Affordable Course Materials

Supporting Student Success Through Course Material Affordability

Purdue Libraries encourages instructors to adopt affordable and accessible course materials to promote student success. When course materials are low-cost or free, students are more likely to access them from day one, helping to create a more equitable and effective learning environment.

There are many ways to reduce or eliminate textbook and resource costs—by using Purdue Libraries services, exploring open educational resources (OER), or selecting lower-cost alternatives. Our team is here to help you explore the best options for your course.

Purdue Libraries is here to support you in finding affordable, high-quality materials for your courses. Whether you’re exploring open textbooks, placing items on reserve, or just looking for guidance, we’re happy to help.

Why It Matters

Affordable course materials aren’t just about cost—they’re about access and equity. When students can’t afford required materials, their learning suffers. By choosing affordable resources, instructors help ensure every student has the tools they need to succeed.

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In 2020, 21% of students reported not purchasing an access code for online homework and quizzes—up from 17% in 2019.Despite stable tuition costs since 2019, college textbook prices have risen by 34.5% since 2011 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021).In 2020, 65% of students surveyed said they did not buy at least one required textbook due to cost.