Benefits of Renting College Textbooks

New college textbooks can be pricey. Renting texts is one way for college students to save money, as rentals typically cost only 33 percent to 55 percent of the price of a new text, according to the National Association of College Stores. That's no small potatoes, with textbook costs averaging more than $1100 per year, as documented by the College Board in 2010.

NACS says the rental option is becoming more prevalent, with 80 percent of its member stores now offering rental programs. In addition to programs offered in the bookstores, numerous internet sellers eagerly compete for college students' text rental business.

Financial Benefits of Renting College Texts

Not only do students save money when renting rather than buying, they don't need as large a cash outlay as they would to buy books and resell them under a buyback program. Thus even if a purchase plus buyback will ultimately result in a lower price, that option may not work as well as book rental for students with minimal financial resources. Students who can afford the initial outlay, by contrast, will want to compare the prices of new and used texts, taking into account buyback pricing, with rentals.

Students who don't need a text for an entire semester would do well to choose a rental program offering varying rental periods. Why pay all semester for a book needed only during the first 30 days of class?

When choosing a rental option, it pays to be selective. Look at these factors carefully before selecting a textbook renter:

* Is the student allowed to do any highlighting in the book?
* Are there fees for late return?
* Is the acquisition and return process easy and timely?
* Is there a fee for return shipping?
* Is there a rental extension option in case the book is needed longer than anticipated?

Environmental Benefit of Textbook Rental

Besides reducing cost, text book rentals are sustainable. As more and more students rent rather than buy, less books are produced, sacrificing less trees.

College Book Rental Caveats

Students renting college textbooks must be prepared for the responsibilities outlined in the rental contract. Typically, this means returning the book in clean, like-new condition. Coffee, coke drinkers, and habitual dog-ear bookmarkers, make note.

Rental companies may allow minimal highlighting but check the contract and understand how much is too much before deciding if rental is a viable option.

Remember that it's the renters responsibility to return the book on time. Students prone to misplacing books need to calculate the potential cost of losing a book or returning it late in deciding if their book-handling practices are consistent with the rental obligations.