How to Save Money on Textbooks and Supplies

July 22, 2025

College textbooks and supplies can add up quickly, but you may have more options than you think. Comparing formats, checking for free materials and paying attention to purchase dates can help you get what you need without spending more than necessary.

STLCC students can choose from e-books, rentals, used books, open educational resources and other lower-cost options. The key is knowing what your course requires before you buy.

Start with these five steps:

Check your required materials early.
Compare new, used, rental and e-book prices.
Look for courses that use free open educational resources.
Use the correct ISBN when shopping with another seller.
Review return and rental deadlines before purchasing.

Find Your Required Course Materials

STLCC textbooks, e-books and digital courseware are ordered through the College’s online bookstore. Log in with your MySTLCC ID and password to view your registered courses and assigned materials.

Review each listing to see whether an item is required or recommended. Some courses may list several formats for the same title. If the listing says to choose one format, you only need to purchase the version that works best for you.

If a course or required material isn’t listed, check again later or contact your instructor before purchasing. Course information may still be in the process of being updated.

Know where to shop:

Order textbooks, e-books and digital courseware through the STLCC online bookstore.
Purchase STLCC uniforms, kits and other program items through a campus store or the campus store website.
Use the ISBN from the online bookstore if you compare prices through another seller.

Compare Textbook Formats

There isn’t one format that works best for every class. Consider the total cost, how long you’ll need the book and how you prefer to study.

New textbooks

New books are usually in the best condition, but they may also be the most expensive option.

Used textbooks

A used copy can save money when the correct edition and any required digital materials are included.

Rental textbooks

Rentals often cost less up front, but the book must be returned in acceptable condition by the listed deadline.

E-books

Digital books provide fast access and may cost less, but access periods and return options can be limited.

Check for Access Codes and Courseware

Some classes require more than a textbook. Your materials may include an access code, online homework platform, lab software or other digital courseware connected to Canvas.

Before buying a used, rental or marketplace book, check whether your class requires a new access code. A lower-cost book may not include the digital access you need, and purchasing the code separately could raise the total cost.

Packages that include books, access codes or other materials may also have special return restrictions once opened. Review the product details and return policy before purchasing.

Look for Free Course Materials

Some STLCC courses use open educational resources, also called OER. These free online textbooks and learning materials can significantly reduce your course costs.

A printed version may sometimes be available for students who prefer a physical copy. You can also check whether your instructor has placed a textbook or other material on course reserve through the STLCC Libraries.

Library or OER access may be especially helpful if you’re waiting on financial aid or looking for more ways to lower college costs.

Use a Financial Aid Book Account

Students who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant or Direct Student Loan refund may receive an STLCC book account for approved books and course-related supplies.

Once your financial aid award is complete, STLCC will send a notification to your student email if a book account is available. You can also check its status and available balance through Archer Connect.

The amount is based on your financial aid award and current schedule, with a maximum of $1,000. Your available balance may not cover the full cost of your materials.

Before using a book account:

Check your STLCC email for eligibility and deadline information.
Review your book account status in Archer Connect.
Confirm which purchases are allowed before placing an order.
Plan another payment method if the account doesn’t cover the full cost.
Purchase materials for late-start classes before the book account deadline.

Your book account is based on your current enrollment. Dropping a class, failing to attend or making other schedule changes could reduce your financial aid and leave a balance on your student account. Contact enrollment services before changing your schedule if you have questions about how it could affect your aid.

Choose the Right Time to Buy

Order physical textbooks early enough to allow for processing and shipping. Delivery can take up to five business days, so waiting until the first day of class may leave you without the materials you need.

Physical materials can be shipped to your home or an available campus location. Digital course material access is generally delivered electronically. Review your confirmation email and online bookstore account for delivery or tracking details.

For e-books and digital courseware, it may make sense to wait until your course opens in Canvas. Some digital materials connect directly to a course, so waiting can help you confirm that you’re purchasing the correct product.

Don’t wait too long, especially if an assignment is due during the first week. Check Canvas, your syllabus and messages from your instructor so you know when access will be required.

Shop Around Carefully

You aren’t required to purchase textbooks through the STLCC online bookstore. You may compare prices through other sellers, but use the ISBN shown in the STLCC bookstore listing to confirm that you’re buying the exact edition assigned to your course.

Compare the full cost rather than the advertised price alone. Shipping fees, delivery times, return policies and the cost of a separate access code can make a lower-priced book more expensive.

STLCC financial aid and scholarship funds may also have restrictions on where and how they can be used. Confirm your payment options before ordering from another seller.

Review Materials After a Schedule Change

If you add, drop or switch a class, return to the online bookstore and review your course list. You may need different materials or may no longer need something you already ordered.

Textbook and e-book returns are handled through your account at STLCC TextbookX. Campus stores can’t accept textbook or e-book returns.

Start the return process as soon as possible. Refund deadlines vary based on the length of your course, and some digital materials or opened packages may not be eligible for return.

Keep your receipt, confirmation email and original packaging until you know that you have the correct materials. Avoid writing in or damaging a physical book until you’re sure you’ll keep it.

Avoid these common textbook mistakes:

Ordering physical books too late.
Purchasing an e-book before confirming the course requirements.
Assuming a used or rental book includes a required access code.
Buying a recommended item you don’t need.
Missing rental, return or book account deadlines.
Buying the wrong edition or ISBN.
Purchasing every listed format instead of choosing one.
Trying to return an online textbook purchase to a campus store.
Overlooking free OER or library materials.

Sell Books You No Longer Need

When the semester ends, you may be able to request a quote for eligible physical textbooks through your online bookstore account. STLCC campus stores don’t purchase used textbooks.

Resale value depends on factors such as the book’s condition, whether the edition is still being used and current demand. Keep your books in good condition if you may want to sell them later.

Get Help With Course Materials

For help with a textbook order, delivery, digital access or return, use the customer service options available through your STLCC TextbookX account.

For help with uniforms, kits, approved book-account purchases or other campus-store items, contact an STLCC campus store. For questions about book-account eligibility or how a schedule change may affect your aid, contact enrollment services.

Students who need textbooks or course materials in an accessible format can contact STLCC access office staff for support. Complete the accommodation process and request materials as early as possible so there is time to prepare or locate an accessible version.

Plan Before the Semester Starts

A few minutes of research can make a meaningful difference in what you spend. Review your required materials, compare available formats, check for free options and confirm important purchase dates.

By planning ahead, you can get the materials you need while keeping more room in your college budget.