Bookstore Launches Rent-to-Save
The innovative program could save students $100-$200 in textbook costs this semester.
As part of an innovative effort to help students save money on their course materials, the SDSU Bookstore has now shifted its focus from selling textbooks to renting them. Almost every book currently priced at $25 or more will be available for either rent or purchase this semester.
“The out-of-pocket cost for full-time students to purchase books at the beginning of the semester currently averages $500,” said Todd Summer, campus stores director for Aztec Shops.
“We estimate that the out-of-pocket cost for renting will be $100-$200 less. Altogether, students and their families will be able to save literally millions of dollars in the coming weeks.”
2,000 and counting
Summer said that more than 2,000 titles, including those for the most popular undergraduate classes, are included in the Rent-to-Save program. By comparison, only 49 titles were available for rental last semester.
“Textbook rental is one of the easiest ways for students to save money on their books,” Summer said, “so we want to offer it to as many students as possible.”
National leader
The SDSU Bookstore is already a leader in providing digital course materials, according to Summer. Now it is also one of only a handful of bookstores across the country that is offering almost its entire inventory as rentals. Of course, he added, students who want to buy and keep their books will still have that option.
Rental books must be returned to the bookstore by the end of the finals period in December. Summer said students will receive e-mail reminders on when and where to return their books. The program is open to all SDSU students.
