Textbook expenses can be a nuisance to a college student’s budget. Why are they so expensive? These are the most frequently asked questions and answers, according to the National Association of College Stores.

How much do students spend on course materials each year?

While information can vary based on course load and subject matter, students estimated spending an average of $370 on required course materials during the fall 2013 term.

This amount does not include the savings achieved by students selling their used textbooks, which further reduces net costs for most students. Further, 40.6 percent of students said they usually pay for course materials with grants, scholarships and student loans during the fall 2013 term. Financial assistance covered 57 percent of the costs of the course materials for those students.

How much does the college store make on textbooks?

It is a common misperception that college stores make a large profit on textbooks. For new textbooks, college stores typically obtain the books they sell directly from publishers. Publishers establish the amount they charge college stores for each title.

After expenses have been paid, a college store makes less than 4 cents on every dollar’s worth of new textbooks sold. In most cases, the money that is made goes back to the institution and into student programs, such as financial aid, to help defray other costs of higher education.

What percentage of students buy textbooks at the college store? 

The latest research from Student Watch™ fall 2013 indicates students purchase 47 percent of their required course materials either at the college store or through the college store’s web site.  

Click here to find out more about textbooks at Iowa State.

More questions about college textbooks? Visit http://www.nacs.org/.