Studies have shown that low income students cannot afford the tuition at 95 percent of colleges in the United States. Even with the help of financial aid, colleges are still missing the mark of being affordable to low income families by thousands of dollars. Often times, textbooks are paid for by students and parents out of pocket.
The additional costs above tuition can be a deterrent for those wanting to pursue post-secondary education. Many students end up opting out of buying textbooks even when required, solely based on the cost.