Who still buys new textbooks, when the cost of buying new textbooks have risen over the past years? But there are still valid reasons to invest in new textbooks, and it might not be as expensive in the long run as we think.

Students on a tight budget will balk at the idea of buying new textbooks, after all it seems to be the most expensive option for college students out there. Nowadays, students have many options, unlike in previous generations where students all troop to the college bookstore and leave with a stack of books. College students now can purchase used books, rent textbooks or even buy digital textbooks.

Unfortunately, the cost of buying new textbooks has risen in recent years. And this puts off a lot of students and parents from investing in their own set of books. But there are actually still advantages to buying new textbooks compared to buying used ones or renting.

Why will I fork out money for new textbooks?

Have your own book to use for as long as you want or need. Buying new textbooks is still a good investment. There are some books that we will be able to use for many years to come – for example, medical textbooks, law books and other books on fields that are not constantly evolving. These are also books that will not be cast aside after one semester, in reality, lawyers will still use their books when they need references for cases. Therefore, these books are a big expense now, but if they are new and still of best quality, you can keep good care and invest in a lifelong set of books. Used books might already be of poor condition and not last as long.

Still end up with the best bargain. Buying new textbooks are more expensive on the onset, but with a little care and smart planning, you can resell your book after the semester, and still end up with having spent the least. Generally, used textbooks can be sold for half to 75% of the original price, depending on quality and how updated your book is. In the end, once you have resold your book, you would have ended up spending only 25 – 50% of the book cost. In the end, buying new textbooks might be even cheaper than renting a book for the semester.

Smarter students know how to manage their money wisely. Entrepreneurial students can end up with the best savings in the long run if they buy new textbooks and resell them in perfect condition. Buying new textbooks however, requires students to put out more money for a new textbook than a used one or a rented one. But also, for some students, the decision to buy new textbooks is to keep them for life – and the cost of the new book can be spread over the years that book serves you, and perhaps end up with a lifetime of savings.