The cost of college textbooks just keeps going ... UP

By Justin Ellis, Staff Writer

Copyright © 2006 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.

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Apparently college students are among the wealthiest people on the planet. How do I know this? Because they spend hundreds of dollars each semester on textbooks.

You have to be rich to do that or at least enjoy spending that much money, right?

"It's like getting ripped off," said Erin Willford, a senior at the University of Southern Maine.

The social-work major was not kidding. Willford clutched a stray book in one hand last week while her plastic bag from the USM bookstore strained under the weight of multiple newly purchased books. She made two trips to the bookstore, the first to pay in cash, the second on her mom's credit card. The total, she said: $800.

Taking six classes this semester, Willford expected her book count to be up, but even buying used books can be expensive, she said.

As if the fantastic new debt was not enough, she had to explain it to her mom.

"She didn't believe me," she said.

Buying textbooks goes with the territory in college. But as prices have outstripped students' budgets, some try to save up, some resign themselves to a fate of debt, and others are looking for options like sharing books.

Adam Roy, a junior studying political science has already spent close to $300 on books . . . and he's not done.

"I just paid rent and now I'm broke as (heck)," he said. "I spent the rest of my money on books."

Roy, who works in the kitchen at Joe's Boathouse, said that means not going out for fun, cutting other expenses and most likely working more.

"It's not a fair system," he said.

How else can you explain the fact that on average, college students spent between $801 and $904 on books and supplies during the 2005-2006 school year, according to the College Board, the college advice and SAT test prep people.

Here's a fun fact: In the last 20 years - when most current college students were making their way from gluesticks to graduation - the price of college textbooks increased at twice the rate of inflation, according to a report from the federal Government Accountability Office.

Let's take a look at a few titles at the USM bookstore at the Woodbury Campus Center in Portland.

"Fundamental General, Organic and Biological Chemistry," is available for $134.65 new, $101 used.

"Statistics for Business and Economics," (one my favorites) can be yours for $136.80 new or $102.60 used.

On the bright side, the 2006 Associated Press Style Book is only $14.36 new or $10.95 used.

Interestingly enough, even the people who work at the bookstore realize prices are getting out of control.

"They're expensive. Really, really expensive," said Nicki Piaget, director of USM Bookstores, which has locations in Gorham, Portland and Lewiston.

Piaget said students have a misconception that the bookstore is pulling down large profits from books. The truth is they make more on T-shirts, sweatshirts and supplies than books, she said.

The textbook business has become more competitive in recent years. Increasingly, new books are packaged with CDs, study manuals and other assorted trinkets that can up the price, she said. Companies are publishing new titles more often in order to push used books off the shelves, she said.

"Once (a book comes out) a semester, they are making less and less money each time around," because of used books, she said.

When a new edition pops up, the buy-back price for old editions drop dramatically, or used books just aren't bought, she said.

According to a report from the Student Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs), new editions of textbooks are published every three years on average.

Anna Korsen, a member of the PIRG group at USM, said textbooks contribute to the larger problem of rising college costs felt by students. "Why would college students be able to afford a book that costs $125?" she asked.

Korsen said students are desperately trying to find ways around the system, such as getting books through the library or sharing.

At the Campus Bookstore, a short walk across Forest Avenue from the USM Portland campus, Wayne Diffin said students are savvy shoppers, but they're getting pinched regardless.

"It's publisher games they play," said the owner of the discount bookstore. "They make students buy new books. It's a game."

Diffin said he listens to students' complaints and what books and materials they actually use in class.

His arms stretched supporting a stack of books last week, Parker Madden asked Diffin if any supplements came with his statistics book. Pointing out a small white workbook, Diffin told the sophomore there's a chance he might not need it. "Why not save $20?" he said.

Madden, who's studying accounting, said he's spent $350 on books already and doesn't hold out much hope when buy-back time comes around. He sums it up simply:

"It sucks, but there's not much we can do about it," he said. "That's probably why they're so expensive, because (publishers) know we have to buy them."

Staff Writer Justin Ellis can be contacted at 791-6380 or at: