Textbooks can be costly for students. Recognizing this, Creighton Univeristy began a new program through Follett that allows students to rent any title that the bookstore possibly could.
“We are renting everything that is not consumable; if we can rent it, we will,” John Parish, Regional Manager for Follett, said. “That means we are offering more than 750 titles for rent this term. Here at the store, we’re advocates for students and are excited to bring them more affordable rental options to expand their access to the materials they need to succeed.”
While Creighton could choose from many different companies, they chose Follett. Follett provides schools with the largest inventory of course materials and supports its students by creating cost-saving programs such as the Rent All program at Creighton.
Renting textbooks may worry students because they can’t highlight or take notes as they wish, but thanks to the Creighton Bookstore and Follett program, this is no longer a worry.
“The Creighton University Bookstore is proud to provide a risk-free rental experience that allows students to highlight and take notes within the normal wear and tear associated with coursework,” Parish said. “Rent-A-Text also provides the flexibility to convert a rental to purchase should the student decide they would like to keep the textbook.”
“Renting through the Creighton University Bookstore saves students, on average, 50 percent or more compared to purchasing new,” Parish said. “Renting provides deep upfront savings of 50 percent or more, on average, and if students decide to keep their book, they can simply convert to purchase with no hidden fees. Right now rental is the most popular option among students; however, it’s not the only choice.”
“I have only rented books twice. The first time was my first semester freshman year when my order from Amazon had been messed up, so once I was at school I needed to get books ASAP,” Arts & Sciences junior Eilis Smith said. “The second time was this summer when I took an online class, and after comparing the cost and how much I could sell it back for, it was a better deal to rent.”
Even though students find good deals online, renting textbooks or buying used, many still feel that cost of textbooks is still too high. Follett hopes that they will be able to put a dent in this cost and put more of a profit in the pockets of students.
”This last semester I spent somewhere between $250 and $300 on textbooks,” Smith said. “I feel that I spent too much, especially due to having to buy one of my books from the Creighton Bookstore. I found a used copy for about $75 online, but because I needed it more urgently, I ended up paying $140 to the bookstore.”
“The campus store is the best single source for a wide variety of course materials options, new and used, print and digital for purchase or rent,” Parish said. “Students should consider how they learn and study as well as their budget preference when selecting their course materials. Our store associates are ready to assist any student that needs help determining the best course material option for their needs.”