To eat or to learn? Wagering the price tag of learning: Zero cost textbook degree

Abstract

The escalating costs that are associated with earning an undergraduate degree often force students to make difficult choices regarding whether they can afford the financial costs to remain in school. Our students encounter many economic challenges and hardships as they attempted to earn a degree. We believe that required textbook costs for courses should not hinder student learning or be the obstacle that prevents students from completing their courses and graduating. For many students, textbook affordability is a pressing retention need. If the choice that students need to make is deciding on whether they can afford to pay the rent, purchase food for the month, or buy a textbook, the probability of investing in a textbook is slim at best. Within the context of this paper, we discuss the challenges and opportunities that emerge in the California State University system, when moving from traditional high-priced textbooks to low or no cost Open Educational Resources for university course offerings that can reduce the financial burden on students and potentially increase retention to graduation rates.