SUNY Oneonta

Student Textbook Survey Results

The 2021 survey conducted by Jade Strauss and Britney Cordice-Little at SUNY Oneonta explored the impact of rising textbook costs on students and evaluated the awareness and use of Open Educational Resources (OER). The results indicated that textbook prices have become a significant financial burden, leading many students to seek alternative methods such as rentals, purchasing used books, or not buying textbooks at all. Nearly 62% of students reported not purchasing required textbooks due to cost or limited use by instructors.

Despite various financial aid programs, only a small fraction of students reported having textbook costs covered. With 55% stating that their aid does not contribute to textbook expenses, many students face out-of-pocket costs that can hinder their academic progress.

The report also found inefficiencies in how required materials are assigned and utilized, with students purchasing several textbooks that ultimately remained unused, averaging between 3.6 and 6.37 unused books per student, depending on the year.

Open Educational Resources (OER) present a promising solution to textbook affordability by providing free or low-cost materials accessible from day one. SUNY Oneonta’s OER initiative has already reached nearly half of the respondents with free or low-cost resources, demonstrating potential to reduce financial burdens. Increasing faculty involvement and encouraging printed OER versions can further enhance adoption and student satisfaction.

Other Survey Highlights

  • Textbook costs at SUNY Oneonta significantly impact student purchasing decisions.
  • Over half of students spend $200+ per semester on textbooks and course materials.
  • Students frequently use rentals, used books, or avoid buying textbooks to reduce costs.
  • Despite preferences for printed textbooks, cost drives many to choose digital or rentals.
  • Blackboard and online resources are more frequently used than textbooks for course content.
  • Financial aid rarely covers textbook expenses, adding financial strain on students.
  • The SUNY Oneonta OER initiative is crucial to improving affordable access to course materials.

Publications

Report: SUNY Oneonta
Student Textbook and Course Material Survey
Author: Jade Strauss and Britney Cordice-Little
Year: 2021 - Format: PDF

Infographic: SUNY Oneonta
SUNY Oneonta Textbook Survey SUNYLA poster
Author: Ed Beck, Jennifer Jensen, Jade Strauss, Britney Cordice-Little
Year: 2021 - Format: PDF

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