When you applied to college, you probably knew that your university tuition would be incredibly expensive. 

But did you ever think about how expensive your textbooks would be? The cost of your textbooks does, unfortunately, add up and this can wreak havoc on your bank account. 

So what can you do to save money? The obvious answer is to look for cheap textbooks, secondhand books, rent textbooks, etc.

But have you ever considered looking for textbook scholarships? Have you ever heard of textbook scholarships?

We won’t be surprised if you haven’t. But these are a great way to earn money to purchase textbooks.

What Are Textbook Scholarships?

We all apply fervently for scholarships to earn money to pay for our college tuition. We also encourage you to look for textbook scholarships so that you can save even more money when purchasing or renting your textbooks.

Here’s what you should know about textbook scholarships and receiving money for textbooks:

1. Federal Student Loans

If you haven’t already, you can apply for a federal student loan. This means that if you qualify you may receive a loan from the government that can go toward your university expenses. You can use this money for purchasing or renting your textbooks.

You usually qualify for these loans if your overall income is below a certain threshold – which will be detailed on the application. You will find low-interest rates and a flexible plan to pay your loan back.

2. Private Student Loans

If you are unable to secure a federal student loan, your next option is to apply for a private student loan.

If you have a good credit score, you can consult your bank or another lender to apply for a private student loan. This would also allow you to spend your loan on your textbooks. 

Make sure you ask about the interest rates and any possible payment plans of paying back your student loan. You want to make sure that you can easily afford it before taking the loan.

3. The Helping Hands Book Scholarship

If you prefer to skip a loan and go straight to a scholarship, you’ll want to consider the Helping Hands Book Scholarship. This is a scholarship that is offered twice per year. The deadline for the Fall Semester is to apply by July 15. The deadline for the Winter Semester is to apply by December 15.

You will receive from $100 to $1,000 for the semester to use for your textbooks. You will have to fill out a short application, pay a low fee (usually $5), and submit a resume and current transcript.

Even if you qualify for a loan, we recommend applying for the scholarship. The more money that you have, the better your chance of saving money on your textbooks.

4. Carl A. Scott Book Memorial Fund Scholarship

This scholarship is targeted toward minority students (Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American) who have shown a commitment toward social justice. If the student is pursuing a degree in Social Work, they have a greater chance of receiving the scholarship.

You will receive a $500 scholarship to pay for your textbooks. You need to have a grade point average of at least 3.0 to apply. The scholarship is provided by the Council on Social Work Education.

5. The Passageway Scholarship Program

This scholarship program is targeted toward neglected and troubled youth. This not only offers scholarships but also offers book grants to help pay for your textbooks.

This scholarship works for four-year universities, trade schools, as well as to community colleges. 

It has been revolutionary in helping disadvantaged students in changing their lives around by making it easier for them to attend university and make books more affordable.

6. Barnes and Noble Scholarships

Barnes and Noble offer $500 scholarships each semester that can go toward your textbooks. This scholarship is funded by corporate philanthropy funds. 

This is available for undergraduate students who have a GPA of above 2.0 The students must also show that financial aid is needed (as they need to prove when filing for a Federal Student Loan). 

Different university campuses provide these scholarships and may provide an opportunity multiple times during a semester.

You can combine this scholarship with as many other scholarships as possible. As the requirements are not very rigid, we would strongly recommend applying for this option.

7. NACE Book Scholarship Program

If you are a student member of NACE, you are eligible to apply for its book scholarship program. These scholarships are worth up to $1,000. These are specifically available for graduate students.

One will need an above-average grade point average and provide two letters of recommendation when applying for the scholarship. It is available for North American and International students.

If you happen to be a student member of NACE, we strongly recommend that you apply for this book scholarship program.

8. Casimiro Foundation Book Scholarships

This is another unique scholarship program. If you are a business student at a two-year or four-year university, you can qualify for a book scholarship from the Casimiro Global Foundation.

Students who are eligible must have a grade point average above a 2.0 The scholarship is available for part-time and full-time students. The financial needs of the student are also considered and the students with greater needs are more likely to receive a scholarship.

You should reach out to your campus financial aid office to see if they have any specific information regarding this scholarship. Business students often have some of the most expensive textbooks, so it behooves all of them to apply for this scholarship.

9. Other Ways to Save

Finally, we continue to recommend that you look at the many options to save money on your textbooks. Consider borrowing textbooks from students who have already taken the course.

Consider purchasing or renting secondhand textbooks. If the digital version of the textbook is cheaper, we suggest that you opt for this – no matter how much a printed copy may entice you!

Grab Your Books

Now that you know the textbook scholarships and other ways to save for your textbooks, you should start applying and get the money to grab your books!

Be sure to read more great articles on textbooks and how to survive college!