An Education in Saving on Textbooks

Every year students flock to the college bookstore to purchase the various textbooks that they require for their classes. Little do these students realize that, in doing so, they are throwing good money away. As unbelievable as it may seem textbooks, in some cases, actually cost as much, if not more, than tuition.

On the surface the college bookstore may seem like a convenient source for textbooks. Titles are usually in-stock and students may purchase new textbooks or opt for the cheaper alternative of used books. In truth the money saved by purchasing used textbooks from the college bookstore is only a fraction of the amount that students could be saving if they shopped online.

More and more online booksellers have begun selling textbooks at a considerable discount off of the cover price. In fact, many major booksellers now have special areas of their web sites that are devoted to selling nothing but textbooks. Online used bookstores are another source for college books as they stock a large number of textbooks, which means sizable savings for students. There are also web-based retailers whose inventory is entirely devoted to college books.

Students should avoid purchasing their textbooks at the first store that they browse. Instead, they should investigate the alternatives offered by other online booksellers. Price isn't the only factor to consider when making an online purchase. Students should also factor in shipping costs and delivery time when making their buying decision.

Online auctions are another option for students seeking a bargain. This option, however, has its pros and cons. A plus is that students can get incredible bargains when obtaining books via online auctions. One downside is that established retailers have channels in place to ensure that you receive your order within a reasonable amount of time. With an auction purchase, however, you are at the mercy of the auction seller's timetable.

One way that students can really save is by obtaining books for free. Project Gutenberg is one resource that English majors will find invaluable. At this site students can peruse a vast collection of classics that have entered the public domain. In the past students seeking assistance with their studies had to pay for the privilege of that help by purchasing study guides. Today that is no longer the case. Cash-strapped students can now visit Spark Notes for free downloadable study guides as well as free downloadable classics.

Students who elect to buy online will no longer be able to resell their books to the college bookstore at the end of class, but that doesn't mean that they are stuck with the textbooks. Many web sites that sell textbooks also offer students the option of selling their books to fellow bargain-seekers. This allows students to easily recouping a portion of their money.

Textbooks normally consume a major portion of a student's budget, but that doesn't have to be the case, because while the cost of tuition may be set in stone the price of textbooks isn't. By taking the time to do a little research on the best textbook values available college students can save money now rather than acquiring debt to be paid back later.

Copyright © 2004 Heather Wallace

Heather Wallace is founder of http://www.BargainMartian.com Visit to take advantage of the out of this world bargains from leading merchants found in this comprehensive directory of deals, rebates, bargains, coupons, and money-saving offers.

---

College Without A High School Diploma - Possible?

Don't give up your dream of enrolling in an online... Read More

Most Colleges Require Letters Of Recommendation

I cannot overemphasize the importance of developing strong relationships with... Read More

College Roommates: Threes A Crowd

It's hard enough sharing a dorm room the size of... Read More

Writing Effective (and Requisite) Essay Openers

When we write for college courses, we write for an... Read More

Free Money For College

What if someone came up to you and offered you... Read More

Distance Learning, Online Education, Electronic Education, Electronic Learning?Call It What You Want

Whatever you want to label "learning at home" and however... Read More

Accredited Life Experience Degrees ? Accelerate Your Progress Online

Chances are you are pursuing an online degree to reap... Read More

Five Steps To Choosing A College

My name is Debbie Ross. The information I have about... Read More

Limperts Academy of Design Opens Interior Design Education / US and Canada

You may be bursting at the seams with natural talent,... Read More

How to Find Money for College Education

Many current and future college students need help to pay... Read More

7 Tips To Avoid the College Low Expectations Game

Many public universities play the "Low Expectation Game" (see article... Read More

Online Education Has The Power To Transform Lives And Fulfill Dreams

Online education is a dramatic development in the advancement of... Read More

Aurel Voiculescu Memories From High School

High School Ion Minulescu, Slatina, Graduates 1991.Clasa XII A, Baboi... Read More

Online Nursing Degree For Busy Nurses

Many who work in the healthcare or nursing industry know... Read More

Mind-Body Secrets for College Success - Six Key Secrets

Embrace the secrets of the body-mind connection and tap into... Read More

Choose the Delivery Mode for your e-Learning Course

There are so many ways to deliver instruction online that... Read More

Internetworking and Security Multiple Choice Test

Personally, I dislike Multiple Choice Tests. Because they do not... Read More

Researching the Pros and Cons of Getting Your Degree Online

Are you considering getting your bachelor's or master's or other... Read More

Getting Into College No Longer A Numbers Game!

Sending your kids to college has never been more difficult... Read More

How to eMail Your Professor

So its 12:30 Pm and there you are at the... Read More

Distance Education is Now Training the Next Genertation of Medical Assistants

Some people are calling it distance-free learning for the Medical... Read More

Packing for College

Sending a child away for college and helping them pack... Read More

Tips On College Selection

It is highly recommended that early in the college selection... Read More

Life-Long Students Make More Money

You may not miss eating Ramen noodles everyday, but you... Read More

An Online Degree Has Never Been Easier to Obtain

Online education is steadily gaining acceptance in the academic world... Read More

What to Look For When Choosing an Online University

A college degree gives a person a guarantee of higher... Read More

What Makes A Penn State Online Degree Preferable To Other Online Degrees?

A Penn State online degree is a college degree from... Read More

Surviving School

Well, I finally finished my 1st semester of college and... Read More

Medical Assistant - Medical Assistant Distance Education

Considerations in Distance Education for the Medical Assistant InstructorMedical Assistant... Read More

PCDI - The College and University Alternative for Working Professionals Pursuing Their Degrees

PCDI | Professional Career Development Institute - The College and... Read More

I Hate My Roommate!

So its the beginning of the school year, your first... Read More

Study More Effectively

If you are studying for an exam or if you... Read More

Acing the SAT Exam

Don't cheat. This goes without saying for 999 out of... Read More