Our Crowdfunding Groups
Our Project
In 2016, UTSA Libraries launched an Adopt-a-Free-Textbook grant program for faculty interested in incorporating free textbooks into their courses and making a difference for their students. Since then, faculty have shown tremendous interest, with applications to the program tripling over the course of a year. Funds raised will be used to directly support UTSA faculty that are transforming courses that have relied on traditional, expensive textbooks to free textbooks.
The average student spends $1,250 a year on textbooks. Textbook prices are a barrier for UTSA students, 42% of which come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. One national study conducted by the U.S. PIRG Education Fund showed that 65% of students forego purchasing textbooks because of their cost, and of those students, 94% said not purchasing textbooks has affected their grades.
In addition to saving students money, free textbooks have been shown to improve course outcomes and lower course withdrawal rates. UTSA students taking classes that use free textbooks have reported that they were engaged with the texts. More than 85% rated the free text as good or better than a traditional text in preparing for tests, ease of use, and content quality.
Help increase the number of free textbooks by making a gift today.
Thank you!