Students are avoiding the bookstore, looking for cheaper options

By Aurora Ferreira 

Leah Dykas, a philosophy major, buys a lot of books online for classes and is always looking for ways to save money.  

“I get a lot of my books on Amazon,” she said. 

She is not alone. A growing number of students hunting for lower prices are getting books at places other than the campus bookstore. 

“A lot of it is just people reselling their books. My friend just got on like Yik Yak or whatever, like, ‘I need this book. Does anyone have it?’ And then she just got it from someone who already took the class,” Dykas said. 

According to College Board and the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the national average amount college students pay for books was $1,290 during the 2024- 2025 academic year at a four-year college.  

Stonehill’s own estimated price for books and supplies for the academic year of 2025- 2026 is about $900. With an average of five classes a semester, each course has different required reading, but a single textbook could be upwards of $100. It adds up fast. 

“A lot of people don’t even know we are here,” admits Andrea Tavares, Stonehill’s bookstore manager. “E-books have changed everything.”  

Students have taken to the convenience of online models, sometimes purchasing them through the bookstore, but more often finding what they need elsewhere. 

Kat LeBlance, a junior, visited the bookstore once in the past three years, during her first year, and bought a single book her class did not even use.  

“They can be pretty expensive,” LeBlance said.  

Her friends share resources to save money.  

“If my friends end up knowing that I’ve taken a class that they’re in, we’ll be in cahoots, and be like, ‘Hey, do you have this book?’ or ‘did you even use this?’ and most of the time it’s usually a no, so we either pass stuff back and forth or not even use them at all,” she said. 

First year student, Gabbi Ford said she buys her books online.  

“I actually use Amazon for the majority [of books] since they have good prices. Though, I know I heard that the bookstore has the matching prices policy, but I’ve had yet to go and see or ask about it,” she said. 

Under Stonehill College’s price match policy, purchases in person and on the online store can be matched against Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, and local campus competitors. There are some limitations and exclusions listed. 

Books and other supplies are offered by Follett Higher Education of the Follett Corporation, one of the largest campus retail partners in North America through a scholarship program. For students with demonstrated financial need assistance buying books, more information about the Follett Bookstore Scholarship can be found through The Navigation Center for Student Success on myHill. Students can apply through the Office of Financial Assistance, in Duffy, room 103.