CSU Bookstore Course Materials Affordability Efforts

Learn how we work hard to keep Course Materials affordable for CSU Students. 

Committed to Keeping Course Materials Affordable for Colorado State Students

Access to the right course materials shouldn’t break the bank.

At the CSU Bookstore, we’re committed to helping you succeed by keeping textbook prices as low as possible. Thanks to our affordability programs, CSU students save nearly $3 million every academic year!

And it's working. Textbook prices at the CSU Bookstore have steadily dropped over the past decade.

  Average New Textbook Price Average Used Textbook Price
2015 $78.63 $53.66
2025 $68.77 $48.14
A table showing a 12.5% drop in new textbook prices between 2015 and 2025.

How We Help Colorado State Students Save on Course Materials

At the CSU Bookstore, saving you money is a top priority! We're always looking for ways to make course materials more affordable. Here’s how we help CSU students keep costs down: 

A stack of books with a label that says USED appears on a shelf.

Maximizing Savings with Used Books

We go the extra mile to stock as many used books as possible—because every dollar saved matters. By working with distributors, CSU students, and bookstores nationwide, we secure pre-owned copies of required course materials whenever they’re available. Our goal is simple: get you the books you need at the lowest possible price.

image of a price tag showing rental prices at the CSU Bookstore.

Save Big with Textbook Rentals 

While many bookstores ended rental programs, the CSU Bookstore remains committed to helping students save by offering rentals on many titles. Renting is an easy way to get the books you need at a lower cost without sacrificing how you use them.

  • Rent books at a lower cost than buying.
  • Students can highlight or take notes in rental books.
  • Return by the end of finals week at the CSU Bookstore.
image of cash inside a register till.

Buyback: Get Cash for Your Used Textbooks

At the end of each fall and spring semester, we buy back used textbooks from students, putting cash straight into your pocket.

  • Get up to 50% of the new price for used books used on campus next semester.
  • Get extra money while helping other students save money!
Laptop with coffee cup on a table.

Day One Access

No lines. No shipping. No stress. Day One Access helps students save money by providing digital textbooks at a lower price than traditional printed books. No more hunting for less expensive options or waiting for shipments. Students get instant access to their course materials on the first day of class.

Day One Access is also sustainable. Day One Access titles are delivered digitally, reducing emissions from delivery trucks and reducing paper usage.

image of a QR code shelf tag on the sales floor of the CSU Bookstore.

Open Educational Resources

Nobody likes spending a ton of money on textbooks, and that’s where Open Educational Resources (OER) come in. When professors choose to use OER for their courses, we make it easy for students to access the materials they need—for free. You’ll get a direct link to download your course materials right from the OER page on our website. It’s an easy way to save money while still getting the resources you need to succeed in class.

image of a QR code shelf tag on the sales floor of the CSU Bookstore.

Using Lower-cost Versions

Many publishers offer loose-leaf or abridged versions of textbooks to cut costs. We also encourage instructors to use earlier editions—where content differences are minimal but savings are significant.

image of a QR code shelf tag on the sales floor of the CSU Bookstore.

eBooks from the CSU Bookstore

We offer digital versions of many textbooks at prices below the publisher’s digital list price. Students can purchase eBooks on our website or in-store, making it easy to get the materials you need in the format that works best for you.

image of the Colorado State Capitol building in Denver, Colorado.

Supporting Affordability Legislation

We support ASCSU's efforts at the state level to make course materials more affordable, including efforts to eliminate sales tax on textbooks in Colorado. Nationally, we advocate through trade associations such as NACS and ICBA that push for legislation and policies that reduce costs for students.

Our efforts saved CSU Students Nearly $3 million in 2024-25

At the CSU Bookstore, we’re focused on helping you save money on course materials. From textbook rentals and used books to buyback, Day One Access, and Open Educational Resources (OER), we work hard to get you what you need at the best possible price.

In the 2024–25 academic year, our efforts have saved students nearly $3 million—because getting your books shouldn’t break the bank. 

  Fall 2024 Savings Spring 2025 Savings
Offering Used Books
Savings calculated by subtracting cost of a new book minus used price. 		$66,720 $45,087
Less Expensive Versions
Savings calculated by subtracting cost of a new book minus cover price. 		$29,706 $40,143
eBook Options
Savings calculated by comparing CSU Bookstore sale price versus publisher's digital list price. 		$44,375 $78,536
Buyback $17,665 $14,119
In-Store Book Rentals
Savings determined by subtracting rental price from new book cost. 		$62,089 $47,587

 
Day One Access Program
Versus publisher digital list price 		$1,126,502 $765,828
Engage Day One Access eBooks
Versus publisher digital list price 		$253,793 $268,254

 
OER Materials
Versus publisher digital list price 		$52,640 $8520

 
Total Savings $1,653,523 $1,238,078
Total Savings 2024-25 Academic Year $2,891,601

Your Independent College Bookstore: Committed to Keeping Course Materials Affordable

CSU plush ram sitting on textbooks next to a laptop

Independent and Student-Focused

As an independent bookstore, we set our own prices—not corporate shareholders. This means we can focus on saving you money. Instead of prioritizing profits, we work directly with publishers and collaborate with instructors to find cost-effective course materials.

More than Just a Bookstore - We're Part of the CSU Community

  • We live where you study. Our staff cares about CSU students and is committed to making textbooks affordable for every Ram.
  • We collaborate with college bookstores nationwide to share strategies for reducing textbook costs.
  • We constantly look for ways to save you money, whether through lower prices, rental options, digital materials, or buyback programs.

Keeping Our Revenues On Campus

Unlike corporate-run bookstores that prioritize shareholders and executives in distant offices, the CSU Bookstore operates independently—meaning more of our revenue stays right here at Colorado State University. While some money from chain bookstores may make its way back to campus, a significant portion often leaves, benefiting out-of-state operators instead.

As an independent bookstore, we’re proud that every dollar spent at the CSU Bookstore directly supports CSU. Our revenues help fund essential student programs and services, contribute to campus upkeep, and support key departments.

We reinvest in the campus community—because when you shop with us, you’re supporting CSU in more ways than one.

We Want Your Feedback on Course Materials Affordability!

We know that textbook costs are a major concern for students, and we’re actively looking for ways to make course materials more affordable. Your input helps us shape future affordability initiatives!

  • Have feedback on textbook prices, rentals, or digital options?
  • Wish your class used Open Educational Resources (OER)?
  • Have ideas on how we can help students save even more?

How to Share Your Input