Skip to main content

McKinley Carter Named One of America's Best Workplaces!

Male student picking a book in a library

5 Money-Saving Tips for Freshmen Navigating the College Bookstore

Photo of author, Chelsea Clegg, CFP®.
Chelsea Clegg, CFP®
Financial Strategist

So your son or daughter is headed to college next fall…Congratulations! It seems no sooner after the kids have walked across that stage to receive their high school diploma, that they’re headed to their college freshman orientation day and preparing for what they will take to campus. And for mom and dad, the summer can quickly become a hectic time gathering the food and supplies they will need, buying dorm room necessities, packing bags and plastic tubs, and of course, paying that first tuition bill.

Yes, we all know college is EXPENSIVE. But there is one area where cost-savings are possible, if you just have a little bit of information ahead of time – buying college books.

If you peruse any college bookstore, the price tags on textbooks, lab manuals, reading supplements, and other “essentials” for your student will downright put you over the edge. But don’t fret too much – there are ways your new college freshman can reduce these expenses.

Tip #1: Buy used textbooks. This can be accomplished through the college’s bookstore or online. Simply do a search for the textbook you need. Be sure to find the proper book by using the book’s ISBN (International Standard Book Number).

Tip #2: Rent the textbooks. This can be accomplished through the college’s bookstore or online via websites such as Chegg or Amazon. Some libraries now allow long-term renting.

Tip #3: Contact your professor/instructor to see if past versions of the textbook are able to be used. Often the school recommends the newest edition but older versions may suffice. Note: there may be subtle differences in the text such as cover image, order of chapters and examples used so caution should be used.

Tip #4: Use your college’s book exchange (swapping) program, if offered. For example, once you are finished with your English 101 book, post an announcement that the book is available. The program works the other way as well – perhaps you need the Chemistry 300 textbook.

Tip #5: Sell your textbooks after the semester is over. Colleges often have a buyback sale where you will receive a percentage of the price paid in cash or credit for a future purchase. You can also sell the books online via websites such as Amazon, eCampus, BookByte, and BookScouter.

Some students advise that it's also a good idea to attend the first class before purchasing any book. Often the professor will tell students a particular book is not needed for his class while he reviews the course syllabus.

It should be noted that these are general tips and not all colleges or universities will offer the options listed above.

For even more information on ways to save money on textbooks, click here.

Related Insights
JAB Blog SS Fairness Banner image

Social Security Fairness Act: More Money Today, But What About Tomorrow?

The Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law in January 2025. It repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), which had previously reduced Social Security benefits for public sector workers receiving pensions from non-Social Security-covered employment. Beginning in April 2025, public servants (teachers, firefighters, police officers) will begin seeing an increase in their monthly benefit payments. Learn more about the possible tax implications of the Social Security Fairness Act.

Read More
Crypto Blog 2 Image AMH 800px

A Simple Guide to Buying, Storing, Protecting Your Cryptocurrency

Whether you’re excited about diving into Bitcoin or exploring the vast range of altcoins, understanding the essentials of buying, storing, and protecting your digital assets is crucial. Here we break down the steps to safely purchase your first cryptocurrency, explore the different options for securely storing it, and provide you with practical tips on how to keep your crypto safe from theft or loss.

Read More
CJB Blog 2025 Kickoff Banner

5 Steps to Kick Off 2025 with Success

As we say goodbye to 2024 and welcome 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on where we’ve been and set the stage for where we want to go. The beginning of the year is all about starting strong. This is your chance to set priorities, take decisive action, and create momentum for the months ahead. Here are five actions we recommend to help you start 2025 with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Read More
Play