There’s no question that college textbooks are expensive, and according to a recent Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group study, little is being done to lower the cost.

While critics of the study have said that not enough schools or subjects were surveyed, the results of the study itself should come as no surprise.

College is already expensive enough and the additional cost of textbooks – ones that are often only good for one semester – causes only more financial anguish.

Boston University students are often forced to wait until they arrive on campus to hit up Barnes ‘ Noble for expensive texts, and because BU does not provide an online list of textbooks, many students are forced to wait until the first day of class before they are even made aware of the number of books required for courses. Most are more than willing to pay the bookstore’s excessive price without attempting to hassle with ordering their books online – especially when it often takes weeks for books to arrive.

But students who do attempt to use the online method are often punished for their cost-saving methods with delivery time. Students often fall behind in class because they don’t have the books required to do homework – and just because they decided to try and save some cash. BU should post a textbook list online, allowing students to order their books weeks in advance of the first day of class and arrive on campus prepared and with a little extra cash.

The MassPIRG report also said some new textbook editions are printed the same errors as old editions – but they are still more expensive. New editions must be accurate and must be released for a reason. Some books do not need to have new editions released every year.

Publishers should consider releasing online editions or smaller packets providing updates – this would save money both on the consumer and the printer’s end.

One textbook company is also releasing cheaper, scaled down versions of older textbooks. Thomson Learning’s efforts are praiseworthy and other companies must follow suit where they can. Textbooks are a big part of the high college cost puzzle.

Publishers have a corner on the market and they will continue to benefit from overpriced textbooks until students decide enough is enough and they reach out for cheaper options in larger numbers. Until all students are provided with opportunities to save money – which are long overdue – students must make use of alternatives to grab publishers’ attentions.