Top Textbook Scholarships With Upcoming Deadlines in 2025

Most scholarships focus on covering tuition, room and board, and fees. While these tend to be the largest expenses, many students overlook the cost of purchasing textbooks, which can add up to several thousands of dollars over the course of their college education.

This article will explore the best book scholarships to help you pay for college textbooks.

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Strategies to Save Money on Textbooks

Textbooks can be a significant expense for students, but there are numerous strategies to save money without sacrificing quality or access to learning materials. Here are five practical options:

1. Rent Textbooks

Renting textbooks is a cost-effective solution, especially for courses that don’t require keeping the book for future reference. Rental services like Chegg, Amazon, or campus bookstores often provide options at a fraction of the cost of purchasing a new book. This strategy is particularly useful for general education courses or subjects you don’t plan to revisit.

Many rental platforms offer flexible return policies, including semester-long rentals or extensions for finals. However, be mindful of the condition of the book upon return to avoid extra fees. Always check for supplemental materials like online access codes, as these are not typically included with rentals.

2. Buy Used Textbooks

Purchasing used textbooks can save you up to 50% or more compared to buying new ones. Options include campus bookstores, secondhand shops, and online marketplaces like ThriftBooks or eBay. Look for local student networks or Facebook groups where peers sell their books at competitive prices.

Before purchasing, ensure the used copy is the correct edition for your class, as some courses require specific versions. If the book has notes or highlights, these might even offer helpful insights. To save even more, consider reselling your used textbooks at the end of the semester to recoup some of your investment.

3. Use E-books

Digital versions of textbooks are often significantly cheaper than their print counterparts. Platforms like VitalSource, Kindle, and Google Play Books provide a wide selection of e-books, many with built-in tools like highlighting, bookmarking, and note-taking. E-books also eliminate the need for physical storage, allowing you to carry your entire library on a tablet or laptop.

Furthermore, many e-books have adjustable font sizes and text-to-speech features, making them accessible for different learning preferences. Before purchasing, check for rental options or free trial periods to see if the format works for you.

4. Look for Discounts Or Promotions

Many retailers and publishers offer discounts or promotional codes, especially at the start of a new semester. Sign up for email newsletters or follow textbook providers on social media to stay informed about sales. Students often qualify for special discounts through programs like UNiDAYS or Student Beans.

Inclusive access programs offered by schools or publishers can also provide digital course materials at a reduced rate, bundled into tuition fees. Don’t forget to compare prices across multiple retailers, as some stores price match or offer student-specific promotions.

5. Use Cashback or Rewards Programs

Leverage cashback or rewards programs when buying textbooks to save money over time. Platforms like Rakuten and Honey offer cashback deals on purchases from major retailers, while some credit card reward systems provide points for every dollar spent.

These points can later be redeemed for discounts or gift cards. Check if your school bookstore participates in such programs or offers loyalty rewards. Over a semester, consistently using these programs can lead to significant savings, reducing the financial burden of textbook expenses.

6. Borrow From the Library

Libraries are a cost-free way to access textbooks. Many campus libraries keep course materials on reserve, allowing students to borrow them for short periods to complete assignments or study. While these loans are often limited to a few hours or days, they’re perfect for accessing high-cost books without purchasing.

Public libraries also offer access to textbooks or can connect you to interlibrary loan services for wider options. Digital platforms like Open Library and Project Gutenberg provide free access to e-textbooks and older editions. 13% of professors in the US now require the use of Open Education Resources (OER) for their students.