Many College Students Find Textbooks Too Expensive Study Says

The California Public Interest Research Group, or Calpirg, study shows text book prices have gone up more than 80 percent over the past 10 years, or roughly three times the rate of inflation. Saira Delgado with Calpirg says some students are buying older books even though the information may be dated.

“Text books are just so expensive that some people choose to take that risk because they just can’t afford to buy a $200 textbook for one class,” says Delgado.

Calpirg surveyed 2,000 students at more than 150 campuses nationwide. According to the College Board, student spending on textbooks and supplies reached $1,200 in the most recent year.

Calpirg is pushing for more “open license” books, which are available free on-line and at reduced costs for print versions.