Textbooks becoming a major expense at college

UNDATED (AP) _ Oklahoma college students spend nearly $900 a year on textbooks -- which is about one-third as much as tuition and fees at most state universities. <br/><br/>At the University of Oklahoma

Monday, October 18th 2004, 8:48 am

By: News On 6

UNDATED (AP) _ Oklahoma college students spend nearly $900 a year on textbooks -- which is about one-third as much as tuition and fees at most state universities.

At the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University, the textbook bill is equal to about 20% of the cost of tuition and fees.

Students don't like the prices, but bookstore owners say the increases are not their fault. Publishers say they are barely keeping up with inflation.

Bookstore owners say shipping costs are also on the rise. And publishers say making the textbooks and keeping them updated is also expensive.

According to bookstore operator Follet Higher Education Group, textbooks have increased in price about 7 percent a year over the last three years.

A University of California study estimates textbook prices have gone up 24% since the 1996-1997 school year.