The price of college textbooks?

Question

How much should I set aside for buying textbook for college, Liberal Arts Major, in an exclusive school?

Answer 1

In college, I usually spent about $400-$500 a semester on books. The most expensive books are (typically) books for core requirements (math and science courses were more expensive, from my experience).

Depending on what your major is, you may spend more or less. I was an English major, which meant that often, my only texts were books we'd read throughout the semester. Then again, I ended up spending $65 on a book that was less than 100 pages. The best thing to do is save enough money to be safe, then scout the book store a week before classes to get the full list of the texts with the price the bookstore is selling them for. Then, do a check with online sites (half.com, campusbooks.com, amazon.com) to see if you can get any or all of them cheaper. Don't forget to consider shipping costs.

Just make sure you'll be able to get in any books you order before classes start if you choose to order them online.

Answer 2

When I was a freshman, I ended up spending around $100 per class on text books. It really just depends on the classes you are taking each period and each semester will differ. I have spent as much as $500 a quarter and as little as $50.

How to spend less money on textbooks:

1. I can't advocate for this enough - Try to buy only used text books. I can almost guarantee that at an undergrad level, you will probably never look at them again once the class is done. Buying used books can save you hundreds of dollars each semester!!!!

2. Also, try to get to know some of the upper classmen in your major. Often times they will save their books and let you borrow them or buy them for a lot less.

3. Make a friend in the class and agree to split the cost of the book. I have done this several times and sharing the book among friends has always worked out rather nicely.

4. Most schools allow you to sell your books back at the end of the semester. They usually don't give much money back, but it beats nothing.

Answer 3

It depends on what courses you are taking during the semester and how many books you need for one particular course. If you are taking any science courses then you can expect to pay a little bit more. I would put aside at least $150 up to $300.

Answer 4

Depends on if you are full-time or not. I would set aside at least $100 pre class you are taking. Probably $120 would be more appropriate. If you are taking a lab of any kind, factor in another $75.

Answer 5

At a University I spend 400 to 500 a semester.

Answer 6

Depends on the class that you are taking. Also, you may be able to buy used books which are cheaper than new. You should check with the bookstore at the school that you are attending.

Answer 7

Depends on how many books are involved in each class. My suggestion to you is don't use the school's bookstore to purchase, buy them online you will save a ton.

Answer 8

Usually about 150 dollars per class is about average..