3 answers
Andie
Student
Omaha, Nebraska
2
Questions
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What is the best/most affordable way to pay for college text books?
Is it worth the risk to buy a cheaper, but more outdated version of a book or do I take the safe route and spend the extra money for the requested book? #books
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3 answers
Joseph Bono
Professional Consultant
20
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Aside from your campus bookstore, check online retailers like Ebay, Amazon, and Half.com. But be very careful to check the edition you're buying is the most current, or 2nd to most current.
Publishers try to stary ahead of the second-hand market by issuing “updates” to their titles, which can range anywhere from entirely new sections to simple re-arrangements of existing text. Sometimes it’s warranted, often it isn’t. Your professors are almost certain to instruct student to purchase the most current edition. You can search message boards online to see if the changes between versions is substantial – keeping in mind that if you choose for an older version you’ll be operating off a book that may be arranged differently than how the syllabus lists readings and classwork.
Buying second-hand books can save you a lot of money, sometimes up to half the cost of a new one. So it's definitely worth considering. Also, don't rely on the buyback program when deciding. They usually offer only $5 to $10 back on a book that costs over $100, which isn't enough to influence your choice.
Publishers try to stary ahead of the second-hand market by issuing “updates” to their titles, which can range anywhere from entirely new sections to simple re-arrangements of existing text. Sometimes it’s warranted, often it isn’t. Your professors are almost certain to instruct student to purchase the most current edition. You can search message boards online to see if the changes between versions is substantial – keeping in mind that if you choose for an older version you’ll be operating off a book that may be arranged differently than how the syllabus lists readings and classwork.
Buying second-hand books can save you a lot of money, sometimes up to half the cost of a new one. So it's definitely worth considering. Also, don't rely on the buyback program when deciding. They usually offer only $5 to $10 back on a book that costs over $100, which isn't enough to influence your choice.
Marlene Turner
Account Executive
14
Answers
Raymond, Mississippi
Updated
Marlene’s Answer
Many university libraries have copies of textbooks that can be checked out for a specific amount of time. Consider purchasing used textbooks or even borrowing books from friends who have already taken the same class. Some college students strategically plan when they will take particular courses with their friends so they can swap books from semester to semester.
Gillian
Student
Somerdale, New Jersey
9
Questions
Updated
Gillian’s Answer
I find that it is best to look on Amazon. Often they offer book rentals cheaper than college bookstores do, and good quality as well. Ask your professor if you will be fine renting an older edition of a required textbook, only they will know the answer to that, being that some older editions barely have any significant change while others are pretty different from a required edition. Online e-book rentals are often cheaper than a physical textbook rental, but with certain courses, I prefer having the physical textbook in front of me rather than the online version. :)