Can someone explain to me why college textbooks are ridiculously costly ?

Thread starter noblegas
Start date Jan 17, 2010
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College Explain Textbooks

In summary, the high price of college textbooks is because publishers know that they will have a limited audience. Alternatives are available, and lecture notes are often better than textbooks.

Jan 20, 2010

Pinu7

tusavision said:

When we see a "napster" for college textbooks: then maybe the price will fall.

It is not hard at all to go to the internet and download, illegally, textbooks and monographs, especially for the technical subjects. You would be surprised how much people do it.

Many developing countries(like China) have printing presses in which they take these books off the internet and sell these reprinted scans for 95% below the cost.

In my opinion, textbooks prices HAVE to be lowered or publishing companies(that are not Dover) will go bankrupt. Today, we live in a world where quality knowledge is so easily available that the need to buy a book is less.

Last edited: Jan 20, 2010

<h2> Why are college textbooks so expensive?</h2><p>There are a few reasons why college textbooks are so expensive. One of the main reasons is that textbook publishers often have a monopoly on the market, allowing them to set high prices without much competition. Additionally, textbooks are frequently updated, leading to new editions being released every few years, which can drive up costs.</p><h2> How are textbook prices determined?</h2><p>Textbook prices are determined by the publishers, who take into account the cost of production, marketing, and other expenses. They also consider the potential profits they can make from the textbook, as well as the demand for the book in the market.</p><h2> Can students do anything to lower textbook costs?</h2><p>There are a few things students can do to try and lower textbook costs. One option is to buy used textbooks instead of new ones, which can often be found at a lower price. Another option is to rent textbooks, which can also be cheaper. Some students also choose to buy digital or e-book versions of textbooks, which can be less expensive than physical copies.</p><h2> Do professors have a say in textbook prices?</h2><p>Professors do not have a direct say in textbook prices, as they are set by the publishers. However, they can choose which textbooks to assign for their courses, and some may take into consideration the cost of the textbook when making their selection.</p><h2> Are there any efforts being made to lower textbook costs?</h2><p>Yes, there have been efforts made to lower textbook costs. Some universities and colleges have implemented programs to provide students with free or low-cost textbooks. There have also been calls for more open educational resources, which are free online materials that can be used in place of traditional textbooks. Additionally, there have been attempts to regulate textbook prices and increase transparency in the publishing industry.</p>

FAQ: Can someone explain to me why college textbooks are ridiculously costly ?

Why are college textbooks so expensive?

There are a few reasons why college textbooks are so expensive. One of the main reasons is that textbook publishers often have a monopoly on the market, allowing them to set high prices without much competition. Additionally, textbooks are frequently updated, leading to new editions being released every few years, which can drive up costs.

How are textbook prices determined?

Textbook prices are determined by the publishers, who take into account the cost of production, marketing, and other expenses. They also consider the potential profits they can make from the textbook, as well as the demand for the book in the market.

Can students do anything to lower textbook costs?

There are a few things students can do to try and lower textbook costs. One option is to buy used textbooks instead of new ones, which can often be found at a lower price. Another option is to rent textbooks, which can also be cheaper. Some students also choose to buy digital or e-book versions of textbooks, which can be less expensive than physical copies.

Do professors have a say in textbook prices?

Professors do not have a direct say in textbook prices, as they are set by the publishers. However, they can choose which textbooks to assign for their courses, and some may take into consideration the cost of the textbook when making their selection.

Are there any efforts being made to lower textbook costs?

Yes, there have been efforts made to lower textbook costs. Some universities and colleges have implemented programs to provide students with free or low-cost textbooks. There have also been calls for more open educational resources, which are free online materials that can be used in place of traditional textbooks. Additionally, there have been attempts to regulate textbook prices and increase transparency in the publishing industry.