Boston, MA, February 19, 2026
News Summary
Boston’s higher education institutions are grappling with the rising costs of textbooks and course materials, impacting student accessibility and success. Advocacy groups like MASSPIRG are leading initiatives to promote Open Educational Resources (OER) and are pressing for legislative changes to lower these burdensome costs. The ongoing challenge poses significant financial hurdles for students, with many skipping necessary purchases, thereby affecting their academic performance.
Boston, MA — Boston’s vibrant higher education landscape, known for its academic excellence and innovation, is currently facing a significant challenge concerning the accessibility and affordability of course materials for its substantial student population. This issue, which directly impacts student success and financial well-being, has become a central focus for student advocacy groups across the Commonwealth, highlighting the critical intersection of educational rigor and economic reality.
Amidst rising college expenses, the cost of textbooks and other required course materials has emerged as a particularly burdensome factor, compelling many students to make difficult choices that can affect their academic performance. While Massachusetts institutions strive to provide world-class education, the financial strain associated with obtaining essential learning tools underscores the need for proactive solutions and collaborative efforts. This situation has mobilized student-led initiatives, notably from groups like MASSPIRG, to champion changes that support academic freedom and personal responsibility by ensuring all students have equitable access to the resources they need to thrive.
The Escalating Cost of Knowledge
The financial burden of college textbooks has dramatically increased over recent years, placing considerable pressure on students and their families. Over the last decade, the cost of college textbooks and course materials in Massachusetts has seen an 88% increase. [cite: pre-provided] Nationally, a 2025 survey indicated that 70% of students reported skipping purchasing a textbook or access code at some point due to cost, marking the highest percentage recorded in such reports. This decision often stems from an average estimated annual budget of $1,200 for textbooks and supplies, a sum that can represent a significant portion of tuition, especially at two-year community colleges.
The implications of these costs extend beyond mere financial strain, impacting student academic choices and overall success. Students have reported taking fewer classes to save on textbook expenses, working extra hours, or even skipping meals to afford required materials. This situation creates a barrier to academic engagement, as students without proper materials may struggle to keep up with coursework, affecting their grades and learning outcomes.
MASSPIRG’s Steadfast Advocacy for Affordability
MASSPIRG, a statewide student-run and student-funded advocacy group with chapters across Massachusetts campuses, has been a leading voice in addressing the soaring costs of educational materials for nearly two decades. Their mission centers on ensuring that every student can access high-quality learning materials at minimal or no cost. The organization engages in advocacy at local, statewide, and national levels, pushing back against publisher practices that contribute to high costs.
Recently, MASSPIRG has intensified its campaign to lower textbook costs. In February 2026, the group released the fourth edition of its national survey, “Fixing the Broken Textbook Market,” which surveyed over 4,000 students nationwide. This report highlighted critical issues, including the prevalence of expensive access codes, with 75% of surveyed students reporting they must purchase such codes for digital textbooks. The survey also brought to light concerns regarding automatic billing programs for textbooks, where nearly half of students at schools with these programs were either unaware of them or did not wish to participate.
The Promise of Open Educational Resources (OER)
A cornerstone of the textbook affordability movement is the promotion and adoption of Open Educational Resources (OER). OER are teaching, learning, and research materials that are freely available for use, adaptation, and redistribution. These resources offer a sustainable alternative to costly commercial textbooks, providing students with immediate access to essential course content without the financial burden. MASSPIRG actively champions OER as a long-term solution to the affordability crisis.
In Massachusetts, the commitment to OER is evident across various institutions. Over 950 professors in the Commonwealth have signed statements supporting OER adoption. Universities, including UMass Amherst, have established their own campus programs to encourage OER use. The UMass Amherst Libraries’ Open Education Initiative, launched in 2011, has generated over $2.5 million in savings for students by funding instructors to transition to OER.
Statewide Initiatives and Collaborations
Massachusetts’ public colleges and universities have demonstrated significant progress in implementing OER initiatives, resulting in substantial savings for students. Since 2014, these institutions have collectively reported over $7 million in direct savings to students through efforts to replace expensive textbooks with free or low-cost materials. This success has been fostered by a multi-year effort led by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) to train faculty in course redesign using open-source materials.
Notable collaborations include the Remixing Open Textbooks through an Equity Lens (ROTEL) project, a three-year initiative funded by a U.S. Department of Education grant to the DHE and a consortium of six colleges. This project produced 27 new or adapted textbooks, nearly half in STEM fields, and resulted in an estimated student savings of $187,455 over two years for 1,603 students. Following the success of ROTEL, a new $1.98 million Open Textbook Pilot grant was secured in 2025 for the CA-ROTEL project, which aims to create materials integrating artificial intelligence and career readiness.
