It was recently released that Senators Durbin, Franken, King and Congressmen Hinojosa and Polis have proposed a new legislation to help alleviate some of the costs that come with college textbooks. “The Affordable College Textbook Act,” as the bill is known, would produce a competitive grant system that would aid in creating more open textbooks. These open textbooks would provide an innovative way of publishing textbooks that could save students thousands of dollars every year.
Students and educators alike are very aware that seeking higher education can be a pricey endeavor. The tuition rates of colleges across the nation are skyrocketing. The same applies to on-campus living expenses. One thing that seems to be consistently left out when equating the costs of higher education, however, is the price of college textbooks.
Most classes here at Fort Hays State University require some sort of textbook. These textbooks not only help with learning the material but are also normally considered essential to passing the course. Students can attempt to alleviate costs on their own by sharing or borrowing textbooks from students who have already taken the course, or even completely skipping the purchase of the textbook altogether. These tricks tend to cause more problems than they do actually allow students to get the most out of their college education.
As a student here at Fort Hays State University, I am fully aware of how much textbooks put a strain on my wallet. In an average semester, I spend roughly $400 on textbooks alone. This may not seem like a ton of money in comparison to other college expenses, but it adds up quickly. I plan on being a student at Fort Hays State University for four years. Calculating my average costs over eight semesters, would bring me to a grand total of $3,200 spent solely on textbooks throughout my college career. That is a lot money that could be spent towards food, rent, and other necessities. Higher education is expensive enough; the passing of “The Affordable College Textbook Act” would definitely help lower that cost, and benefit me as a student.
Fort Hays leadership major, Tristen Galliart, has similar views on the bill. “I think it sounds like a good idea, and would save students money. It raises questions in my mind about if something else students pay for would have to raise in order to fund this grant, and if the information in the books will still be as good quality as what students are used to.” These are all interesting points to consider in regards to “The Affordable College Textbook Act”. Galliart still agrees that “Overall it sounds like a positive idea.”
Anna Wilson, a nursing major, is able to see the benefits this bill would have for her as well. “I think this bill is a great idea! Who honestly likes to spend money on textbooks? Anything that helps reduce the total cost of college, I’m in favor of.”
Overall, it appears that students definitely see more pros to “The Affordable Textbook Act” than cons. Although questions have been raised in regards to exactly how the money for the grant will be paid for; reducing any costs from higher education would be readily welcomed by students.