Low-cost and zero-cost textbooks use alternative learning materials to reduce or eliminate the financial burden of traditional commercial textbooks on students.
Key Definitions
Open Educational Resources (OER): Free, openly licensed educational materials (such as textbooks, media, and
software) that can be legally shared, used, and edited.
Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC): Courses or programs that require no textbook purchase costs for students,
utilizing OER, library reserves, or free digital content.
Low Textbook Cost (LTC): Courses where the total cost for required books and materials is kept under
a strict threshold, usually $30 or less.
Core Benefits
Cost Savings: Students save hundreds of dollars per semester, which helps remove major financial
barriers to higher education.
Immediate Access: Digital materials are available on the very first day of class, preventing delays
while waiting for shipments or financial aid.
Proven Quality: Research shows that OER materials perform equally to or better than commercial equivalents
in student outcomes and course completion rates.
