August 6, 2026
Student Watch Reports 44% Decline in Student Spending on Course Materials over Last Decade
Student Watch’s annual study reports that average student spending on college course materials, including textbooks and digital materials, was just $338 for the 2025-2026 academic year. The figure represents a dramatic decline of 44% as compared to student spending in the category ten years ago.
“Since about 2014, the role of digital in the course material space has really grown,” said Lacey Wallace, Research Analyst for the National Association of College Stores, which produces the Student Watch Report. “This year about 40 percent of purchased course materials were digital, compared to about 38 percent last year. Digital course materials can save students money because they’re often cheaper than print alternatives.”
Wallace underscored the role that Affordable Access programs have played in increasing affordability, adding, “Many Affordable Access programs are digital first, so they can save students money.”
Students Prefer Digital Course Materials Like Affordable Access
Wallace also noted the continued popularity of digital course materials among students, saying, “For the third year in a row students say they prefer digital materials over print. They really like to be able to access their materials across multiple devices, and do it pretty seamlessly.”
She also reported that Affordable Access programs were particularly popular, saying, “Two thirds of students said getting their materials through the Access programs was better than purchasing or renting.”
Affordable Access Programs Contribute to Student Success
Multiple research studies have found that students who participate in Affordable Access programs are both more successful and less likely to withdraw, and experience increases in their final grades. In 2025, an independent report found that 84% of students enrolled in Affordable Access programs felt better prepared for their courses, and 81% of students indicated that these programs positively impacted their academic success.
What is Affordable Access?
Affordable Access Programs provide students with access to high-quality course materials on or before the first day of class at a significantly discounted price. Students pay for materials when paying tuition and fees and can use loans, grants or scholarships rather than paying out of pocket.
Student Watch Methodology
This year’s Student Watch report surveyed over 12,000 students across 30 higher education institutions.