College students to save big on new textbook rental programs in Mississippi
Clarion-Ledger
May 4, 2010
College students across Mississippi likely will find themselves saving hundreds of dollars on textbooks this fall, as bookstores at several universities begin rental programs.
The rental services starting on at least four campuses will vary by school, but officials estimate the savings could be as much as 50 percent over the cost of buying new books.
"Clearly this is the right thing to do for students," Higher Education Commissioner Hank Bounds said. "We should look for every opportunity to reduce costs where we can."
Clay Jones, director of contractual services at the University of Mississippi, said Ole Miss likely will give up some money but it will be worth it if it means saving students money.
"We've been looking for different things we can do to cut the costs," Jones said.
Other schools to start rental programs this fall include William Carey University, Delta State University and Mississippi University for Women.
"I would definitely use it," said William Carey freshman Subhi Younes, 16, a chemistry major. "I don't need to keep all my books."