Birds Are Cheap!

[OutlawedSpirit]

Oh. My. Goodness. So, since I lost my job last month, my wife and I decided no better time than now for me to return to school. So I have a part time job, and I am ready to start classes in January when the spring semester starts at our local community college.

Well, I'm taking 3 classes in the spring and I looked up course materials today. If I don't get all the recommended materials, just what is actually required, and if I rent used books instead of buying new books, it's almost $400 in books. I knew college course books have always been ridiculous, but I guess I didn't realize that ridiculous. If I were to actually buy them, and buy new books, I'd be looking at closer to $700 or more! That's almost as much as my actual classes cost!

Okay, rant over for now...

 

[Kentuckienne]

Google "used college textbooks" - there are lots of places that sell these very cheaply. Sometimes it can be difficult to find one, if it's the professor's own book at a smaller school, but you'd be surprised. Some sites like bookfinder or ABE will compare many sites to find the best price.

 

[Kiwibird]

College textbooks are becoming a racket if you ask me. They are more and more making it so they are good for one semester only and "revised" versions must be bought at exorbitant prices through exclusive deals with the college bookstore. I've heard they are almost to a point where used textbooks will no longer be an option for students in the next few years because the schools wants that full priced book money going straight into their coffers.

 

[OutlawedSpirit]

I was able to get one of my biology books online fairly reasonable, but my chemistry books are all special editions for the specific class, so I"m gonna be stuck buying those new, I think.

 

[SailBoat]

I was able to get one of my biology books online fairly reasonable, but my chemistry books are all special editions for the specific class, so I"m gonna be stuck buying those new, I think.

Since you lost your job, you really need to be at the front office applying for all the 'funds' that are provided by the National, State, County, City agencies. And, at any point the road looks to be slimming down, ask what else is available!!! Also, if you are the first individual in your family to attend College, there are funds available there also.

Not sure what your College Plans are, but there are ways around the junk courses, the 'have to takes' are not as rigid as you may believe! You're an Adult and the entire system is designed around 'kids.' Being ruthless can get you further than you may otherwise believe! Also, climbing the; who is in charge ladder can get you a few steps further. This system is designed to stand against 'kids' and (sorry) 'moms!. By the way, the earlier, you start working the system the better. In January, no one is going to have time for you.!

Know walking in that there is a ton of grants and like monies available!

 

[GaleriaGila]

I feel your pain. FELT it, rather.
Yes, a total racket.
My dad was a chemistry prof. He and a buddy wrote a text and then required their students to buy it.
Texts could so easily be online... save trees, save bucks...
But NOooooooooooooooooo!

 

[jiannotto9492]

So, I got through college without buying a single textbook from sophomore year on. There are sites where you can find the material that you need. Note the legality of this is in a gray area.