President Joe Biden is making some changes that will likely put a smile on many college students' faces. His administration is taking steps to reduce expensive textbook costs.
Often, textbooks and other course materials can be a significant portion of a student's expenses beyond tuition. A report by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group states that students sometimes have to shell out around $1,300 per year for textbooks and supplies.
Recognizing this as an urgent matter, Biden's team is working on encouraging colleges and universities to switch to "open textbooks". Here's the cool part about open textbooks: they're available online, usually for free, and can be printed at a small cost, if preferred.
This plan is part of a broader aim to make college more affordable and less stressful for students. It's Biden's response to a petition started by a student advocacy group, asking the government to invest $10 billion in open textbooks nationwide. The group also points out the advantages of open textbooks beyond cost, like that they are more up-to-date and flexible.
Senators Dick Durbin and Angus King are backing this push on Capitol Hill. Speaking of which, Durbin has been the force behind the Affordable College Textbook Act for some time. If passed, this act could provide grants to colleges and universities to promote the use of open textbooks.
The Biden Administration is still working on the best way to execute this grand plan. Many hope that this will lead to a future where students can focus more on their studies and less on the financial burdens associated with higher education.
Keep in mind that while these changes could lighten the financial load, it doesn't mean that college will be all fun and games. Staying focused on academic commitment will be key. But hey, if it means one less expense to worry about, that's a win in any student's book, right?