William & Mary

Student Textbook Survey Results

The 2019 textbook survey at William & Mary aimed to understand student spending on textbooks and course materials, their cost-saving strategies, and preferences regarding textbook formats. It also sought student input on potential affordability initiatives, including an inclusive access pilot program. The survey reached a cross-section of 596 respondents, including undergraduates and graduate students. The methodology ensured anonymity, allowing candid responses but introducing potential duplication.

Study Highlights

  • Nearly half of students report textbook costs over $300, but many buy fewer materials due to cost.
  • The results indicated that financial aid policies might need revision to improve course material affordability. More than a third of students had no textbook costs covered by aid, and only 9% reported that their aid covered all textbook expenses.
  • The survey found a direct link between textbook costs and student success metrics, with 37% of students not purchasing a required textbook because of cost. More alarmingly, 12% did not register for a course, 8% dropped a course, and 7% earned poor grades due to textbook affordability challenges.
  • Students predominantly seek cheaper sources outside campus bookstores (20%), buy used (13%), rent printed textbooks (13%), or download books online (13%). These strategies show students’ adaptability but also reveal that campus bookstore pricing and offerings may not meet student needs. The use of library services (14%) also suggests that improving library collections and access could mitigate costs.
  • Student suggestions for addressing affordability focus largely on faculty reassessment of required texts, increased adoption of Open Educational Resources (OER), and better access to affordable or shared materials.

Publications

Report: William & Mary
Textbook Affordability Task Force Report
Author: Task Force on Textbook Affordability
Year: 2020 - Format: PDF

Report: William & Mary
William & Mary Textbook Survey Summary
Author: Marian Taliaferro, Asia Randolph, and Jessica Ramey
Year: 2020 - Format: PDF

Questionnaire: William & Mary
William & Mary Student Textbook Survey
Author: Marian Taliaferro, Asia Randolph, and Jessica Ramey
Year: 2019 - Format: PDF

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