Affordability
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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.
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!
Instant Access (IA)
Instant Access is a new textbook delivery method that provides access to course materials on Blackboard the first day of classes, all at a reduced cost.
View Summer Semester 2022 Instant Access Courses
View Autumn Semester 2022 Instant Access Courses
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.
Instant Access course materials are accessed through course links on Blackboard on the first day of the class. If you have any questions, or you don't see it available on your blackbaord, please contact your instructor for assistance. If an instructor has questions they should reach out to their Department Chair.
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.
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.
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.
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, complete and return the drop form per the instructions: right click here and save as-is to download the opt out form.
The completed form must be returned by 5:00 p.m. on the 100% refund date for the class. Once you complete the 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 Phil Sanders at psanders@cscc.edu.
Contact your Columbus State instructor for additional assistance.
If you are having a technical issue, please submit a ticket to RedShelf, who is our Instant Access provider.
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. Is it right for you? Check here!
One Term (4 months) $119.99
Multi-term (12 months) $179.99
Redeem your RedShelf pin code
- Log in or create an account at cscc.redshelf.com.
- Redeem the RedShelf pin code located on your bookstore receipt.
- Click "acquire new code" and your Cengage access code will populate on the screen.
- Save your Cengage Access code by writing it down or copying it.
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.
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!
Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus
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!