Unreal Textbook Prices!

[CityChicker]

I am just wondering how some of the other students here handle the cost of textbooks. This semester is my worst one yet, about $1,200 (a couple hundred of that was some lab equipment though). Normally though, it seems like $600-$800 is about average. Between my husband and I, I bet we are spending $4,000 or more per year on textbooks.

Anyone have any awesome money saving ideas? We have found that Amazon or Barnes and Noble (usually buying used) online have about the best deals consistently. We have also starting reselling our old books on Amazon or trading with other classmates. Sometimes, we also have found good deals on Half.com or Alibris.

Any other good sources we don't know about?

 

[debilorrah]

Used books, advertise on CL, pair up with others taking the same classes and share books. Textbook prices are beyond ridiculous!!! My stepson's psych book was $159. USED.

 

[goobhen]

If you find them, please share! My son just started college this month (he is 23 yrs old, single dad, and I am so proud of him!!) I told him to try Half-Price books, but it was a work-book, so he had to buy it new! I cannot believe the price of 4 books! I could have built another 90' chicken run for what it cost him! God bless you & your husband, Theresa

 

[debilorrah]

The sharing of textbooks also ensures that you get your studying done......

 

[FrenchHen]

buy used on Amazon.
I've found good things on Alibris.com as well.

Good luck! It's hard to carve that out of the budget.

 

[Sunny the Hippie Chick]

Some times a college will collect all the old books at the end of the year and sell them cheaper than the new ones. Check it out, you never know. I know the community college down here sells used books. Not a large selection. And when you trade in your used ones you can get some credit towards other books you need.

 

[saddina]

Half.com, and list your books as soon as you take finals.

Ask your professor if you can use the 6th instead of the 7th edition etc...

The place to look out is the end of chapter questions are changed each edition, if so, swing by the campus library after class, photocopy off the page with the homework questions, and then use your 6th edition book to answer them.

 

[RabbitMage]

There are also sites where you can rent textbooks. I don't have any addresses handy, but I know if you Google "textbook rentals" you'll find some.

 

[Renee]

I stopped ordering textbooks for my students. I now have them use the free online text at WSU and the free online source book at Fordham. Ask your professors if they would consider using free online texts.

 

[onthespot]

My brother took nursing school a year behind me. He couldn't afford the books either. I let him use mine, even though it was a different title, author, edition, table of contents. He could use it as a reference. Heck, human anatomy is the same, no matter how you break it up and teach it. Nursing 101... not too many ways to get lost in that subject either. He just used it as a reference and wore out the index looking up answers. Worked for him. My bookstore offered me back $20, count 'em... TWENTY DOLLARS for a book I had just paid $149 nine weeks ago. I would rather use it to block up an old car than take twenty dollars for it from those crooks! I was so mad....

edit to add, reason why the books were way different is because he went to a comletely different college than I did.