Digital textbooks may save students hundreds of dollars on college costs

Digital textbooks may save students hundreds of dollars on college costs

Students who wish to save money on higher education costs may want to consider enrolling in an online degree program. Many web-based courses do not require students to buy textbooks, which could save learners hundreds of dollars per year. Online programs often encourage students to use e-textbooks as an affordable alternative.

The National Association of College Stores (NACS) recently announced that they predict digital texts could make up 10 to 15 percent of the textbook market in two years. Several factors may lead to this growth, including student awareness of e-textbook options and the increased ease many learners have using digital content.

Students who use digital texts usually purchase access to the digital information for a set period of time. There are typically no limits on how much of the content can be printed.

According to the 2010 Student Watch report conducted by NACS' OnCampus Research division, digital textbooks currently make up an average of 2.8 percent of total textbook sales and about 15 percent of courses offered a digital text last year.

In the future, e-textbooks are expected to feature interactive learning content, according to Charles Schmidt, director of public relations for NACS.

The national average for textbook costs at four-year public colleges during the 2009-2010 academic year is $1,122 per student, according to College Board.

By Mark Danson