Why there should be a limit on textbook requirements and cost

Most colleges in the United States require that students purchase textbooks, and depending on which university, or which major you are in, these books can get expensive. According to the Education Data Initiative, “The average postsecondary student spends between $628 and $1,471 annually for books and supplies as of the 2021-2022 academic year.” 

Professors often assign the latest editions of textbooks and with that newest edition, the cost can increase drastically. On top of that, the sheer amount of books students are expected to get can be daunting even with financial aid. Sometimes financial aid does not even count toward a deposit after tuition fees and other expenses are paid off.

For example, here at SUNY Geneseo, CURR 536 has 25 assigned books—for context, the total for used rented prints before taxes is $193.20 from the campus bookstore. Now, if those used, rented prints are unavailable, the price for new rentals is $317.65 before tax.

While the library is an alternative option, course reserves only allow a four-hour maximum rental time and with any number of students trying to access the books for a class, it quickly becomes inconvenient to check them out.

In the 2022 Opening Convocation Address, President Denise Battles stated: “What does an equity-minded honors college model entail? In many respects, it’s a natural extension of our strengths, values, and aspirations… eliminating to the extent possible the financial and structural barriers to joining our community; offering appropriate support to help all students reach their potential and thrive; engaging students with critical issues of power, justice, and global connections through the new curriculum; and setting them up for success after graduation.” In that understanding of being equity minded, I wonder if the college is going to take action in regard to the number of textbooks Geneseo professors can assign. Students should not have to decide between textbooks and paying rent, or even buying food. 

I believe that as part of the statement, there should be a limit upon the number of textbooks that can be required as a part of a course. If professors are going to assign a large number of texts, then there should be some form of free online access. While many professors are understanding and accommodating here at SUNY Geneseo, there should be more options to acquire the valuable knowledge in textbooks without the huge price tag.

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