The University of Tampa bookstore where students purchase merchandise and can find all their assigned textbooks for the semester. Photo Courtesy of Wandalie Marie.
By Wandalie Marie
TAMPA, Fla. — Many students at The University of Tampa are struggling to afford the textbooks they need to succeed academically as they try to balance expenses. Brianna Higgins, a freshman entrepreneurship major, wasn’t sure how she was going to afford her required textbooks this semester, and she wasn’t the only one.
As classes ramped up, some students encountered delays while trying to get their required materials; many experienced roadblocks both in the on-campus bookstore and the financial aid office. For many students, the increased tuition and cost of living have made it harder to balance the cost of required course materials with everyday expenses.
Ava DeRosa, a sophomore allied health major, explained that the money she earned over the summer was supposed to help her afford textbooks, groceries, cleaning supplies, food, and other expenses.
“I feel like half the money that I made this summer is going just straight to textbooks, and it’s like, what did I even do all that for?” said DeRosa.
While required textbooks and course materials are dependent on the course, professor, and department, multiple sources made it clear that they are necessary for students’ academic success.
Skye Wall, a freshman psychology major, said, “All of the classes that I have require the textbook to be able to actually know the material. Because what they go over in class isn’t the textbook material. It’s, like, add-ons to the text.”
Several other students from different departments and colleges on-campus shared similar situations. Higgins had to face complications while trying to get the finances to obtain her books. Her professors worked with her while she looked for support from the financial aid office. She said financial aid advised her to have her mother apply for a Parent PLUS loan, so she could then receive a $2,000 loan for $240 in textbook costs.
“I cried in the financial aid office to this woman,” said Higgins. The process to get the help she needed became overwhelming for her as she faced multiple roadblocks.
For some students, the challenges continued even after they found a way to pay for their required materials. Wall went to the bookstore with a voucher from the Success Scholars Program and left the bookstore thinking the cost of her $150 math textbook was covered. However, when she left, she found the purchase had still charged her account.
“It just sucks that because they charged me for something, I was told I wasn’t gonna get charged for it. And then I had to pay an extra $5 on top of it, not even to them, just to my bank, because they overdrafted my account,” said Wall.
While professors try to account for student financial struggles, there is only so much they can do.
“I would always say to a student, don’t hesitate to ask if there is a concern about the inability to purchase a book,” said Liv Coleman, a professor of political science and international studies.
Multiple sources explained that students worked with their professors when they couldn’t receive their textbooks in time to complete graded assignments. Professors also suggested that just asking a professor if they have an extra copy of the textbook could be helpful for students in need.
“I think also bringing this to the attention of more faculty. I think it is one of our focuses for sure, but I think we could also be a little bit more proactive in terms of looking at open access resources and what’s available,” said Professor Rachel Severson, a professor of criminology and criminal justice.
A resource students pointed out was the Success Scholars Program, which supports first-generation college students. Additionally, students who have unused financial aid or paid more than the required amount were eligible for book vouchers according to UTampa’s website.
When asked to comment on students’ struggles with textbook affordability, the university’s financial aid department declined to comment. The University of Tampa Bookstore was contacted for comment about the situation and, as of Sept. 11, has not yet responded.
“To me, the textbooks are just as essential as the desk and the chair that you’re sitting in,” said Wall.