If you’re heading back to college within the next few weeks, chances are textbooks are on your mind. Specifically, the high cost of textbooks. According to the College Board, textbooks cost $1,000 on average each year. Aside from renting textbooks and buying them used, lawmakers are getting involved to try and help students afford textbooks. A new law took effect just a few weeks ago on July 1st and its purpose is to make the textbook industry fair and more transparent. The textbook provision of the law was apart of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008. Here is what I want all college students to know:

1. The law now requires universities to give students a price list of all the textbooks needed for each class and the book’s ISBN number during the time students enroll for classes. This will give students the opportunity to compare textbook prices from different stores and online sites, well in advance of the first day of class.

2. As a result of this law, textbook publishers are required to tell professors the prices of their textbooks. In fact, 77% of professors say that publishers don’t disclose the price. This will enable professors to provide a cheaper textbook to students.

Many textbook publishers bundle textbooks with CDs and other workbooks – 65% of professors say that they don’t need these other items. Under this new law, publishers must sell each item individually, this way you can pick and choose which items to buy.

That’s great, but how do I actually save money?

Good question. I am an incoming college student at NYU’s Stern School of Business and I’ve been trying to find ways to save money on textbooks – here are some tips that all college students and parents can benefit from:

1. Promotional Codes: Ever skip over the “promotional code box” when shopping online? If so, you are missing out on tons of savings. You can find promotional codes for over 9,000 brands by visiting PromotionalCodes.com. Here are a few codes for saving money on textbooks that PromotionalCodes.com offers:

• 10% off orders over $100 at Half.com (eBay)
• 10% off 3 or more Book Rentals at BookRenter.com
• 5% off all textbook rentals at Chegg.com
• Free Shipping at Textbooks.com

2. Compare Prices: Here is a great textbook search engine from HelpSaveMyDollars.com. Type in the name of the book and it will find the retailer or website that sells that book for the lowest price.

3. Rent Textbooks: Once the semester is over, you won’t need your textbooks anymore. You can save hundreds by renting textbooks for the semester. Visit Chegg.com and BookRenter.com.