bookstore 53
48.8
4.2
Buy books from a source other than the campus bookstore 66
63.8
2.2
Rent digital textbooks
41.4
29.6
11.8
Buy lifetime access to a digital version of a textbook
5.6
3.1
2.5
Rent only the digital textbook chapters needed for the course
7.7
5.4
2.3
Rent printed textbooks
47.8 47
0.8
Use a reserve copy from the campus library
11.7
10.4
Share books with classmates
27.1
23.7
3.4
Sell used books
37.4 39
-1.6
Other (please specify) 10
9.5
0.5
N = 21,430 public college and university students

7. SURVEY QUESTION: IMPACT
“In your academic career, has the cost of required textbooks caused you to:” (Multiple Response)
Take fewer courses
Other
Not register for a specific course
Drop a course
Withdraw from a course
Earn a poor grade because I could not afford to buy the textbook
Fail a course because I could not afford to buy the textbook
Not purchase the required textbook

8. THE IMPACT OF TEXTBOOK COST
Negative student impacts decreased between 2016 and 2018 survey results.
N = 21,430 public college and university students

9. TEXTBOOK PURCHASED BUT NOT USED
Faculty and students may be relying more on digital assets that come with textbook purchase
3.57
2.60
1.60
2012
2016
2018

10. SUMMARY
For the first time since the 2012 survey, the overall textbook costs to students is trending lower.
Students are using cost reduction strategies offered through campus bookstores and through other sources at a higher rate.
Textbook costs are still negatively impacting student academic progress.
Usage of physical textbooks deserves further investigation.