Declining Student Spending on Course Materials Amid Rising Higher Education Costs

Strategic Insights -

As the cost of higher education continues to rise, a recent trend of declining student spending on course materials provides a welcome respite for students. According to research from NACS Student Watch and Student Monitor, students are saving more by spending less on course materials. Over the past decade, student spending on course materials has decreased significantly, with Student Watch reporting a 40% decline between 2014-2015 and 2024-2025, and Student Monitor reporting a 48% decline over the same period.

Key Takeaways:

  • Student spending on course materials has declined by 40% between 2014-2015 and 2024-2025, according to NACS Student Watch, from $563 per year to $341.
  • Student spending on course materials has declined by 48% between 2014-2015 and 2024-2025, according to Student Monitor, from $691 per year to $318.
  • Students remain highly satisfied with course material models like Affordable Access, which provide students with high-quality course materials at below market rates.
  • The top reasons students liked Affordable Access programs were: convenience, knowing they'd have cost materials for the first day of class, and cost.
  • Over 90% of students said that Affordable Access programs made it possible for them to get more out of their courses and receive better value for the cost of their tuition, according to the Student Monitor report.
  • Students who participate in Affordable Access programs are more successful, less likely to withdraw, and experience increases in their final grades, according to multiple research studies.
  • In 2025, an independent report found that 84% of students enrolled in Affordable Access programs felt better prepared for their courses, and 81% of students indicated that these programs positively impacted their academic success.
  • The share of colleges and universities embracing Affordable Access programs increased by 5% as compared to the previous year, with 80% of schools surveyed using one of these programs, according to the Student Monitor survey.

Statistics:

  • Student spending on course materials decreased from $563 per year to $341 over the 2024-2025 academic year, a decline of 40% (NACS Student Watch).
  • Student spending on course materials decreased from $691 per year to $318 over the 2024-2025 academic year, a decline of 48% (Student Monitor).
  • More than 90% of students said that Affordable Access programs made it possible for them to get more out of their courses and receive better value for the cost of their tuition (Student Monitor report).
  • 84% of students enrolled in Affordable Access programs felt better prepared for their courses in 2025 (independent report).
  • 81% of students indicated that Affordable Access programs positively impacted their academic success in 2025 (independent report).
  • 80% of schools surveyed used Affordable Access programs, an increase of 5% as compared to the previous year (Student Monitor survey).

Sources:

  • NACS Student Watch
  • Student Monitor
  • Student Monitor survey
  • Student Watch report
  • Independent report (2025)
  • Student Monitor report
  • Multiple research studies on Affordable Access programs.