Avoid Sticker Shock on College Text Books

One of the biggest shocks I had in my college freshman year was the price of college text books.  I had carefully budgeted a mix of personal savings, scholarships and college loans to pay for my tuition, food and board, and various fees.  Naively, I figured that the college text books would cost around $200.  I was shocked to discover that the college bookstore was charging $50, $60 and more for college text books that were required for each class.  Needless to say, I had to get a job quickly so that I could pay for this unanticipated expense.

Finding Current-Edition Used College Text Books

If you need to get college text books, take my advice from hard-earned experience:  You can avoid sticker shock when you purchase those required text books. Used college text books can be found at any used bookstore and most of the time, you will find the edition that your professor requires. One of my favorite used bookstores is Half-Priced Books. They have an impressive selection of magazines, compact discs, records, and books. Their  wide selection also includes an endless supply of used college text books. You can find a college text book that was originally priced for $100 for as low as $10. 

Blurb Alert! If you are looking for used college text books, be sure to use our search function at the top of the page to find the best prices on books at Amazon and current eBay auctions.

Another great way to get your hands on these used college text books is to search online. Amazon is a great resource (see the blurb alert above for a fast search on what is currently available) and sometimes you can find current editions of used college text books on eBay or other auction sites.

Students can save hundreds of dollars every semester by buying their text books off of the Internet. For those of you who are living in a college town, you may be able to find classified ads or public postings offering discounted text books. Many students will try to unload their text books after their classes are over by selling them super cheap. Look for postings and ads at the student union on your campus or other buildings where student information is readily available. A few hundred dollars saved every semester on books alone can add up.

Whatever you do, look around before you go to the stores on campus and spend a fortune on new college text books. You'll be surprised at the bargains that await you.

"Avoid Sticker Shock on College Text Books" contributed by Barbara Fitzpatrick