Individual institutions have also seen considerable success. Northern Essex Community College students have achieved close to $1.9 million in textbook savings since 2014, and Salem State University’s Viking OER and Textbook Affordability Initiative has saved students over $600,000 since 2018. Furthermore, North Shore Community College has helped nearly 11,500 students save $1.1 million in textbook costs since 2015.
Legislative Momentum and Student Leadership
The push for textbook affordability has also gained momentum within the Massachusetts State House. MASSPIRG’s 2025-2026 legislative agenda includes efforts to support bills that would lower textbook costs. [cite: pre-provided] State Representative Mindy Domb has filed a bill (H559) to establish a commission that would study the financial impact of e-textbooks and digital course materials on college students. This bipartisan-supported commission is tasked with examining the benefits and drawbacks of electronic textbooks, evaluating contract clarity, and investigating financial implications, with a report and recommendations expected within 18 months.
Additionally, advocates are pressing for a $2.5 million allocation in grant funding for open textbooks in the state budget. Student leaders are at the forefront of these efforts, demonstrating personal responsibility and civic engagement. Sophia Boucher from North Shore Community College was recognized with a Newman Civic Fellow Award for her advocacy on textbook costs. UMass Boston student trustee Abigail Raymond has testified in support of an OER trust fund bill, emphasizing the changing textbook landscape and the importance of accessible resources. [cite: 5, pre-provided]
| Metric | Statistic | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Increase in Textbook Costs (Last Decade) | 88% | State-level [cite: pre-provided] |
| Students Skipping Textbook Purchases (National, 2025 Survey) | 70% | Nationwide |
| Students Needing Expensive Access Codes (National, 2025 Survey) | 75% | Nationwide |
| Professors Supporting OER Adoption | Over 950 | State-level |
| Total Student Savings from OER (MA Public Colleges, since 2014) | Over $7 million | State-level |
| UMass Amherst OEI Student Savings (since 2011) | Over $2.5 million | Institutional |
| Proposed State Budget Allocation for OER | $2.5 million | State-level |
Fostering a Future of Accessible Education
The ongoing efforts by MASSPIRG and various educational institutions underscore a collective commitment to fostering an environment where academic achievement is not hindered by financial barriers. By advocating for legislative action and promoting innovative solutions like Open Educational Resources, these initiatives are working to ensure that all students in Massachusetts have the opportunity to engage fully with their studies. The emphasis on transparency in course material costs and the expansion of free, high-quality alternatives reflect a dedication to student success and equitable access.
As Boston’s higher education community continues to evolve, the focus on affordable textbooks remains a testament to the importance of leadership, discipline, and personal responsibility in navigating complex challenges. Readers are encouraged to stay informed about these vital discussions, explore the OER initiatives at local campuses like the University of Massachusetts, and support efforts that contribute to a more accessible and impactful educational experience for all students in the Commonwealth.
Frequently Asked Questions about Textbook Affordability
What is MASSPIRG’s role in addressing college textbook costs?
MASSPIRG is a statewide student-run advocacy group that actively campaigns to lower college textbook costs, working at local, statewide, and national levels to promote affordable learning materials and challenge expensive publisher practices.
How much have college textbook costs increased in Massachusetts?
Over the last decade, the cost of college textbooks and course materials in Massachusetts has increased by 88%. [cite: pre-provided]
What are Open Educational Resources (OER)?
Open Educational Resources (OER) are teaching, learning, and research materials that are freely available for use, adaptation, and redistribution, providing a cost-effective alternative to traditional textbooks.
How many Massachusetts students are affected by high textbook costs?
A national survey conducted in 2025 revealed that 70% of students skipped purchasing a textbook or access code due to cost. Earlier data for Massachusetts indicated that 65% of college students did not buy textbooks because of cost. [cite: pre-provided, 13, 25]
Are Massachusetts institutions implementing solutions for textbook affordability?
Yes, Massachusetts public colleges and universities have reported over $7 million in student savings since 2014 through efforts to replace expensive textbooks with free or low-cost Open Educational Resources. Institutions like UMass Amherst have dedicated initiatives, and there are statewide projects like ROTEL.
Is there legislative action in Massachusetts concerning textbook costs?
Yes, MASSPIRG’s 2025-2026 legislative agenda supports bills to lower textbook costs. [cite: pre-provided] A bill has been filed to create a commission to study the financial impact of e-textbooks and digital materials, and there is a push for a $2.5 million allocation for open textbooks in the state budget.
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