Textbook Alternative Program: Helping keep costs down for UMaine students

UMaine is piloting a program designed to help students manage costs by replacing expensive textbooks with online open-access and other resources. Five faculty members were awarded modest grants in the summer 2015 to explore low- or no-cost alternatives to expensive textbooks through the Textbook Alternative Program. This year, over 450 students will benefit from the program, with an average savings of $246 per course. That’s over $110,000 in student savings. The goal for 2016–17 is to double the number of courses using textbook alternative, expanding the number of students who will save on educational expenses.