National price data show that educational book and supply prices have risen substantially over time. Since 2006, the Consumer Price Index for educational books and supplies has roughly doubled. Between 2020 and 2023, one summary of college textbook cost statistics reported that textbook costs rose 7%, outpacing tuition inflation.
The rising cost of course materials
Cost of educational books and supplies
The cost of educational books and supplies has more than doubled in the last 20 years.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Educational Books and Supplies (CUSR0000SEEA), retrieved from FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Jan 2006–Mar 2026.
How course material costs affect student success
College Board estimates that full-time undergraduates at public four-year institutions spend more than $1,300 on books (PDF) and supplies during an academic year. In a 2018 Florida Virtual Campus survey of more than 21,000 students, many students reported changing their academic behavior because of textbook costs. These choices can affect access to course materials, grades, course completion, and progress toward a degree.
Faculty choices about required course materials can directly affect whether students have access to readings, complete assignments on time, remain enrolled, and succeed in a course.
Did not purchase a required textbook
Took fewer courses
Did not register for a specific course
Earned a poor grade because they could not afford the textbook
Dropped a course
Source: Florida Virtual Campus Student Textbook Survey, as summarized in Florida Board of Governors textbook affordability materials.