Renting vs. Buying: a new option for college textbooks

In an effort to help students struggling with high textbook prices, ACC has instituted a rental program so students can rent textbooks at a substantially reduced cost.

The Alvin College Store began the renting program during the fall semester and now offers 184 titles for rent, said Vicki Marvel, store manager.

“They’re saving about 50 percent and they get to keep it for the semester,” Marvel said.

If the student does not return the book by the end of the semester, they are charged for the full cost of the book.

Textbooks rented during the fall must be turned back into the book store by Dec. 13.

Students interested in renting textbooks can stop by the store to check if any of the titles they need are available for rent.

E-books also are available if a student prefers an online download instead of using the traditional version. Book rental agreements are not available online for now, Marvel said.

For more information call (281) 756-3682 or e-mail vmarvel@alvincollege.edu