What Can Distance Learning Students Do about Rising Textbook Costs?
Being a student these days isn't what it used to be, at least when it comes to money. College tuition and fees have increased a whopping 240 percent since the mid-1980s. But, as the New York Times reports, some students are finding ways to get around paying such high prices. Distance learning students might benefit from some of their bargain hunting tactics.
Bringing New Meaning to "Distance Learning"
One student reported buying his text books at regular price only to take them a couple hundred miles across the Mexican border to a copy services shop, which copied each textbook for a mere $15. After his jaunt south of the border, the student promptly returned his newly purchased books for full refunds.
Going Online for Degrees and Textbook Bargains
If you're a distance learning student, you may find yourself doing more than just getting a degree online. You might join the ranks of untold numbers of students going online in search of bargain books on Web sites like Half.com and Amazon.com. But be aware, students say that discounted books on these sites are in high demand and short supply, so every student won't benefit from their reduced prices.
Colleges Combat Rising Prices
To help students deal with this growing financial issue, a handful of academics are banding together to find ways to reduce the cost of textbooks. A group of universities have established a program offering students electronic versions of textbooks for 30 percent less than the original price. That's a nice gesture, but if a book costs around $100 (and many do), it may not reach the degree of savings you were hoping for.
Congress Weighs In
Even Congress has recognized the problem. The New York Times reports that Charles Schumer, a senator from New York, proposed making $1,000 in textbooks tax deductible each year. This could make your distance learning experience even more attractive.
Source: The New York Times
