Affordability

Our Commitment to Affordability

Columbus State is committed to affordability. There is a cross-functional Textbook Affordability Committee that collaborates and determines opportunities to reduce the costs of educational materials for classes. The ongoing work of the textbook advisory team along with the support of faculty represents an overall savings to students of $9.6 million on textbooks and learning materials as of July 2019.

INSTANT ACCESS (inclusive access): A New Model for Course Materials

Instant Access is a collaboration between faculty, publishers, and the Columbus State Bookstore to provide you direct access to course materials when you enroll in a course, all at a reduced cost. This new textbook delivery method gives you immediate access to course materials on Blackboard the first day of classes. The best part is that it provides affordable access and the opportunity to engage with course content in an interactive way.

Click to view Instant Access Courses offered Spring Semester 2021

How does Instant Access Work?
Each Instant Access course section is identified and noted in CSCC's course listings; when a student registers for one of these sections a digital e-book/material fee will be included on the student tuition and fees statement. As long as you are enrolled on the first day of classes, the e-book/course materials will automatically be uploaded to Blackboard and you will have access on the first day of classes.

How do I Access my Course Material?
Instant Access course material is accessed through course links on Blackboard on the first day of the class. If you have any questions contact your instructor for assistance.

What if I drop the Instant Access course or change sections?
As long as you drop the class during the 100% refund period for tuition and fees, the Instant Access fee will be refunded to your account. Please see the academic calendar for the 100% refund date.

What if I don't want to use Instant Access as my Course Materials?
The United States Department of Education published new rules (34CFR668.161-167) on October 30, 2015. The rules require all colleges and universities to provide students the ability to opt out of fees charged to a student account that are associated with books.

Can I sign up for an Instant Access course if I have a payment or deferred plan?
Yes. Students on a payment or deferred plan are eligible to sign up for Instant Access classes. Course information will also be accessible on blackboard as it is for all other students.

How do I Opt Out of Instant Access?
It is strongly discouraged for students to Opt Out, because the Columbus State Bookstore has worked with publishers to provide course materials at the lowest possible prices. Instant Access also supports student success. All students enrolled in an Instant Access course on the first day of classes will have access to the digital material the first week of the course. It is recommended you attend the first week of class and talk to your instructor about Instant Access before you Opt Out.

If you choose to Opt Out of Instant Access, complete and return the form per the instructions: right click here and save as is to download the Opt Out form. The completed form must be returned by the 100% refund date. Please see the academic calendar for the 100% refund date. Once you complete the Opt Out process, your access to the digital material will be revoked and you will be responsible for obtaining the course material in a timely manner. You will not be able to opt back in. If you need assistance with the Opt Out process contact the Columbus State Textbook Supervisor, Evan Jablonka at 614-287-3890 or ejablonk@cscc.edu.

Who do you contact for Additional Assistance?
Your Columbus State instructor.

iBook courses

Columbus State is working to understand how iPads (or other Apple devices) can impact student learning and save textbook costs. We offer some select course sections where students must have an Apple device to be able to enroll. Click here to find out more!

Affordable eBook and Access Code Options

There are a variety of eBook and access code options available which is an affordable solution versus a traditional print textbook. Stop by the Bookstore to learn more about these options.

Courses with NO Required Textbooks or Learning Materials = Huge Savings

There are a number of courses at Columbus State which do not require a textbook or learning material, so that means affordable in a big way!

Cengage Unlimited – One Price for all Cengage Materials

If you are enrolled in a course that uses Cengage required material then you will be able to take advantage of Cengage Unlimited, which is a first-of-its-kind digital subscriptions service that gives students access to over 22,000 ebooks and learning products. Click here to find out more about this option. Subscription Length: One Term (4 months) $119.99 or Multi-term (12 months) $179.99

Cengage Unlimited in store activation process

STEP 1 - Redeem your RedShelf pin code

STEP 2 - Access your cengage materials

• Log in or create an account at cengage.com.
• Click "Add a course or register a product" on the top right of your dashboard screen.
• Enter the Cengage Access code you saved and follow the instructions.

Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus is released at no cost to all Columbus State students!

See more information and setup instructions for Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus.

Used Books

The Columbus State Bookstore orders used books through multiple wholesalers, trying to stock as many used books as we possibly can. Supply can be limited for newer titles, but if it’s out there as a used book, we are going to do our best to get it for you. Used books are typically priced 25% - 30% lower than their new book counterparts.This helps to pass savings along to our customers! You can’t go wrong with used books, and coupled with our competitive buyback program (which offers a rate based on new book prices) you are sure to save big!

Used Calculators

The Bookstore offers a calculator buyback program the last two weeks of each semester. This is an effort to help students reduce their overall education costs, as it allows the Bookstore to offer students used calculators at a discounted rate. Calculators must be in good, operable condition with working batteries and a cover. In order to sell back, a student must present a valid Cougar ID.

The Bookstore buys the following calculators (one calculator per student per semester):

TI-84+ Calculator for $50
TI30XS Multiview Calculator for $8