Open Educational Resources • Oregon State University
Course material costs: What Oregon State students told us
Required course materials affect more than students’ budgets. In a 2025 Oregon State University survey, students described delaying or skipping purchases, worrying about costs and finding relief when instructors used free materials.
Key findings
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69% of respondents worry about affording course materials
Nearly 7 in 10 respondents reported being worried about meeting course material costs during the current term. Respondents described the emotional toll associated with these expenses and frequently connected affordability challenges to stress and anxiety.
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64% have chosen not to buy required course materials
Almost two-thirds of respondents reported not purchasing required course materials for one or more courses because of cost within the past year. Many respondents reported relying on multiple strategies to reduce expenses, including renting materials, purchasing used copies or simply going without.
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92% have experienced courses using free materials
A large majority of respondents reported taking at least one course where an instructor used free course materials. Respondents consistently associated free materials with lower stress levels, improved access and stronger feelings of inclusion in the classroom.
How instructors can help reduce course material costs
1. Ensure students have timely and accurate information about required course materials.
- Report your required course materials to the Beaver Store by the deadline.
- Inform students about any other costs for course materials in the Beaver Store form comments.
- Open your Canvas course site to your students as early as possible.
2. Offer multiple ways to access your required course materials.
- Bring additional copies of your course materials to the Valley Library for course reserves.
- Permit the use of earlier editions of your textbooks (and add this to the comments in the Beaver Store form).
- Consult with the Beaver Store about ways to reduce the cost of commercial textbooks.
3. Consider alternative course materials that emphasize affordability and digital accessibility.
- Consult with the Open Educational Resources Unit or the Valley Library about available free or library-licensed e-books and other resources.
- Provide accessible versions of your course materials.
4. Recognize that some students must choose between paying for course materials and daily essentials.
- Share resources available at the Basic Needs Center (e.g., textbook lending program, food pantry), the Valley Library (e.g., course reserves, library of things) and mental health services.
- Apply for an Affordability Matters Badge for your course if your course materials cost $40 or less.
Download a printable version of these recommendations »
About the survey
Oregon State administered the survey in March 2025 to a random sample of OSU undergraduate students. Researchers analyzed 690 valid responses from students across nine of OSU’s 11 academic colleges. The survey was developed in partnership with Portland State University, the University of Oregon and Southern Oregon University. It asked how students obtain materials, how costs affect their purchase decisions and how free- and low-cost materials affect their experience.
Interested in lowering costs in your course? Explore OER resources or learn about Oregon State’s OER grants. For guidance, contact Stefanie Buck, director of OSU’s Open Educational Resources Unit.
