A new survey by the National Association of College Stores reveals significant cost reductions in college course materials, attributed largely to the expanding availability of digital options. The annual “Student Watch” report, conducted among more than 12,000 students across 30 higher education institutions, found that students spent an average of $338 on course materials during the 2025–26 academic year. This represents a substantial 44 percent decrease in spending over the past decade, marking a major shift in how students access educational resources.
Digital materials continue to grow in market share within the course materials sector. During the most recent academic year, digital materials accounted for approximately 40 percent of all purchased course materials, up from about 38 percent in the previous year. Research analysts attribute this growth to student preferences, as digital formats offer flexibility and accessibility across multiple devices with seamless integration between platforms.
Student surveys indicate a clear preference for digital options over traditional print materials for the third consecutive year. Beyond digital versus print choices, two-thirds of survey respondents expressed strong interest in affordable access programs, which typically emphasize digital-first delivery models. These programs enable students to use financial aid to obtain course materials at substantially reduced prices starting on or before the first day of class. Data from higher education institutions shows that students utilizing these programs demonstrate improved academic outcomes, including higher grades and lower course withdrawal rates compared to peers who do not participate.
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