Schools without Hidden Expenses: Part 1
When it’s time to apply to colleges, a variety of factors come into play as you weigh your options.
You know the deal; your dream school is your dream school for a reason. Perhaps location or size is most important to you, or maybe it’s a specific major that has to be offered before you even consider submitting an application.
While the most important components vary depending on your priorities, there is one thing we can all agree on: Saving money is always a plus. At the end of the day, the cost of attending a particular school can play an enormous role in your final decision.
Remember — tuition isn’t the only expense. Fees, meal plans, and room and board are just some of the added costs that force you to dig deeper into your pockets.
Oh, and don’t forget about textbooks.
Depending on the school, the cost of college textbooks for a single academic year can literally end up being thousands of dollars. It’s a lot of money, and it can leave you pulling your hair out trying to figure out how to pay for books that you might only be using for a few months.
However, in an effort to ease the financial burden, many colleges are covering those costs. When it comes to textbooks, here are 10 colleges that will pick up the tab:
Trevecca Nazarene University
If you attend this private university in the heart of Nashville, Tenn., not only will you enjoy an 18:1 student-teacher ratio; your textbook rentals will be covered by the school. It’s a pretty sweet deal — just return your books at the end of the semester, and you’re all set!
Keystone College
The IncludEd program at this northern Pennsylvania college aims to eliminate the types of unexpected costs that surprise students elsewhere. With textbook costs incorporated in tuition, students will have access to any books they need for no additional fee. One more perk: All students receive a free tablet that provides access to online reading materials.
Northwest Missouri State University
This Maryville, Mo., university boasts that its textbook and laptop rental program saves attendees $7300 over four years. With these expenses already included in tuition and fees, your primary textbook rentals come at no charge.
Patten University
Taking classes remotely? At Patten University, e-textbooks for online programs are covered in your tuition. With this option, you won’t have to worry about unknown fees every semester.
Lincoln College
At this 153-year-old college in Lincoln, Ill., textbook usage fees are on the house. You might have to pay for a workbook or supplemental materials here and there, but if you are looking to keep prices at a minimum, this is certainly one way to go.
Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech strives to maximize the efficiency of distributing course materials. By including textbook costs in tuition, this Indiana community college ensures that you will have everything you need to access your e-texts on your first day, saving you the frustration of waiting in bookstore lines with little idea of how much you will have to pay.
Hamline University
Attending college in St. Paul, Minn., brings plenty of perks; whether you want to check out the Mall of America, hit up a Vikings game or shop the stores on Grand Avenue, you won’t have to make more than a half-hour drive. If you’re an undergraduate student at Hamline, you will be set with textbook rentals by simply paying a flat fee each semester.
Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville State, located in Fayetteville, N.C., carries the heavy weight for its students. While you may have to pay for consumable materials such as lab manuals and study guides, required books over $25 are covered by your tuition. This applies whether you are pursuing your bachelors, masters or doctoral degree.
Illinois College
Like many schools on this list, Illinois College incorporates textbook expenses in tuition. As an added benefit, though, you will also have your books delivered to you. That’s right — no surprise charges, and no dreaded trips to the bookstore!
Columbia Southern University
This online university provides all of the course material you need at no cost. The only caveat: If you receive books or supplies for a course, then you must earn a passing grade in order to avoid the charge.
Other Schools with Phenomenal Textbook Programs
- Ashworth College – Norcross, Ga.
- Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne
- McKinley College – Fort Collins, Colo.
- Southern Illinois University – Carbondale, Ill.
- Southern Illinois University (Edwardsville) – Edwardsville, Ill.
- Tennessee State University – Nashville, Tenn.
- University of Wisconsin (La Crosse) – La Crosse, Wisc.
