Stillman officials hope to save students money through the launch of its new textbook rental program. The program allows all students to receive textbooks for each class they enroll in while avoiding the large costs that can be associated with purchasing college-level textbooks.

“The escalating costs of textbooks prompted the College’s leadership team to implement a rental program this fall. The institution benefits when students do well in their course work and books are essential in order to do that,” said Sama Mondeh, vice president of fiscal affairs.

The students are charged a flat fee of $250 per semester for the rental of textbooks, and the fee is included in the students’ enrollment costs. The first round of textbooks were issued on August 25.

According to an article in the Palm Beach Post, more than 1,000 colleges and universities have rolled out textbook rental programs. With savings estimated at 67 percent or more compared with the price of a new textbook, the programs are growing in popularity.

The average college student spent $1,122 on textbooks during the 2009-2010 academic year, according to the College Board.

A 2005 study by the U.S. Government Accountability Office found that textbook costs amount to 26 percent of what students spend on tuition at a state public school and 72 percent of tuition at a community college. It noted that prices of textbooks have risen at twice the rate of inflation for the past two decades.

“The book rental program has been well received by students,” said Dr. Sharon Whittaker-Davis, vice president of student affairs. “Many have commented on how much they appreciate the economic benefit given the rising costs of books.  The book rental program further demonstrates the institution’s concern that students have the best resources necessary to be successful,” she continued.

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