Where to Buy, Sell and Rent College Textbooks

Whether you need traditional or digital textbooks, you can buy or rent them from multiple sources.

» MORE: College survival guide for your money

Textbooks, like supplies and other college expenses, are considered part of your cost of attendance. That means you can use your student loans to pay for them. But before you dip into your loans or your college budget, find the cheapest option.

» MORE: How to pay for extra college expenses

Is it better to rent or buy college books?

Students at four-year colleges spent an average $1,240 on books and supplies for the 2021-22 school year, according to the College Board. You can keep your costs low by renting a book instead of buying it.

Buying used books and reselling them when you no longer need them is a way to reduce your upfront costs and get cash back later. If the textbook is common or used every year or every semester, you’re more likely to resell it.

Whether you rent or buy a used book, find out from your teacher if an older edition is acceptable. Sometimes old versions might not include everything needed for your course.

Options to buy, sell and rent textbooks online

You have plenty of options when it comes to places to buy, sell and rent your textbooks, but buying online is the easiest way to compare prices. Search by title, by author or with the codes that identify specific book editions, known as ISBNs. When buying online, factor in shipping, handling and taxes to the total cost. These sites are good places to start.

• AbeBooks.com users can save up to 90% on textbooks, many of which have free shipping. The site works with TextbookRush to buyback books for cash.

• Amazon users save up to 90% on textbooks and can access free two-day shipping with Prime Student. You can buy, sell or rent ebooks and textbooks and make returns within 30 days for a refund. You may get a new or used textbook, based on availability.

• BooksRun.com users can buy, sell or rent textbooks and ebooks. You can save up to 90% buying or renting ebooks, and shipping is free on all orders.

• CampusBooks.com is a marketplace for new and used textbook rentals from various online vendors, at up to 90% off. Compare book prices using its “Buy vs. Rent” feature. Users get free shipping for renting and returning.

• CheapestTextbooks.com users can get up to 95% off new and used textbooks and 70% off rental books. You can also sell books and ship for free.

• Chegg customers can save up to 90% on textbooks and ebooks. Buy or rent books with 21-day risk-free returns in case you drop or switch classes. You also get free shipping on orders over $35.