Bundling the cost of textbooks with tuition, also known as Equitable Access, is on the rise across higher education institutions. Read about why this idea isn’t new, how it aligns with the lifestyle and expectations of today’s students, and how you can customize a program that meets your needs and your school’s timeline. 

One initiative that has continued to gain strength in higher education is Equitable Access, the course material model that bundles the cost of textbooks with the cost of tuition. While room and board, meal plans, and facility fees have long been paired with tuition, the concept of bundling textbooks into the cost has historically been met with resistance. With a rising need to think outside the box to drive enrollment, embracing change initiatives may be the key to success.

Whether you’re just starting to explore a first-day course materials model or you’re in decision-making mode for the upcoming semesters, our most-read resources around Equitable Access will provide valuable information for your consideration.

Western Oklahoma State College (WOSC), a public, state-supported two-year institution introduced Equitable Access to support their students in the Fall 2022 semester and reduce the cost of textbooks. Equitable Access is an up-and-coming course material delivery model that allows students to access their materials on the first day of class for one low course material fee.

Melissa McMahon, Vice President for Business Affairs at WOSC said, “We have made a commitment to our students to find strategies that combat the rising costs of textbooks. Launching the new textbook delivery model is expected to drastically lower the costs of materials, while still allowing full academic freedom so faculty can continue to decide their course texts.”

By bundling course materials with a course material fee, students at WOSC are provided with affordable course materials and can arrive in class prepared on the first day. Under their Equitable Access model, students will no longer need to make separate purchases, pay for additional shipping fees, or risk ordering the wrong textbooks prior to the semester's start.

Student readiness, success, and retention are key metrics for Academic Affairs offices across higher education. Changing your course material purchase and delivery service might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re brainstorming ways to improve those metrics, but it shouldn’t be dismissed.

Today’s college students are accustomed to subscription models and flat-rate fees because so many of them grew up with these services. Equitable Access is an innovative course material delivery model that offers students access to their course materials on the first day of class for one low fee, embedded into the cost of tuition.

Here are some of the top ways implementing an Equitable Access model can positively impact your students:

Equitable Access is transforming the way textbooks and course materials are thought about on campuses across the country, but it’s more than just a trending topic. The model allows students access to all required course materials on the first day of class for one low fee, embedded into the cost of tuition. It can drastically drive the cost of textbooks down for your student population. But can Equitable Access also positively impact your bottom line?

Quincy University supports digital initiatives with a new bundled textbooks program, takes ownership of their brand, and the customer experience.