Tuition gets most of the attention, but books and course materials add to the bill too. How much do students actually spend?

Answer: $338

College students spent $338 on required course materials during the 2025-26 school year.

Questions:

• Would you rather buy a new textbook, buy a used one, rent it, or try to get by without it? Why?
• Your friend says skipping the required textbook is an easy way to save money. Do you agree? Why?
• Would you rather pay one flat fee for all your course materials or shop for each one? Why?

Click here for the ready-to-go slides for this Question of the Day that you can use in your classroom.

Behind the Numbers: (NACS)

According to the National Association of College Stores, “Total course material spending for required materials totaled $338 per student for the year.” That is “about 50% of spending in 2007-08 when students paid $701 on average for course materials.” The College Board estimates colleges budget about $1,330 for books and supplies at public four-year schools in 2025-26, but only $330 of that is for course materials. The rest covers “other supplies such as a personal computer.”

About the Author

Yonathan Tadesse

Yonathan is a Dallas-based Curriculum Designer at NGPF with 12 years of experience as a high school math, college transition, and financial literacy teacher. An award-winning educator, he has a track record of launching innovative programs at the high school level that expand access and opportunity for students. He is a graduate of Emory University and is passionate about advancing financial education for all students. Outside of work, Yonathan loves spending time with his wife and two kids, working out, playing chess and poker, and learning new things.

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