How to Get Cheap or Free Textbooks in College
One of the biggest unexpected costs in college is textbooks. A single semester’s books can easily cost hundreds of dollars, putting a serious strain on your budget. But what if I told you that you don’t have to pay full price—or even pay at all?
I’ve been there, staring at the price tags in the campus bookstore, wondering how I’d afford my required reading. But after years of trial and error, I found multiple ways to get textbooks for cheap—or even free.
In this blog post, I’ll share my top strategies for saving money on textbooks, including:
Where to find free digital versions of your required books
The best places to rent textbooks instead of buying
How to buy used books for a fraction of the price
Smart ways to swap books with other students
Insider tricks to make your textbooks even more affordable
If you’re tired of spending a fortune on textbooks, this guide is for you!
How I Cut My Textbook Costs by 80%
During my freshman year, I spent over $600 on textbooks—money I didn’t have. I had no idea there were cheaper options out there. By my second semester, I knew I had to find a better way. That’s when I started researching different ways to get books for less.
I discovered that I could rent books online, buy used copies from other students, and even find free PDF versions of some textbooks. By the end of college, I had reduced my textbook spending by 80%, and I never paid full price again.
Now, I want to share my secrets with you so you can save just as much!
1. Find Free Digital Versions of Your Textbooks
Before you buy or rent, check if your textbook is available for free online. Many websites offer free digital textbooks legally, including:
Project Gutenberg (for classic literature)
OpenStax (for free academic textbooks)
Library Genesis (for various textbooks—check for legality in your area)
Your College Library (many offer free digital access to books)
If you can find your textbook for free, you could save hundreds of dollars!
2. Rent Instead of Buying
If you only need a textbook for one semester, renting is a great way to save money. Some of the best textbook rental sites include:
Chegg
Amazon Rentals
CampusBooks
ValoreBooks
Renting textbooks can save you up to 90% compared to buying new.
3. Buy Used Books for Huge Savings
If renting isn’t an option, buying used books is your next best bet. Look for used copies on:
AbeBooks
ThriftBooks
eBay
Local Facebook Groups
Buying used books can cut your costs in half or more!
4. Swap Books with Other Students
Many students finish their courses and no longer need their books. Try these options:
Post in your school’s Facebook groups or Reddit communities
Use BookSwap websites to trade books with other students
Ask friends who took the class last semester
Swapping books is a great way to get what you need without spending a dime.
5. Use Price Comparison Tools to Find the Best Deal
If you have to buy, make sure you’re getting the best price! Websites like BookFinder and BigWords compare prices from multiple sellers to find the lowest one available.
Once I started using these strategies, I never paid full price for a textbook again—and neither should you! With so many options for cheap or free textbooks, you can put your savings toward things that actually matter, like food, experiences, and having fun in college.
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