I have really come to conclusion that text books are the biggest racket! You can use them as a deductions because only money that "has" to be paid to an accredited school can be used. Since you can purchase them elsewhere all that money is spent with nothing to show for.

My Biology book last semester was $95.00 and that was for a used book through the schools book store. This semester I was determined to save more money if possible. I say if possible because some times you just can't find a used copy.

This Semester I am taking two classes Prealgebra and Art Appreciation. Both require a book. I tried the campus book store and was unable to find a used copy of either because (here comes the bogus part) they were brand new editions. The books are likely the same as last semester but sometimes they change the cover art and the publication dates!

Well I got smart and looked up the ISBN for the previous semesters and both Books have the same cover art! Woot so unless the teacher like studies the publication date or the edition information on the cover they will not know. I was able to get my art book Living with Art for less then 90.00 when the campus book store wanted to charge 140.00! Every little bit helps!

I was then able to find my Math book which is the same exact edition as listed for my class just minus the XL access code (but I found you can purchase those separately if you really need it) for $50.00 shipped and its annotated teachers edition so It actually contains more info then the students and it was brand new! I found out it was the same ISBN when I looked up the actual package from the publisher!

If you are patient enough to do a little research you can save a ton, I cant see renting books when you can usually find used copies for the same price. At least you can re-sell them and make something back, renting to me is like leasing a car a waste of money! Just type your ISBN or book title into a search engine and tons of used books stores come up, then take your time looking!