How to Get Free and Low-Cost Textbooks
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Textbooks, e-texts, and other materials are often required for college courses to enhance your learning experience. Depending on your major and your course load per semester, textbook costs can add up quickly. If you’re a current student, you’re probably well aware of the hit to your bank account each semester. According to the Education Data Initiative, in 2025, students at public 4-year institutions spend an average of $1,220 annually on books and supplies. Miami University students spend an average of $1,290 per year on books and supplies.
Oof. What to do? Do you have a plan to cover those textbook expenses?
A Solution for Free and Low-Cost Textbooks
Good news — you may be able to save a lot of money — many instructors are more commonly using open-source textbooks in their courses. According to Wikipedia, “An open textbook is a textbook licensed under an open license, and freely available online to the public. Many open textbooks are distributed in either print, e-book, or audio formats that may be downloaded or purchased at little or no cost.”
For Miami University undergraduate online and Regionals students, faculty and staff partnered to create a digital reference doc to help students find free and affordable alternatives to traditional textbook purchases. This is a living document that is searchable (press Command + F or Control + F). Faculty will add to the list when possible. Even if your course is not listed now, it may be added with more affordable options in the future.
Miami University Libraries — Your New Best Friends
Borrow Textbooks at Miami University Libraries
John Burke, Library Director and Principal Librarian, for Gardner-Harvey Library, at Miami University Middletown, wants you to know about Textbook on Reserve collections (Middletown and Hamilton) and that library staff are available to help students find and borrow textbooks from Miami and OhioLINK libraries.
Need Help with Research? Schedule an Appointment with a Librarian
You can schedule virtual or in-person appointments with the knowledgeable librarians at Miami University. They can point you to the best tools and resources to aid you in your research projects. Schedule with Gardner-Harvey Library (Middletown) or Rentschler Library (Hamilton). Online undergraduate students may schedule with either library.
What low-cost textbook options are available for Miami Oxford and graduate students?
First, check with your instructors and also consult with the King Library to explore free and affordable textbook options. There are several online resources that you can search on your own. You can also get information and research guidance from “Personal Librarian” assistants.
The Books Run blog has a list of 40 websites that undergraduate and graduate students can check for free and affordable textbooks, e-texts, and other public domain resources.
What if my required materials are only available for purchase?
If purchasing new or used textbooks is your only choice, and you’re willing to put in a little work, fill out this IRS tax credit Form 8863. You can claim up to $2,500 per year for purchased course materials. You may save some money on your taxes with the American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning Education Credits.
Make the Most of Your College Investment
Books and supplies are an expense that you may not always think about initially. If you’ve been holding out on purchasing certain books or materials, browse some of the links in this post. You may save a few hundred dollars by doing a little research and working with your professors and libraries.
Content is written by Miami Online Staff.