Textbooks can be a major financial burden for students, especially those struggling with tuition and living costs. But California is taking steps to address this issue. In 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill requiring California’s public universities to provide students with the option to purchase digital textbooks for all courses.
The law, set to take effect in 2026, is expected to save students millions of dollars on textbook costs. In addition to this state-level initiative, many California colleges and universities are making textbooks more affordable for students. For example, some schools offer textbook rental programs, allowing students to rent textbooks for a fraction of the cost of buying them. Other schools provide students access to digital textbooks, which are often less expensive than traditional print textbooks.
In this EdSource roundtable discussion, Cailyn Nagle, Program Manager at the Michelson 20MM Foundation, and other education experts explore the impact of textbook costs on students, the state’s efforts to address this issue, and potential solutions. Watch the video to learn more about this program.
Get the latest news from Michelson Philanthropies. Sign up for our newsletter today!
