When course materials are too expensive, students make trade-offs that can negatively impact their education. To better understand these challenges, Oregon State University’s Open Educational Resources Unit surveyed undergraduate students for a second time about the cost of course materials, the actions students took in response and the impact of access to affordable course materials.
“A survey like this provides the institution with very valuable information about how the cost of course materials can negatively impact students and helps us to devise strategies for instructors on how to lower the cost of course materials,” said Stefanie Buck, director of Oregon State’s Open Educational Resources Unit. “Hearing the student’s struggles in their own words often inspires our instructors to reconsider what they are asking students to purchase and look for low- or no-cost alternatives.”
The survey was administered in March 2025 to a random sample of registered undergraduates at Oregon State. Responses from 690 students were collected and analyzed, representing undergraduates enrolled in nine of Oregon State’s 11 colleges.
Among respondents:
- 58% paid for course materials themselves
- 69% were worried about being able to afford course materials
- 17% reported earning a poor grade because they couldn’t afford the course materials
Level of worry about meeting the cost of course materials reported by respondents.
Beyond the numbers, students also described the emotional toll of high course material costs. Many reported feeling anxious and said they had been forced to choose between course materials and paying for essentials like food.
“We know that being a student in 2026 is very challenging. Many of the respondents reported having to make these really difficult choices, sometimes skipping meals or just struggling to afford daily necessities,” Buck said. “It’s not surprising that faced with these obstacles, they may choose not to purchase their course materials, even though many respondents acknowledged this made taking the course more difficult and significantly increased their stress levels.”
What students do when course materials are too expensive
Students are resourceful and use a range of strategies to manage the cost of course materials. Many respondents reported using more than one approach.
Among students dealing with expensive course materials:
- 4% didn’t register for specific courses
- 7% took fewer courses
- 4% dropped or withdrew from a course
Students also reported delaying purchases of course materials. While some waited for funding to become available, 79% said they delayed buying materials to see whether they’d actually be used in the course.
Understanding the benefits of affordable course materials
The majority of students surveyed had experienced at least one course where faculty used free course materials.
The number of courses respondents reported taking that used free course materials.
When asked about this option, participants specifically referenced “reduced or decreased stress” 128 times out of 580 open-ended responses. Access to free course materials eased financial pressure and supported students’ well-being.
Students described the impact in simple, direct terms. One said that free course materials “made it easier to live.” Another said, “It has made courses more accessible and reduces anxiety around the classes I take.”
Some students noted that when course materials are low or no cost, everybody in the class benefits, regardless of financial need. When all students have access to the course materials on the first day of class, everyone can participate in the conversation, leading to a more equitable class environment.
Suggestions for faculty
Oregon State’s survey offers insight into how students manage the cost of course materials — and points to ways instructors can create more affordable experiences for current and future students.
One simple step is to report the required course materials (even if these are no cost) to the Beaver Store, where students go to find out what they need to acquire for the course. When students know what they need, they’ll have more time to search for used, rented or alternative versions. They are also able to make more informed financial plans.
Offering no-cost and low-cost alternatives can also help. Oregon State’s Open Educational Resources Unit provides support for instructors who want to author, adapt or adopt materials that are freely available online for students. Since 2019, OSU students have saved more than $20 million due to faculty using free or low-cost course materials in their classes.
Instructors don’t need to be professional writers to succeed. Even those who were initially hesitant have created effective no-cost materials for their courses.
Finally, faculty members can help by talking openly with students about course material costs and highlight cost-saving resources that make required materials more accessible.
Learn more about open educational resources
Join Oregon State educators and students for Open Education Week March 2–6. In this online event, you’ll learn more about open educational practices and get inspired by affordability work happening at Oregon State and around the world.
Find more information about this year’s Open Education Week virtual events and register today.
