Textbooks are expensive
-The high cost of some course materials can impede students’ academic success.
-In the 2020 College Board Report, "Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid," the average undergraduate should budget $1,240 - $1,460 for textbooks and supplies.
-The cost of textbooks is rising at a rate of 4 times inflation.
-Seven out of 10 students don’t purchase a required textbook during their academic career because of cost.
-60% of students have delayed purchasing textbooks until they’ve received their financial aid.
Financial Aid and Textbooks
Explore the Grant and Scholarship Resources Guide to find information about the Student Government Association (SGA) Textbook Purchase Grant and other funding to pay for texbooks.
Reference Librarian
Adjunct Faculty, Library Services
rwhitney@oakton.edu
What is in this Guide for Finding Textbooks?
This guide will help you find the textbooks you need.
Use the links below or the tabs on the left side of the page to find ways to find your textbooks. Save some time and money too!
Choices for Finding Textbooks
I need to get my textbook, but should I...
Buy the book new
Use the Digital Access textbook for your class (DDA)
Buy a used copy of the book
Rent the textbook
Buy an E-Book
Buy an E-Chapter
Get the book from the Oakton Library Textbook Reserve
Borrow the book from a Library
Explore the pages of this guide to check your options for getting the right textbooks, on time, and at the right price.
Do a Quick Price Check for Your Textbook
What is Direct Textbook?
- Direct Textbook is a free service that features one of the world's most robust book search engines.
- Direct Textbook returns search results from more than 200 major book databases, including those maintained by Amazon.com, Abe Books, Alibris, and Ebay.
- Direct Textbook also returns results from WorldCat that includes books from more than 10,000 libraries.
Check out more textbook prices at the Oakton Bookstore and find other websites that check prices on the Websites tab.
Scholarships & CARES Act Funds for Textbooks
Textbook Funding Resources
A. Student Government Association (SGA) Application
Each year the SGA provides students financial resources to assist with the cost of text book. The application to be considered is available at: https://www.oakton.edu/admission/forms/21_22/21-22textbkpurchase.pdf Students may email their completed applications to financialaid@oakton.edu
B. CARES Act
The Oakton CARES Emergency Relief Fund application is open. Refer fall students to the application if they have been impacted by the coronavirus since the start of the pandemic.
The FAQ page on our website has also been updated for the fall semester.
Weekly application review begins mid-September. Award amounts will range from $500 - $2500, depending on application, financial need, and enrollment.
Students who owe a prior tuition balance may wish to appeal for additional funding consideration. Oakton CARES student appeals will be managed by the Office of Student Affairs and can be requested at studentaffairs@oakton.edu or 847-635-1739.