10 Online Colleges With Books Included in Tuition Cost

Textbooks can add hundreds of dollars to every semester, and those costs often show up after you've already budgeted for tuition. Some online colleges take that surprise off the table by building books and course materials into what you pay, or by designing courses around free digital resources.

The schools below handle course materials in a few different ways, from all-inclusive tuition to a flat per-term materials fee. Keep reading to compare your options, see how each model works, and learn what questions to ask before you enroll.

What Does "Books Included in Tuition" Mean?

When a college includes books in tuition, you don't buy textbooks separately for each class. Instead, the school delivers your materials digitally through the online classroom or ships physical copies to you before the term starts. Some schools fold the cost into tuition itself, while others charge a flat materials fee each term that's billed with tuition and fees.

A third group uses open educational resources (OER), library databases, and other free digital content in place of commercial textbooks. These schools don't technically "include" books, but the result is similar because you have few or no materials to buy. Each school on this list falls into one of these three categories, and the entries note which model applies.

Online Colleges That Include Books in Tuition

Every school below lowers or removes the separate cost of course materials for online students. Coverage varies by degree level and program, so check the details for the courses you plan to take.

1. Columbia College

Columbia College in Missouri provides textbooks and required supplies for its online undergraduate and graduate courses as part of regular tuition. Digital books appear right in your online classroom, and when a course needs a printed text, the college ships it at least a week before class starts. Online courses run in eight-week sessions, which can help you move through your degree at a steady pace.

You're enrolled in the program automatically, though you can opt out before registering and receive a small per-credit tuition reduction if you'd rather buy your own books. Columbia College holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and offers online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in fields like business, criminal justice, and psychology.

2. Liberty University

If you're studying online at the undergraduate level, Liberty University provides electronic textbooks for all of its online undergraduate courses at no additional cost. The university estimates this can save full-time students roughly $800 to $2,000 a year, and you'll find materials inside each course when it opens.

Graduate and doctoral students don't receive free textbooks, but they can use book vouchers tied to excess financial aid. Liberty is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and offers hundreds of online programs, most delivered in eight-week courses.

3. University of the Cumberlands

The University of the Cumberlands bundles tuition, textbooks, tutoring, and other academic services into a single price through its One Price Promise. The package covers online and graduate students, and the university's team makes sure you have your books and course materials when classes begin.

Cumberlands is a private Kentucky university known for its online graduate programs in business, education, and information technology, including several doctoral options. SACSCOC accredits the university, and fees are billed separately from the bundled tuition, so check what applies to your program.

4. Trevecca Nazarene University

Through its Graduate and Adult Studies division, Trevecca Nazarene University includes textbooks in tuition and fees. These books aren't rentals, so you can keep them after the course ends. If you'd rather source your own materials, federal rules let you opt out by contacting the Office of Student Accounts.

Trevecca's adult programs include online associate and bachelor's options in areas like business management, along with online master's degrees in fields such as healthcare administration and education. The Nashville-based university is accredited by SACSCOC.

5. Western Governors University

Western Governors University (WGU) covers e-textbooks, its online library, and most other learning resources through a resource fee charged each term alongside tuition. Because WGU bills tuition at a flat rate per six-month term, you can budget for your materials and coursework as one predictable cost.

WGU's competency-based model lets you move faster through material you already know, which can lower your total cost even further. The nonprofit university holds accreditation from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and offers degrees in business, IT, healthcare, and education.

6. Bellevue University

Bellevue University's course materials program delivers required materials for a flat per-term fee that's included in tuition and fees. Digital materials show up in Blackboard, and if you're taking an online class, you can request physical materials shipped to you at no extra charge.

You can opt out shortly before or after the term starts and opt back in during the drop/add period. Bellevue is a nonprofit university in Nebraska with a long history of serving adult learners online, and it's accredited by the HLC. Popular online programs include business, cybersecurity, and IT.

7. University of Maryland Global Campus

Most undergraduate degrees at the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) can be completed with little or no textbook cost. Rather than assigning commercial textbooks, many courses use free electronic resources, such as OER and library materials, built directly into the online classroom.

Some courses still require materials with a cost, such as software or publisher courseware, so check the class schedule when you register. UMGC is a public university with deep roots in military and adult education, and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) accredits it.

8. American Public University System

American Public University System (APUS), which includes American Military University and American Public University, offers a university book grant for undergraduate courses. The grant covers e-books at no cost to you, and when a course has no e-book option, it covers a hard-copy textbook instead.

Software and lab equipment for certain courses aren't included, so plan for those costs in technical programs. APUS is a for-profit institution accredited by the HLC, and its online courses start monthly, which gives you flexibility if you're balancing work or military service.

9. Columbia Southern University

Columbia Southern University states that textbooks are always included in its tuition, so you won't need to shop for books before each course. The Alabama-based school focuses on fully online programs, with a strong reputation in occupational safety, fire science, and emergency services.

Columbia Southern is a for-profit university accredited by SACSCOC, and its business programs also carry accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Many students are working professionals, so courses are designed around busy schedules.

10. University of the People

University of the People (UoPeople) takes a different approach by using free, open-source materials in place of commercial textbooks. You won't pay for books, and the university doesn't charge tuition, though you will pay an application fee and assessment fees for each course you complete.

UoPeople offers online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in business administration, computer science, health science, and education. It's accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), and scholarships can help cover assessment fees for eligible students. You can also compare other tuition-free online colleges if keeping costs low is your top priority.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university. We also review each school's official course materials policy to confirm how books are provided to online students.

