There is a lot of discussion about rising college tuition costs and how they are effecting the average college students. One of the main sources of the increase in price is required materials like textbooks. It doesn’t matter if students are taking online courses or classes on a college campus, students often have to spend hundreds of dollars every semester to acquire just their required reading. Thanks to recent developments in technology however, students are finding way to save significantly on this expenditure. One of the most popular money-saving developments is digital textbooks because they are affordable, convenient and immediately accessible.

Before discussing the financial benefits of digital text, it is important to note the convenience of this technology. Students can purchase or rent electronic textbooks (eTextbooks) and have them available almost immediately on a variety of devices. These devices include a personal computer, Kindle, iPad or various smartphones. Also, students are able to print pages when needed and highlight important information as they would in a traditional textbook so they are just as easy to use as an open-book. These are just a few of the many reasons why eTextbooks are so popular.

Several online retailers, including Amazon and Chegg are now offering students an affordable eTextbook purchase or rental option. Students can save hundreds of dollars by renting or buying an eTextbook versus purchasing the print version. This is even more beneficial for students who are purchasing textbooks they don’t intend to keep or use after their classes are finished. All these students have to do is simply rent a textbook and they will have access to the text for as long as it is needed and only have to pay for the time requested. Alternatively, buying an eTextook still offers savings and allows unlimited access to the textbook. In fact, according to an article on MSNBC, students can save as much as 80 percent accessing textbooks by renting eTextbooks.

Many students are already taking advantage of eTextbooks through online retailers. Now, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education, an institutional change might be coming to college campuses. Recognizing the need for students to save money on textbooks, some college leaders are considering partnering with eTextbook publishers and purchasing books at a bulk rate. Students will be required to buy the digital textbooks directly from the school as part of a course materials fee.

There is some debate as to whether or not schools should make the switch and require that students use eTextbooks rather than books in traditional print. Overall, though, it is clear that a program like this will help ensure students of all income levels to have access to required reading and will save all students money on textbooks. Supporters also point out that while students will be required to purchase the eBooks, students who prefer traditional books will still have the option to buy a printed textbook.

Besides being a great way for students to save on purchasing textbooks, digital textbooks offer some special features students can use as studying aids. Students are able to easily highlight information and search the textbook for specifics. Additionally, some eTextbooks offer quizzes and supplements that are bonus materials for students to attain greater understanding of the material.

All in all, eTextbooks are a great option when attempting to save money in school. However, traditionally printed textbooks have been around for so long it is hard to imagine college without them. Really, it depends on the students and what they can afford and what they prefer as a learning tool.