Discount Textbooks - How and Where to Find Them

Buying discount textbooks is one of the easiest ways to offset the ever-increasing costs of college. With most states facing budget cuts, colleges have been increasing tuition costs. As students we should constantly look for ways to save money, but anymore it's a real necessity. Every student should make finding cheaper textbooks part of their regular routine right along with registering for classes.

There are many ways to avoid paying the full price for your textbooks.

1.     One of the easiest ways to get discount textbooks is to buy them used. Every college student knows that if you buy your books early, the school bookstore usually has used copies. Besides the school though, there are several online retailers that specialize in selling nothing but used textbooks. This is where you can find some really good deals. All you need is the textbook's ISBN number and your search can begin.

2.     Another way to get discount textbooks is to rent them. Lately, the used textbook market has been growing like crazy. It seems like there's a new site every day. This is a good option to use when you have no interest in keeping your books after the semester is over. Again, there are many online retailers that offer this. I have found at least seven sites that rent textbooks. They've made the ordering process very simple and they usually pay the shipping.

3.     One of the most exciting recent developments in textbooks is something called an eTextbook. This is a completely digital version of a textbook that can be downloaded to your computer or accessed online through the publisher's website. The cool thing about eTextbooks is that you can carry around a whole library on a laptop. Imagine only needing to bring a laptop to class instead of lugging around a backpack full of heavy textbooks. If you choose to download the eTextbook you can even highlight them and make notes. Best of all the prices are considerably less than a new textbook.

If you'd like to try one of these alternatives to expensive textbooks, make sure to compare several sites. I've found that prices can be all over the place. You may be able to buy a used book for less than renting it. You might find that the used book sites have a $20 price difference between them. It pays to shop around.

The absolute best way to save money is by avoiding the school bookstore altogether and doing your shopping from the comfort of your home or dorm room.