Resources for Students

Tips

Here are a few tactics that could help you avoid paying full-price for college books this semester.

  • Rent: You can rent many of the textbooks you need for the semester, then return them at the end of the term.
  • Buy used: The perennial hand me down method has served generations of college students who recycle textbooks.
  • Buy e-books: Many textbooks now come in downloadable electronic formats. The downside is that you can’t sell your books back when you’re done with them.
  • Document Delivery: Use the free Document Delivery service at the University Library.
  • Mention Open Educational Resources (OER): Ask your faculty member if they have considered using an OER to help lower the cost of course materials. Faculty can email the Open Educational Resources Librarian at libraries.oer@ttu.edu if they have any questions.
  • Check Course Reserves: Ask your faculty member if they have placed the required materials on reserve in the library.

Scholarships

Many scholarships and grants exist to help students cover the cost of their books. There are limits to funding available, though, and acceptance can be highly competitive, so you should apply as soon as possible to increase your chances of qualifying. Use the provided links to find the right one for you.

Because College is Expensive Scholarship

  • Amount: $500
  • Requirements: High school sophomores and above, college students, and graduate school students

Bowties and Books Scholarship

  • Amount: $2,500
  • Requirements: High school senior on track to graduate or a college student, 3.0 or higher GPA, U.S. Citizen or hold Permanent Residency status

Carl A. Scott Memorial Fund Book Scholarship

  • Amount: $500
  • Requirements: BSW or MSW student at a program accredited by CSWE, full-time enrollment

CoffeeForLess.com Hit the Books Scholarship

  • Amount: $500
  • Requirements: Aged 18-25 and enrolled in an accredited college or university

Helping Hands Book Scholarship

  • Amount: From $100 to $1000
  • Requirements: Ages 16 & over and planning to attend or are currently attending a college, university, or a technical/vocational institution

Hooked To Books Scholarship

  • Amount: $500 to $1,000
  • Requirements: Enrolled in a two year or four-year college program

Proyecto H.A.C.E.R. College Book Scholarship

  • Amount: $250 to $1,000
  • Requirements: High school graduating seniors who identify as women or non-binary from marginalized backgrounds

Reach for the Gold Book Scholarship

  • Amount: $1,000
  • Requirements: Female students of color, senior in high school or secondary school, reside in the United States, minimum high school average of 85/100%, or 3.4 on a 4.0 GPA scale, minimum SAT score of 1200 or a minimum ACT Composite score of 24

Study.com Free Textbooks for a Year Scholarship

  • Amount: $1,000
  • Requirements: Ages 18 and over, enrolled in a certificate, diploma or degree program

Your Textbooks Covered Scholarship

  • Amount: $1,000
  • Requirements: current and prospective students, legal resident of the United States

Loans

Institutional loans

Texas Tech offers book loans to eligible Undergraduate, Graduate, and Law students in an amount less than or equal to $500 each semester. Students are allowed one book loan per fall, spring, and summer semester.