THE 2018 TEXTBOOK AND COURSE MATERIALS SURVEY: RESULTS AND OPPORTUNITIES Presented by: Dr. Pam Northrup, Vice President University of West Florida

SURVEY QUESTION: OVERALL COST “Excluding textbooks, how much did you spend on required instructional materials for the term (handbooks, guides, course packets and other print or digital learning materials)?” $0–100 $401–500 $101–200 $501–600 $201–300 $601 or more $301–400

TEXTBOOK COSTS BY MAJOR UNDER $300 OVER $300 Business 49.2 % 50.8 % Health Sciences 49.3 % 50.7 % Science Technology Engineering Math Industry Manufacturing and Construction 52.1 % 47.9 % Social Behavioral Sciences and Human Services 57 % 43 % Public Safety 57.8 % 42.2 % Education 60.1 % 39.9 % Arts Humanities Communication Design 64.2 % 35.8 % N = 21,430 public college and university students

TOTAL TEXTBOOK COST TO STUDENTS For the first time since the 2012 survey, the overall textbook costs to students is trending lower. Percent N = 21,430 public college and university students

SURVEY QUESTION: MEASURES TO REDUCE COST “In your academic career, what measures have you taken to reduce your required textbook costs? Check all that apply.” (Multiple Response) I do not attempt to reduce textbook costs Use a reserve copy from the campus library Buy used copies from the campus bookstore Share books with classmates Buy books from a source other than the campus bookstore Sell used books Rent digital textbooks Buy lifetime access to a digital version of a textbook Rent only the digital textbook chapters needed for the course Rent printed textbooks

STUDENT COST SAVINGS MEASURES 2018 % 2016 % Difference % I do not attempt to reduce textbook costs 4.4 3.2 1.2 Buy used copies from the campus bookstore 53 48.8 4.2 Buy books from a source other than the campus bookstore 66 63.8 2.2 Rent digital textbooks 41.4 29.6 11.8 Buy lifetime access to a digital version of a textbook 5.6 3.1 2.5 Rent only the digital textbook chapters needed for the course 7.7 5.4 2.3 Rent printed textbooks 47.8 47 0.8 Use a reserve copy from the campus library 11.7 10.4 Share books with classmates 27.1 23.7 3.4 Sell used books 37.4 39 -1.6 Other (please specify) 10 9.5 0.5 N = 21,430 public college and university students

SURVEY QUESTION: IMPACT “In your academic career, has the cost of required textbooks caused you to:” (Multiple Response) Take fewer courses Other Not register for a specific course Drop a course Withdraw from a course Earn a poor grade because I could not afford to buy the textbook Fail a course because I could not afford to buy the textbook Not purchase the required textbook

THE IMPACT OF TEXTBOOK COST Negative student impacts decreased between 2016 and 2018 survey results. N = 21,430 public college and university students

TEXTBOOK PURCHASED BUT NOT USED Faculty and students may be relying more on digital assets that come with textbook purchase 3.57 2.60 1.60 2012 2016 2018

SUMMARY For the first time since the 2012 survey, the overall textbook costs to students is trending lower. Students are using cost reduction strategies offered through campus bookstores and through other sources at a higher rate. Textbook costs are still negatively impacting student academic progress. Usage of physical textbooks deserves further investigation.