After decades of rising course materials costs, students are finally feeling some relief. Yet even though spending on course materials is trending downward, textbook affordability continues to weigh heavy on students’ minds.
Average student spending on course materials is the lowest the industry has seen in 24 years, according to NACS, yet some students are still not purchasing all of their required materials. Around one in four students decided not to acquire at least one course material, and NACS reported that students who skipped materials were also more likely to consider dropping out. When students don’t have their course materials, engagement can suffer, as can grades and outcomes.
