College is expensive. The cost of textbooks does not benefit students who are already in a financial burden, which is why textbooks should be free for all students. There are many unfortunate students who would love to attend college to pursue their dreams, but the cost of college is horrific. “According to College Board, the average college student in America spends about $1,200 per year on textbooks and supplies. That amounts to approximately 13 percent of tuition at a traditional, four-year university.” (Deseret News). Students should not have to pay for textbooks because it adds more to their financial burden.
College tuition is expensive enough, so why should students have to pay an additional cost for textbooks? Textbooks should be free for students because they already have a heavy load on their hands. They have classes to stress on, and some stress on finding a part-time job to help pay for their tuition. Professors may suggest their students to purchase the latest edition because it has updated information. Many of these updated textbooks are nothing but a waste of money. The updated version is simply the same textbook aside from a different cover and a few pictures being moved around. There is no need to spend $200 for the latest edition when it is the same textbook as the older edition with the exact content. Occasionally, the required textbooks are only used a few times throughout the entire course. “… having to pay hundreds of dollars for required materials when in reality, they will only be utilized for a couple of weeks. Most classes do not require covering all the content, but rather only a handful of chapters at a time.” (Daily Nexus). $100-$200 per textbook per course is a ridiculous amount when it is only used for a few weeks. On top of that, some courses may require more than one textbook. Professors should be kind and provide the material that is required for the course. This would be beneficial for the students to save money on other important finances that they might come across.
Students are willing to take the risk and not purchase any textbooks for their classes. “Of the 1,651 current and former students surveyed, a majority told Morning Consult they didn't buy what was required, purchased outdated copies, or shared with classmates.” (Axios). Initially, they are saving hundreds of dollars, but conflicts arise when they do not have their own updated textbook. Sharing with peers can causes conflict because each student’s studying time might not sync with the other. While not purchasing the correct textbook could mislead to incorrect assignments or studying materials. Most students do not want to fail the class, but they are willing to accept the lower grade or “as long as I am passing the class” to save money. When students have the mentality of just passing the class, they will do the bare minimum. Students should always put in their best effort and dedication to all their classes. These future graduates need to do well in their classes to succeed. If colleges provided free textbooks for all students, this would not be the issue. All students would be doing well and would not have to worry about purchasing textbooks to succeed.
“… 43 percent said they skipped meals, 31 percent registered for fewer classes and 69 percent worked a job during the school year — all to save money for books.” (Inside Higher Ed). It is unfortunate what some students do to save money for their education because it is their main priority. They want to do well and graduate on time. The students who do not have much financial support from their families work harder and sacrifice more than others. When they skip meals to save money for textbooks, their health is in danger. They are not getting their nutritional needs. They become tired and do not sleep well which affects their performance in school. When students take fewer classes to save money for textbooks, they might not graduate on time. When students get a part or full-time job, they lack their dedication towards their education. Their main focus would shift from education to money. If colleges were to provide free textbooks for all students, this would not be the issue. Students would not skip meals, therefore; their health would not be a factor that affects their education. Students would not have to register for fewer classes which results in them graduating on time. Lastly, they would not have to work during the school year which gives the students more time to focus on their studies.
Students would be thrilled to have free textbooks, but colleges and textbook companies would frown upon it because textbooks are a business. These businesses need their finances flowing in and out. If colleges were to provide free textbooks, where would the money come from? Maybe the funds would come from a company that wants to advertise their product on campus such as energy drinks. “… free textbooks is obviously appealing, … interested in reducing the overall cost of higher education. But it doesn’t make any sense to allow cost to be our primary concern in assessing resources that amount to just a fraction of students’ total expenditures …, meanwhile, those same resources can play an outsize role in determining whether students pass a course, graduate from college or are prepared for future employment.” (Inside Higher Ed). Textbooks are a foundation of a student’s education. Yet, textbooks are a factor of a student’s financial burden. People could possibly reconsider other elements that could make college cheaper. The aim could be toward the campus distributing unnecessary free items: t-shirts, hats, water bottles, or having unnecessary vending machines in every hallway. Everyone loves the free merchandises and convenience from their schools but it is unnecessary and could potentially deduct the cost of tuition. Students need textbooks because of the assigned readings, homework, and studying material. To get an exceptional grade in the class, the textbook is required. As of now, college is not providing free textbooks even though the cost of tuition is extremely high. It would be accommodating if professors were open to providing the texts and materials by uploading them to a class website. During my Freshman year, I spent approximately $800 on textbooks for one semester! I had eight classes, and each class required a textbook or lab manual. Each textbook or lab manual cost approximately $150 plus, and most of them were used and an older edition. It is absurd how the cost of textbooks escalates over the years. I saw an idea on the internet how colleges should start proposing a free textbook rental program. The college would provide all textbooks for student's registered classes. All textbooks will be free unless damaged. Students need to sign up for their textbooks before the semester or quarter starts or else they will pay for the textbook. Upon returning the textbooks, it needs to be in the same condition as received. If the textbooks are returned damaged or late, then the student is responsible to pay a fee.
College is very expensive. The cost of textbooks does not benefit students who are already in a financial burden, which is why textbooks should be free for all students. No one should put a price tag on knowledge. It should be accessible to everyone. The cost of college and textbooks are the reason why most get discouraged to attend because they believe they cannot afford it. If a student wants to pursue their dream, they should go for it. Do not let anything affect it. Higher education is one of the most valuable gifts someone can receive and invest in their lifetime. If textbooks were free there would be a lesser financial burden.