Low Cost/No Cost Textbook Alternatives

In Spring 2016, the subcommittee created a faculty survey to evaluate the awareness of and interest in low cost or no cost textbook alternatives on Triton's campus. We received 121 survey responses, which reflect faculty from a wide variety of disciplines across the College. The survey responses showed:

• 80% of faculty indicated their textbook costs over $75, and the majority of textbooks cost between $101-150
• Almost 50% of faculty have multiple students each semester complaining about the cost of textbooks
• 91% of faculty members are interested in exploring low cost or no cost textbook alternatives for their courses

In May 2016, the subcommittee created a student survey to assess the use of no cost or low cost course materials. The survey responses showed:

• 94% of students agree the course materials were easily accessible

• 99% of students agreed the course materials helped them learn effectively

• 98% of students would recommend the course materials for future classes

"Everything was easily accessible and the course material was relevant."

"Way easier, didn't have to pay for anything, and everything was right in front of you. There was no way you could not have the material you needed."

"Please continue to push for free course material. It is appreciated and also helped us have a more open mind at the beginning of the semester. It felt as though our teacher really cared about his students and therefore did what he could to save us money."

The effort to incorporate low cost and no cost textbook alternatives at Triton College began with the TAACCCT grant, which focused on incorporating Open Educational Resources in online Horticulture courses. This initiative has now grown to include sections of RHT 101, RHT 102, CHM 141, and Criminal Justice courses. In Fall 2018 alone, faculty saved students over $201,480.

Total Savings: $994,426.00