FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NACS Busts College Store Myths
Nat'l. Assn. Of College Stores Sets Record Straight on Textbook Statistics

August 14, 2008 ( OBERLIN , OH ) – Recent news reports and commercial promotional releases related to the cost of textbooks sold by college stores perpetuate several inaccuracies that reporters should beware. The myths perpetuated by these generalizations and inaccuracies mislead students and unfairly attack an industry that works hard to ensure all students on their campuses have affordable access to the educational tools they need.

MYTH #1: Buying textbooks online is always cheaper.
FACT: A recent study by the Florida Office of Program Policy & Analysis and Government Accountability found that students purchasing new college textbooks online saved an average of only $2.15 per item. In fact, online prices were higher for 27 percent of the textbooks examined by the study.

MYTH #2: Buying textbooks online is always safe.
FACT: Students face real risks in purchasing course materials from unknown, unidentifiable sellers – they face bait-and-switch tactics, hidden fees, and fraud. The FBI is currently investigating a recent case involving 568 fake seller accounts and 100,000 orders by students on a major online site that resulted in defrauding buyers of $5.3 million. If the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

MYTH #3: Students spend an average of $900 a year on textbooks.
FACT: According to the 2008 Student Watch™ Survey Student Attitudes and Buying Habits Revealed , students reported spending an average of $702 on required course materials a year. The higher College Board statistic often quoted in articles includes supplies .

MYTH #4: My college store is getting rich off what they charge me for textbooks.
FACT: College stores generate an average profit of only 4.5 cents from every dollar spent on new textbooks. All excess revenue is contributed back to the campus community to help hold the line on tuition and fees, provide book scholarships and student jobs, and fund student activities and organizations. Click here for graphic: http://www.nacs.org/public/nacs/mediaroom.asp

MYTH #5: College stores aren't active student advocates.
FACT: Through NACS and individually, college stores advocate at both the state and federal level for textbook sales tax exemptions and tax credits. They also support initiatives that increase financial aid available for course materials.

 About NACS

Headquartered in Oberlin , Ohio , the National Association of College Stores is the trade association of the $10 billion collegiate retailing industry. NACS' 3,100 member stores serve America 's college students while supporting the academic missions of higher education institutions everywhere. Additional information can be found online at www.nacs.org .