California to provide digital textbooks to students at no cost

In an effort to cut the cost of textbooks for students already struggling with their financial planning for college, the state of California is offering digital versions of 50 core textbooks to students at its state universities. The Los Angeles Times states that these books would normally cost $20, but students won't have to pay to receive the digital versions.

"Many students are paying more than $1,000 every year on their textbooks, sometimes having to choose between buying the books they need or paying for food and other living expenses," said California Senate President Darrell Steinberg.

Meanwhile, according to USA Today, Washington state enacted a similar program for no-cost textbooks to help students save money for college at many community college classes. The news source points to a study from market research firm Student Monitor that says that during a year of college, students will be asked to spend an average of almost $600 on books. Some students wait until their classes start before buying any books so they can determine which of their assigned reading materials will be crucial and which books they can get by without purchasing.

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