A school's textbook policy was the starting point, but it wasn't the only factor. Schools were also evaluated using the following criteria:

• Accreditation: Every school holds institutional accreditation from an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Course materials policy: Each school either includes books in tuition, charges a flat materials fee, or relies primarily on free digital resources.
• Online availability: Programs can be completed fully online, with materials delivered digitally or shipped to students.
• Program variety: Preference went to schools offering online degrees at multiple levels or across several fields.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

Pros and Cons of Books-Included Tuition

Having your course materials handled for you can save money and stress, but it isn't the best fit for every student. Weigh these trade-offs before you choose a school based on its textbook policy.

Pros

Books-included models are built around convenience. They tend to help most if you're new to college or juggling a tight budget.

• Materials on day one: You can start reading and completing assignments as soon as class opens.
• Predictable budgeting: Your book costs are rolled into tuition or a flat fee, so there are fewer surprises each term.
• Less time shopping: You won't need to compare prices, track down editions, or wait for shipments.
• Financial aid coverage: Since materials are billed with tuition and fees, your aid package can cover them directly.

Cons

The trade-offs mostly involve flexibility and long-term access. Keep these points in mind as you compare schools.

• Limited access after class: Some digital materials disappear when the course ends unless you buy them.
• Fewer cost-cutting options: You may lose the chance to save by renting, buying used, or borrowing books.
• Fees still apply: A flat materials fee can cost more than buying books yourself if your courses use few materials.
• Exceptions vary: Software, access codes, and lab kits often aren't covered, even at schools that include books.

How Much Do College Textbooks Cost?

College Board budgets about $1,290 a year for books and supplies at public four-year colleges, and that figure includes items like technology along with textbooks. What students actually spend is often lower, since many rent, buy used, or skip optional materials. The National Association of College Stores found that students spent about $285 a year on required course materials, or roughly $33 per class.

Depending on your major and course load, you might spend anywhere from a few hundred dollars to more than $1,000 a year on materials. Courses in science, nursing, and business often require pricier textbooks or online access codes. Choosing a school that includes books or relies on free resources can keep that number close to zero, which matters even more when you're comparing affordable online colleges on total cost.

Financial Aid for Online College Students

Federal and private aid can cover tuition, fees, and in many cases, course materials. Here are some of the most common options to explore:

• Federal Pell Grants: Undergraduates with financial need may qualify for grants that don't need to be repaid. Many online colleges that accept Pell Grants apply them directly to tuition and fees.
• Federal student loans: Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans can help close the gap after grants. You'll need to complete the FAFSA to qualify.
• Scholarships: Many schools and outside organizations offer awards for online learners. Browsing scholarships for online students is a good place to start your search.
• Employer tuition assistance: Many companies offer tuition reimbursement for job-related coursework. Some programs cover books and fees, too.
• Military benefits: GI Bill benefits can pay for tuition and provide a stipend for books and supplies. Several schools on this list, including UMGC and APUS, have long histories of serving military students.

How To Choose an Online College With Included Course Materials

A school's textbook policy is one factor among many. These criteria can help you find a program that fits your budget and your goals.

Confirm What's Covered

Read the course materials policy closely to see whether it covers digital books only, print copies, software, and access codes. Some schools cover undergraduate courses but not graduate classes, so make sure the policy applies to your degree level.

Compare Total Cost

A low per-credit rate can look appealing until you add books, technology fees, and other charges. Compare the full cost of attendance at each school, including any materials fee, to see which option actually costs less.

Look at Opt-Out Rules

Several schools let you opt out of included materials if you'd rather buy your own. If you already own some textbooks or plan to rent, check how opting out affects your bill and when you need to decide.

Check Transfer Credit Policies

Transferring credits can shorten your degree and cut your total cost, including materials. If you've taken college courses before, look for online colleges that accept transfer credits so you're not paying for classes you've already completed.

FAQs About Online Colleges With Books Included in Tuition

Textbook policies can be confusing, especially when every school handles them differently. These answers cover some of the most common questions students ask.

Can You Opt Out of Included Textbooks?

At many schools, yes. Columbia College, Bellevue University, and Trevecca Nazarene University all allow students to opt out and buy their own materials. Opting out may lower your bill, but you'll be responsible for having the required materials when class starts.

Do You Get To Keep Your Books After the Course Ends?

It depends on the format. Printed books provided through some programs, like Trevecca's adult studies books, are yours to keep. Digital access often ends when the course does, though some schools let you buy the materials at a discount if you want to hold on to them.

Are Graduate Textbooks Included, Too?

Not always. Some schools, like Columbia College and the University of the Cumberlands, cover graduate students, while others limit free books to undergraduate courses. Liberty University, for example, offers free e-textbooks to online undergraduates but provides book vouchers for graduate students instead.

Will You Receive Physical Textbooks as an Online Student?

Most included materials are digital and load directly into your online classroom. When a course requires a print book that has no digital version, schools like Columbia College and APUS typically provide a physical copy. Bellevue also ships physical materials to online students on request.

Are Software and Access Codes Covered?

Sometimes, but this is the most common exception. UMGC and APUS both note that software, digital tools, or lab equipment for certain courses may cost extra. If you're entering a technical program, ask the school which materials fall outside its book policy before you enroll.

Find Online Colleges That Fit Your Budget

Choosing a school that includes books in tuition can make your college costs simpler and more predictable from the start. Browse programs through Learn.org and connect directly with schools to get personalized information about course materials, tuition, and financial aid.