Save your money: get your textbooks for less

You will pick up several tips and tricks during your college years – some good; some bad. But saving money is definitely going to be one of the good things. Something you should know before you start college is that textbooks are expensive; they are the second highest expense when it comes to your college education, in fact. So before you go, here are some hints to help you save money on books.

Get in touch with your professor

Most professors are required to assign a textbook to the course, but that does not mean they actually want you to buy it. The expense of a textbook can sometimes be avoided if you just ask.

So on the first day of class, show up without purchasing the book. If that is too much of a risk, consider sending your professor an email before the start of your course to see if you’ll actually need to purchase the book.

Ask your friends

You never know, your friend might have taken the class a few semesters back. If they did, they may be willing to let you borrow it or even sell it to you for the friends and family discount price. It doesn’t hurt to ask.

Join a book swap group

Don’t forget to check out the student book swap on your college campus for prices you cannot pass up. Like majorly low prices.

If you’re going to buy

Buy your textbooks used. The market for the textbooks you need is infinite. You can find several gently used textbooks for purchase at your campus books store and other online marketplaces.

Let’s compare the prices of used books:

Used Book Alternatives:

Barnes & Noble: $90.85 5th edition

AbeBooks.com:  $97.24 5th edition (used)

Amazon books: $91.74 5th edition (used)

eBay books: $79.00 5th edition (used)

Student BookSwap: $10.00 5th edition (used)

If you are going to buy, but want more savings

Purchase the e-text. The technology revolution has made e-textbooks possible, and many publishers offer electronic textbooks for purchase. If there is an e-text available for the textbook you are looking for, it is likely to be significantly less in price.

If you don’t want to own the book

Rent. Renting your textbook can save you a lot of money. Some retailers even offer the option to rent used, which you can save even more. In most cases you will only need your textbook for one semester, so why not rent?

If you don’t want to rent, then borrow

Check out your school’s library. Often you won’t be able to check out the textbook, but you can use it while you’re studying in the library.

Don’t lose your receipts

You or your parents can earn a tax credit for the money you spend on textbooks. If either of you qualify for The American Opportunity Tax Credit it will contribute up to $2,500 on the costs your financial aid did not cover, this consists of tuition, fees and course materials, which includes textbooks.

Make some of your money back

After the semester is finished, the textbooks from your classes will likely serve no further purpose. So, get rid of them! Usually, college bookstores offer buy back services. You could also sell them online or through a book swap service. Just don’t forget to be gentle with them.

So, now that you know… don’t let your textbooks burn a hole in your pocket. These tips will save you – guaranteed or your money back.