Why do professors assign expensive textbooks?

Professor Choice In many cases, professors are often unaware of (or indifferent to) the cost of the books they assign. Rather than choosing the most cost-effective books, they simply choose the ones they prefer to use when teaching.

Why do they make textbooks so expensive?

Textbook publishers take a good chunk of profits from their books, and with so few publishing companies, there is little incentive to lower those profit margins. With no other competition, textbook companies can essentially charge any price they choose.

What is a reasonable price for a textbook?

The average postsecondary student spends between $628 and $1,200 annually for books and supplies as of the 2021-2022 academic year. Hard copy books can cost as much as $400, with an average price between $100 and $150.

Is it ethical for professors to assign their own books?

The right of individual professors to select their own instructional materials, a right protected under principles of academic freedom, should be limited only by such considerations as quality, cost, availability, and the need for coordination with other instructors or courses.

How does the cost of textbooks affect students?

Textbook costs affect academic success

“This means students are being priced out of participating in classes that they've already paid tuition for,” Nagle said. According to the California Student Aid Commission, the average student spent $630 on books during the 2022-23 academic year.

Why College Textbooks Are So Expensive | So Expensive

What are the cons of free college textbooks?

Cons of free college textbooks

Meeting certain rigorous standards means higher costs. Textbook publishers could go out of business. Concerns of an even smaller market could result in higher prices and even less competition if free textbooks drive publishers out of business.

What would happen if college textbooks were free?

Going textbook free enhances the quality and relevance of course materials and also improves learning accessibility and alleviates financial stressors. Temple should embrace the digital age and ensure they are providing their students with an easily accessible and affordable educational experience.

Is it illegal to share free textbooks?

Penalties for Copyright Infringement

The unauthorized copying, sharing or distribution of copyrighted material is strictly prohibited. It is a violation of federal law, the Copyright Act, and of the Student Code of Conduct.

Is it ethical for a professor to date a student?

Consenting romantic and/or sexual relationships between faculty and student, or between student services professional and student, although usually not expressly forbidden, are generally deemed unwise (Cahn, 1986).

Is it illegal to sell instructors edition textbooks?

It is Perfectly Legal to Sell Something You Got For Free

That's what publishers claim professors are doing with their instructor editions - requesting them just to sell and make a profit.

Why are American college textbooks so expensive?

Publisher Profits

Companies can get away with charging higher prices because there are no smaller, independent companies that can jump in and offer a better price. Additionally, college students make for an essentially captive audience; books are required materials, so they must purchase them.

Are textbooks overpriced?

The College Board suggests that students set aside $1,200 each year for books and other course materials, which can be an exorbitant amount of money for students who come from low-income backgrounds. Not all textbooks are created equal, and not all textbooks are equally priced.

What are the most expensive textbooks?

How much is the most expensive college textbook?

Due to the rising cost of philosophy textbooks, earning a major in philosophy can also cost you an arm and a leg. The most expensive Philosophy book is Acta Philosophorum The First Journal of Philosophy, which is worth $1,450.

What is the most expensive textbook in the United States?

The most expensive one — Acta Philosophorum The First Journal of Philosophy – cost $1,450 retail. The next priciest textbook is Encyclopedia of International Media and Communications at $1,215. Obviously most textbooks don't cost anywhere near these prices, but they are still outrageously expensive.

Why are hardcover textbooks so expensive?

Ultimately, the process and materials needed for hardcover book printing are more expensive. This cost is passed on to readers. Because of this, it is usually only worth printing your book as hardcover copies if you think your target audience will be willing to pay the heightened cost.

Is it illegal for a professor to sleep with a student?

In the state of California, any sexual contact with a student under the age of 18 is explicitly prohibited by law.

Can a professor go to jail for dating a student?

While Educator Sexual Misconduct is frowned upon, and schools can choose to fire school employees who engage in sexual relationships with students, the school employees cannot always be criminally charged if the student is over that state's age of consent.

Is it illegal for a college professor to hook up with a student?

It's not against the law, if both are consenting adults, but it is considered a transgression of professional ethics and is forbidden by policy in most colleges and universities. It is a way for professors to wreck their careers, even if they have tenure.

Is Screenshotting a textbook illegal?

BUT unless the the author and/or rights-holder has granted the right to make copies, it is not only illegal to do so, it's also exceedingly unethical. It's easy to steal a lot of things. It's not right to do so.

Is it illegal to screenshot textbooks?

If screenshots of these materials are transformative, or if they depict a small part of an overall work, and don't act as a substitute for the original, there's a good chance your screenshot is legal. However, if the law determines your screenshot to be outside of fair use, you may face legal ramifications.

Is it illegal to print a PDF book?

If you obtained the PDF legally, you are free to print it. However, reprinting multiple copies for use beyond the “Fair Use” doctrine—which includes education, criticism, research, review, news reporting—would be in violation of copyright.

How many college students don t buy textbooks?

Sign up for the Morning Update email newsletter. The U.S. Public Interest Research Group's education fund found in a study that 65% of college students nationwide have skipped textbook purchases despite concerns about their grades.

Are you forced to buy the books in college?

Professors can't force you to do anything, including buying books, so -- disingenuously -- the answer is no. But, that's probably the wrong question to answer.

How many students don t buy textbooks?

According to the U.S. Public Interest Research Group's Education Fund, a study found that 65% of college students nationwide skipped textbook purchases despite concerns of their grades.