Empire State University is committed to expanding opportunities and removing barriers for our students. That includes doing all we can to reduce the cost of textbooks. In a world where the cost of living continues to rise, the additional expense of textbooks can be devastating. Students say they often have to drop courses, opt out for a semester, or try to go without the textbooks they need to excel.
Our library provides free textbooks in more than half the courses we offer. These affordability efforts are among the most impactful in the nation. However, textbooks in other courses remain unaffordable for many students. Your gift to Textbooks for Students will help our students access the textbooks they need, focus on learning, and graduate faster. Together, we can remove another barrier to learning.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to Textbooks for Students. We’re weeks away from the September 30 deadline and more than three quarters of the way to our goal of $5,000.
As our students return to their studies, the need to purchase textbooks and other resources has already become a barrier. Here’s what Willie Robinson, an adjunct instructor, recently shared:
“At the start of the Fall 2024 Term, a student in my course reached out to explain that she couldn't afford the required third-party digital courseware. She asked if there was any way to complete the assignments without it. This unfortunate situation highlights the importance of Textbooks for Students. Please consider contributing to this cause — your donation, no matter how small, can help remove barriers to education. Every bit truly makes a difference.”
Together, we are working to remove another barrier to learning, and we are grateful for your generosity.
629 days ago by Stephanie"The price of textbooks, since I started my degree journey, has led me to have to take out loans to make sure I can pay for my books. If not for the price of my required textbooks (even digital textbooks), because I study accounting, I likely would have taken out little if any loans at all. If I had the time to write essays and apply for scholarships I would have, but it’s not feasible being a full-time working parent."
- Elisa Moses, current student
"Textbook costs are something that all college students must pay for in one way or another. Sometimes the money is out of pocket and sometimes grants or loans can help. For me, as a father of 2 and working full time, I was eligible for financial aid. Unfortunately, there was a delay in receiving the aid. In order to keep up with classes and not fall behind, I had to pay out of pocket (which was an expense that I never thought I would have to worry about). Since I get paid biweekly this made things very challenging. If there was a fund that provided textbook support for students, it would help prevent people from being worried and stressed about unforeseen circumstances that arise hindering their ability to afford textbooks."
- Aaron Clark, current student
“One of the things that keeps me up at night, as a learning coach at SUNY Empire, is trying to help students pass a course where they cannot afford textbooks or other materials needed.”
“Imagine working with a student who is crying during their tutoring session because they can not afford a textbook and are struggling to find material online that would help them complete their assignments. They want to pass the class and really put in the effort and work, only to get a D because they do not have a textbook or other course materials as needed.
Sadly, as a learning coach, I do not have to imagine; I have witnessed this multiple times with several SUNY Empire students I tutored.”
- Algernon Kelley, academic learning specialist for STEM and
adjunct professor of chemistry
Today by Stephanie
689 days ago by Stephanie
"As a full-time student, full-time employee at a non-profit, and full-time mom to three children, I am no stranger to the financial challenges that come with pursuing higher education. Having earned my associate degree from SUNY Empire and now on the road to obtaining my bachelor's degree in psychology, I have firsthand experience with the burdensome costs of textbooks.
In a world where prices for living essentials such as rent, food, and utilities are continually rising, the additional expense of textbooks can be difficult for many students. For me, paying for psychology textbooks means taking money away from my children and other school necessities like laptops and software.
The anxiety of affording textbooks while pursuing education and career goals is overwhelming. By supporting this crowdfunding campaign, we can help cover textbook costs for students like me, who are struggling to make ends meet. This will make a significant and meaningful impact.
“Students should not have to choose between buying a textbook and providing for their families. Your support can help turn that vision into reality. Let’s come together to alleviate this financial strain and ensure that every student has the resources they need to succeed. Thank you for considering a donation to this important cause.”
- Mary Apuzzo, current student
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