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Low Cost/No Cost Textbook Alternatives

An introduction to Low Cost/No Cost Textbook alternatives for faculty members who are interested in incorporating these resources into teaching and learning.

Low Cost/No Cost Textbook Alternatives: A Subcommittee of the Student Development Committee

Mission

We strive to improve student and instructor access to high quality, affordable learning materials at Triton College.

Vision

This subcommittee ensures student and instructor access to high quality, affordable learning materials at Triton College by researching and identifying no cost or low cost textbook options, raising awareness of these options among our colleagues, supporting faculty who wish to adopt them, developing best practices for implementation, and assessing their pedagogical impact.

Why Pursue A Lower Cost Textbook Option?

The College Board reports the average community college student spends $1,390 on books and supplies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, textbooks costs are 812 percent higher than three decades ago. 

Census Data Infographic

In a 2013 survey of over 2,000 college students on 150 college campuses, the Student Public Interest Research Groups reported that 65% of students surveyed had decided against buying a textbook because it was too expensive.

Learn more about adopting a low cost or no cost textbook alternative for your course!