Award-winning student news since 1978

The Brookhaven Courier

Award-winning student news since 1978

The Brookhaven Courier

Award-winning student news since 1978

The Brookhaven Courier

Rising textbook fees cause frustrations

By Adam Coleman
Staff Writer

 

 

As textbook prices increase and new editions are published, some students are having a hard time justifying the expense.

“The most difficult part of paying for school is my tuition and textbooks,” student Josh Peacock said.

According to the College Board website, “The amount students spent on books and supplies topped out at $1,200 this year.”

The College Board also reported, “Spending on books has risen more slowly over the past five years than in previous years. The increase may be due to rental and used book options.”

Sixty-five percent of college students have forgone buying required textbooks because of high prices, according to the Texas Public Interest Research Group, TexPIRG, website.

Brookhaven student Eris White said he has a situation that may hit home with other college students: “I work part time to help support my family and pay for my higher education. Because of this, I just don’t have the money to waste $150 on a book I may not use. $150 is a month’s worth of groceries in my house. At some point priorities come into play, and although my education is important, sometimes you just can’t afford these expensive books.”

Fellow student Alejandro Garcia has another perspective. “My mom is a teacher, and trust me when I say that they are aware of the increasingly high prices of textbooks,” Garcia said. A professor may want to use a certain textbook, but because of cost, they usually choose a cheaper option, he said.

Garcia said, “I think book companies and publishers should only be allowed to print a new edition every three years. That way not only can students buy more used books, but they will be able to sell their used books for more.”

In response to TexPIRG’s figure of an 82 percent increase in textbook prices in the past decade, Garcia said, “It’s time for us as students to take a stand – less complaining and more actions.”

If readers wish to share thoughts or opinions on this subject, they can send a letter to the editor, with signature and phone number, to bhccourier@ dcccd.edu or bring the letter to U241

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