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:

Malaysia Star

Market-driven
Malaysia Star, Malaysia - 3 hours ago
By RICHARD LIM Strongly attuned to industry needs and sensitive to students’ wants, Olympia College is certainly growing from strength to strength. ...


Human evolution? That's so over
Chicago Tribune, United States - 17 hours ago
By Laurie Goering | Chicago Tribune correspondent LONDON — Human evolution may be winding down as the forces that once drove it—older fathers, ...


Trojans Fall on Homecoming Weekend
Taylor University Trojans Athletics, IN - 7 hours ago
On a day where the Trojans recognized six key seniors, the Taylor University men's soccer team dropped its third conference game to the Bethel College ...


Earlham lose to OWU; IU East drops 2 matches
Palladium-Item, IN - 16 hours ago
Earlham College started a home weekend with a 25-19, 25-14, 25-22 loss to Ohio Wesleyan University on Friday night in the Athletics and Wellness Center. ...


Saint Joseph's College Puma Athletics

Panthers Claw Past Pumas
Saint Joseph's College Puma Athletics, IN - 12 hours ago
The Saint Joseph's College men's soccer team lost to Drury University 4-1 on Friday night at Joseph L. Minielli Field. The Panther (9-3 GLVC 6-2) got on the ...


College, university partner up
Sarnia Observer,  Canada - Oct 6, 2008
Lambton College and Brock University have partnered on a new degree/diploma program in the pharmaceutical field. Students can enroll in the 15- credit ...


Area roundup: Blazers extend streak to 15
St. Cloud Times, MN - 21 hours ago
ST. PAUL — The College of St. Benedict volleyball team ran its winning streak to 15 consecutive matches Friday with a pair of victories at the ...


Women's Rugby Drops Match to Brown, 31-12
Vassar College Athletics, NY - 5 hours ago
POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (October 11, 2008) – The Vassar College women’s rugby team lost to top-ranked Brown University, 31-12, at the Vassar Farm on Saturday. ...


Voice of America

Foreign Student Series: College, University or Institute?
Voice of America - Sep 24, 2008
College, university: what's the difference? We answer that this week in part three of our Foreign Student Series on American higher education. ...


Rutgers Finishes Eighth In RU Women’s Invitational
Rutgers University Scarlet Knights Online, NJ - 5 hours ago
PISCATAWAY, NJ – The Rutgers women's golf team took eighth place in the 2008 Rutgers Women's Invitational, held Friday and Saturday at the par 72, ...

College-University - Google News

home | site map
© 2006