Do colleges and universities still use print textbooks, or are they mostly digital?

You'll probably find a mixture of both. At some schools, you can choose whichever format you prefer (and, according to The New York Times, 50% of students prefer a print textbook!).

How much do textbooks cost?

You won't be surprised to hear that books can be free, like certain open source online textbooks, but some can cost as much as $1,000 or more! The College Board recommends that students plan on setting aside $1,200 each year for textbooks and course materials.

Why would I buy my textbooks online instead of my campus bookstore?

Your campus bookstore will likely be selling the textbooks at full retail value, or maybe even with a bit of a markup. And, even if they offer used books, you'll be competing with everyone else at your school to get a copy. Shopping online lets you get the exact same books for the best available price.

Can I buy good used textbooks online?

Absolutely. Most online textbook stores make it easy to determine the condition of any title you need, and you can even get them in new or like-new condition - at a fraction of the price you'd pay for a brand-new text at your college bookstore.

How much will I pay for shipping?

That depends on the textbook store you use and how quickly you need the book. Many providers offer free shipping for economy shipping, with options to upgrade if you want to get it faster.

Is it true that I can rent my textbooks instead of buying them?

Yes! Both print and digital textbooks can be rented through many textbook stores. Be sure to read the terms and conditions before choosing the rental option: you'll want to know if you're allowed to mark up the book or save any of your digital notes, when your rental period will end, and any instructions you'll need to follow to return the textbook when the class finishes.

What if the textbook comes and isn't what I needed? Can I exchange it or get a refund?

Most textbook stores know that students may buy a textbook they wind up not needing: classes get cancelled or dropped, the wrong edition is ordered, and so on. You typically have a risk-free return period of anywhere from 14-21 days from the purchase date, so you'll need to time your purchase carefully (ordering enough in advance that the title is available, but not so far ahead that you can't return it once the class starts).

Are online textbook stores legitimate?

Without a doubt. Some textbook stores have been in business for a decade or more, with excellent customer ratings and a strong reputation with the Better Business Bureau. Buying your textbooks online can save you a significant amount of money and hassle!

Textbooks vs Pearson for November 2025 | Best College Textbook Stores

Item: Textbooks vs Pearson
Rating: 4
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Monday, November 10th We evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

2025 College Textbook Store Reviews

Here you can see how Textbooks and Pearson match up head-to-head in a battle for the Best College Textbook Stores in 2025.

Textbooks

10 million books in stock
Up to 90% off retail prices
Free shipping on orders over $25

Textbooks has been in business since 2006 and is designed for students, parents, readers, and tech enthusiasts. Their strong points include 90% off retail prices, free shipping on orders over $25, and a Guaranteed Cash Back feature. With over 10 million books in stock, Textbooks provides a wide selection for budget-conscious students. They have high inspection standards for used textbooks and buyback quotes that are locked in for 30 days. Despite some issues with search functionality and eTextbooks that could be improved, Textbooks is dedicated to serving its community and offers value and reliability to its customers.

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Pearson

Access to 1,800+ eTextbooks and study materials for $10.99/month
Includes flashcards, audio, and study tools
Additional Channels feature offers curated study videos, quizzes, and summaries for $7.99/month

Pearson+ is a subscription service referred to as the "Netflix for textbooks." For $10.99 a month, students gain access to over 1,800 eTextbooks and study materials, including flashcards and audio tools. However, the catalog only includes textbooks published by Pearson, so students may still need to purchase resources from other publishers. Users have reported technical issues with the platform, such as clunky navigation and frequent logouts. Accessibility features and customer support have also received criticism. Despite the allure of affordable digital textbooks, students have found that the platform's glitches and unsatisfactory support make traditional textbook options more reliable. Pearson earns our lowest possible score.

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Picture this: Emma is a sophomore majoring in Economics. A new semester is approaching, and she's been handed her list of required readings. Instead of braving the long lines at the campus bookstore and potentially paying high prices, she turns to online college textbook stores.

In a matter of minutes, she's located every textbook she needs, some at heavily discounted prices or even available for rent. Not only does she save money, but she also saves time, making her semester preparations smooth and hassle-free. Right on, Emma!

Online college textbook stores have revolutionized the way students acquire their academic resources. These platforms offer a convenient, often cheaper, alternative to traditional brick-and-mortar stores. With just a few clicks, students can purchase new or used books, rent textbooks, or even access digital versions.

How much could you save? In some cases, students might spend over $1,000 per semester on required course materials, especially if they are studying in fields that require expensive textbooks or access codes for online resources. It's obvious that every penny counts, so why not take advantage of every possible way to get your textbooks for less money? You could cut that $1,000 in half (or even more) by skipping the school bookstore and opting to source your books online.

When choosing a college textbook retailer, it's important to consider several factors to be sure you get the best deal and the resources you need. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Cost. How much does the textbook cost on this site compared to others? Look for competitive prices. Are there any special deals or discounts? It's always a win to save some money.
Selection. Does the website have the textbooks you need? Check if they offer both e-books and physical copies. It's best to have choices to fit your study style.
Shipping and return policy. Can they get your textbook to you before classes start? Consider shipping costs and speed. If the textbook isn't what you meant to order, is returning it easy? A good return policy can save you from headaches later on.
Access codes. Do you need an online code for your course? Some books come with codes for online materials. If buying used or renting, is the code still valid? Make sure you're getting everything you need.

Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the best online stores to buy college textbooks, both secondhand and new. We hope these reviews help you get the books you need for school quickly and without spending too much.

Textbooks vs Pearson

2025 College Textbook Store Reviews

Textbooks

Pearson

College Textbook Store FAQ