Traditional Textbooks
Caption: Textbook costs increased 82% from 2002 to 2012. In comparison, overall consumer prices rose by 28% during that same time period.
Caption: The average cost of course materials each year for Winthrop students is $1200.
Caption: 61.7% of students say that tuition is their biggest cost challenge. 39.6% say it is textbooks. 38.1% say it is housing. 31% say it is food.
Data shows that when expensive, traditional textbooks are selected for use in college classes, students suffer a huge financial burden. Textbook costs have risen astronomically since 2002, just as college tuition has. Students say that buying their textbooks presents a bigger challenge than paying for their housing and food costs.
Caption: Students deal with textbook costs by buying an older edition, delaying the purchase, or sharing with other students. 67% don't buy the textbook.
Caption: Effects of high textbook costs for students: 48% take fewer classes, 46% don't register for a course, 38% earn a poor grade, 26% drop a course, and 20% fail a course. These effects can cause students to drop out of college.
When students lack the financial means to purchase required textbooks, they resort to strategies that jeopardize their academic success. These negative impacts add up and can ultimately lead some students to abandon their higher education goals. This is not just bad news for students, but also for Winthrop University's retention and completion rates.
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Created 2021 by Hope Johnson
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