Rent Textbooks to Save on College Costs
If you rent textbooks instead of buying them, you can save up to 90% of what you would pay in your college bookstore. Some places guarantee at least a half-price textbooks discount.
Your school estimated what you would need to pay for books as part of your cost of attendance. (This also figured in to the amount of financial aid you were awarded.)Imagine how you could use the money you save by renting textbooks; you could apply the money towards your living expenses now, or to loan payments after graduation; or save to take a summer session course; or simply borrow less money next year, for school. Textbook rentals are a great option, but like most money-saving ideas, it requires a little planning. Don't just compare textbook prices and go for the cheapest. Look at the policies each company has for: - Shipping- The best rental companies will give you free, two-way shipping, but some will offer quicker two-day, or overnight shipping (for a price) if you need it.
- Extensions/late fees- This may be important if you need extra time with the book(s) or if you just don't want to be rushed getting them back.
- Damages/highlighting/writing- Some companies are stricter than others. Make sure the company you choose clearly states their policy on this.
- Returns/cancellations- Students change their schedules around all the time. Check how flexible these terms are.
Rent Textbooks From??
 Chegg.com seems to have the lowest prices right now, but these are offset by the fact that you have to pay for shipping the books to you, although returning them is free. They give a full refund (except for shipping) if you return the book within 30 days from when you order. A 15 day automatic extension fee is charged if you return a book late. A damaged book will cost you the retail price minus the rental fee. "Damages" include writing and "excessive" highlighting (not defined).
 Ecampus.com seems to have higher rental prices (still around a 65% savings) but their policies are a little different. They use UPS for their free returns (convenient) and refunds are given within 15 days after ordering (excluding shipping and a 10% restocking fee). Damages are discretionary, up to the cost of the book. Excessive highlighting is defined as more than 1/3 of the content and some writing is allowed. The main benefit ecampus.com offers is flexible payment. Besides credit cards, they accept Paypal, checks and money orders and they have a "bill me later" policy that allows orders over $250 to be paid within 90 days without interest added.
 CampusBookRentals.com has prices that are just a bit higher (like a dollar or two) than Chegg, but they offer free shipping both ways. Their carriers are USPS, UPS, and FedEx and they offer standard (7-14 days) or expedited (4-7 days) shipping. They have 30 day guaranteed refunds and a 15 day built-in grace period for late returns. You can re-rent books for a 30% discount of the original rental price (for instance, if you're taking consecutive semesters of a course that uses the same textbook). Highlighting and writing are allowed; "excessive damage" will cost you the replacement (minus rental) value. CampusBookRentals.com offers damage and loss insurance at checkout.
 BookRenter.com prices are around 65%-75% of list prices. They offer free shipping both ways (or express and express plus) UPS for returns, and 6 different extension plans (and an automatic 15-day, if you're late in returning). A minor (35%) or major (buyout price) damage fee is assessed unless the book is returned with no cover or page damage (minimal highlighting and writing allowed). Only credit and debit cards can be used to rent textbooks.You can rent textbooks from other companies, but the ones listed here offer the most features/lowest cost. If you are in a hurry and want your books without the hassles of shipping, try downloadable textbooks (or use the read textbooks online option) instead of renting printed copies. Some people prefer hard copies. If you don't want to rent, at least buy college textbooks online, instead of at the bookstore. It's much cheaper, and you can sell used textbooks back to the same companies. If overdue fees with renting concern you, try looking for your textbooks in one of the subscription internet libraries.
You probably won't have the time to rent textbooks your first semester at college. You have to know which classes you are taking (in advance) and have the money to rent them before the semester starts. If you have registered for courses early, and have some money saved from your last college plus loans refund or your college tax credit, try renting. If you want to hang on to your books at the lowest possible cost, use this strategy for really cheap college textbooks you can keep.
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