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Paying for college is stressful enough. But the cost of college textbooks have students feeling anxiety over affordability that sticks around long after tuition has been paid for.
That’s because aside from tuition, books and other course materials weigh heavily on college students, according to a survey from education and technology company Cengage. Forty percent of students skip meals to make sure they can pay for textbooks.
Eighty-seven percent feel the cost of college textbooks and other course materials are overpriced. This is minorly different than tuition — 86 percent feel it’s overpriced.
Textbook affordability is tougher for minorities and women
Most college students in the poll admit that the cost of college textbooks are high. But some groups feel the burden more than others. Here’s a look at the groups of students struggling the hardest…
- Black students admit they didn’t buy course materials: 60 percent
- Hispanic students opt out of required textbooks: 64 percent
- Women use financial aid to pay for textbooks and course materials: 76 percent (compared to only 10 percent of men)
