College textbooks can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars per semester. For the average undergraduate college student, that could add up to approximately $5,000 just for textbooks. But as with many things, these days, there are great opportunities to save a lot of money online.
Not sure where to start? Here are the eleven best sites to buy college textbooks for less.
1. Chegg
Chegg is an excellent resource for finding affordable college books online. You can rent books and get free shipping when you return them.
Another option is to buy new or used textbooks, which come with a 21-day refund guarantee. Plus, you may use coupons or get free shipping on orders over a certain amount for extra savings.
In addition to hardcover books, students can choose from over 400,000 Ebooks and rent them for as long as they need for just $6.99 per month. All eBooks come with a 14-day money-back guarantee.
If you're interested in selling your books when class ends, you can receive a quote, which is a great way to recoup some money. If, for some reason, Chegg isn't offering a buyback on that particular book, you can do some goodwill and donate it through the site.
2. Amazon
Amazon has long been considered one of the best sites to buy college textbooks. It features thousands of titles in every category you could think of, from science and math to business.
Search for new or used textbooks by author, title, or topic, and then check out the price Amazon has to offer. Some books can be downloaded on Kindle for free, while others are available for rent.
If you're an Amazon Prime member, remember that you can save on shipping and get your book quickly. Alternatively, take a look at Amazon Prime Student for additional benefits and college deals just for you.
3. BookFinder
BookFinder browses hundreds of websites to help you find cheap textbooks online. Start by entering the ISBN, title, or author, select the book you want, and then you'll see prices from online stores like Amazon, eBay, Valore Books, and others.
Depending on the seller, you can purchase used or new books. Just click on the price for the online shop, and you'll be taken there to buy your book. With some luck, you could save up to 80 percent on your order.
4. CampusBooks
CampusBooks is similar to BookFinder in that it scours the web for terrific prices on college books. You'll get results from stores like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Chegg, all in one handy spot. And you can choose to rent instead of buy where available.
To get some money back after the semester ends, simply click the Sell button and then enter the book's ISBN. The platform will display a list of buyback websites along with price estimates.
5. SlugBooks
While a bit more limited than other platforms, SlugBooks is still worth a look when searching for cheap textbooks.
Look for the book you're interested in and then review the list price along with deals from stores like Amazon, Campus Book Rentals, and Chegg.
Click the purchase or rental price you want, head to that online shop, and buy what you need. SlugBooks also offers an option to sell your books. Enter your state and school and then list your textbooks so that other students can see and, hopefully, buy them.
6. ValoreBooks
ValoreBooks offers decent prices for renting or buying college textbooks, along with the option to sell your books. Enter the ISBN, title, or author to begin your search, and you should see suggestions immediately beneath the search box.
You'll then see the prices for new and used textbooks. You can also view alternate edition pricing for books that may include international, instructor, or previous edition options.
If you decide to buy, just add the book to your cart. Otherwise, you can scroll down to see additional marketplace prices with shipping details and costs.
ValoreBooks is a nice and easy option for getting cheap textbooks online. With some research, you can save up to 90 percent on most titles.
7. Alibris
Alibris features thousands of textbooks, as well as regular books, digital books, music, and movies. The platform claims that users can save up to 80 percent on most products.
Textbooks are available as new or used from a variety of sources like Big River Books, Goodwill, and Half Price Books. You can get all of the details right on the search results screen, including shipping options and costs.
Instead of being directed to a different site to get your book, just add it to your cart and make your purchase on Alibris.
8. Affordabook
Affordabook will browse over ten different websites for cheap textbooks. Enter the book title, author, or ISBN, and you'll see results for buying or renting the book from online stores. If you decide to buy or rent the book, just click the button for the spot you want to shop at.
If you sign up for a free account, you can set up search preferences and receive newsletters. Plus, you can create a handy Watched List of books so that when one reaches your target price, you'll be notified. This is a good way to keep an eye on the books you want without lifting a finger.
There's the option to buy new or used textbooks and study guides. Alternatively, you may rent the book you need. Students can also list their textbooks for sale to make some extra money.
9. AbeBooks
AbeBooks has been in business since 1996, offering cheap textbooks from thousands of independent sellers. Buyers can order new or used books, including older editions that may not be available anywhere else.
Simply enter the book title, ISBN, or author name in the search bar and then place your order or save the product for later. All textbooks come with a 30-day return policy, which makes everything a lot easier. If, say, you're not satisfied with the condition of your book, you may return it within one month from the delivery date.
Like other websites on our list, AbeBooks also allows users to sell their books and other products, including maps, comic books, collectibles, and works of art.
This service is available to sellers from around the world, meaning that you can set your own shipping rates and reach a global audience.
10. Textbooks Wise
Textbooks Wise is similar to a few other sites on our list, as it displays prices from stores like Amazon and eBay, all in one convenient place. Search for new, used, rental, or electronic books, and then head to the site when you're ready to check out.
While Textbooks Wise doesn't offer anything unique, it's still another great option if you're having trouble finding affordable college books online.
11. Textbooks.com
One final site to check out is Textbooks.com. Like the others, start by entering the ISBN, title, or author. Then, review your search results for new and used books.
What's cool about Textbooks.com is that as you compare prices, you can also see the book condition. Whether new, like new, or in acceptable condition, you'll be able to find cheap college books easily.
As of today, the platform offers more than ten million titles and free shipping on all orders over $25. Depending on the book you want, it's possible to save 70 percent or more.
For further savings, consider buying digital textbooks. This way, you can access them instantly without having to pay for shipping.
Discover the Best Way to Shop for Cheap Textbooks
Forget the campus bookstore and save some cash by buying or renting your college textbooks online. Each of these sites can help you save a bundle while making it easier to find the textbooks you need.
Remember to check their buyback programs when school is over! There are plenty of students who may need what you have to offer.