Many students worry about how they're going to pay for tuition and fees. The interesting thing about these costs is that they're typically covered by some sort of financial aid (grants, scholarships, workstudy, loans, etc.). But some costs, like textbooks, aren't. These costs, usually out-of-pocket costs, that most students have difficulty paying for.

Across the nation, students spent an average of about $500 per semester for textbooks last year. This year, the College Board reports that costs are creeping upwards; and students can expect to spend anywhere from $500 - $700, out-of-pocket, for textbooks. But, there are a few ways you can save a few dollars and still come up with the books you need.

Buying used and/or comparing prices is a terrific way to save money! Here are a few online resources you may find useful.

New and Used Textbooks at Amazon.Com

Amazon is one of my favorite textbook sites. You can generally find almost any textbook here as long as it is still in print. Used textbooks through Amazon are generally lower priced, in my personal experience, than those found in bookstores on campus. You do, however, have to pay shipping in many instances.

textbookx.com (Akademos, Inc.)

Textbookx.com is another good, highly competitive, used textbooks site. You can generally find just about any textbook used in the last year or so here.

If you don't want to actually purchase textbooks, you might see if you can rent them. If your college doesn't have a rental program, check out sites like Chegg.Com or CampusBookRentals.Com. These sites offer students good alternatives to purchasing high priced textbooks.

Until next time! Here's hoping you're able to reduce your book costs just a little this next semester.

Cheers!

Lynn Byrne

Preparing for college admissions? Trying to find direction? Need a little help with the planning? Check out my college planning series:

• College Planning Made Easy--the planning and preparation workbook for the take charge, college-bound student,
  
• Paying for College Made Easy--a college financing guide designed to assist students and families in preparing and planning for higher education expenses; and
  
• The Great Scholarship Search--my guide for students and parents researching and applying for scholarship funding.