Are College Students Shifting From Print to eTextbooks? A Look at the Numbers
on January 22, 2025The ongoing debate between print textbooks and eTextbooks continues to shape the academic landscape for college students in the United States. Despite the rapid growth of digital formats, recent studies reveal that the majority of students still prefer print textbooks. However, the trend is slowly shifting as eTextbooks gain traction.
Print Textbooks Still Lead the Way
A 2021 survey conducted by Direct Textbook revealed that 62% of college students prefer print textbooks for academic learning. This figure, however, represents a 10% decline from 2015, when 72% of students reported a preference for print. While the numbers indicate a gradual shift, print remains the dominant format for most students.
The same survey found that 29% of students preferred eTextbooks in 2021, up slightly from 27% in 2015. Interestingly, the percentage of students with no clear preference grew from 1% to 9% over the same period, suggesting that some students are willing to adapt to either format based on convenience or cost.
Why Print Textbooks Remain Popular
Despite technological advancements, print textbooks continue to offer tangible benefits that resonate with students. According to the survey, the reasons behind the enduring popularity of print include:
• Ease of Reading: 78% of students find print textbooks easier to read compared to digital formats.
• Concentration: 63% of respondents said they focus better with print materials.
• Physical Interaction: 61% value the ability to highlight passages directly on the pages.
• Offline Access: 51% appreciate that print textbooks do not require an internet connection.
Students also cited additional benefits, such as the ease of navigating and bookmarking content in print textbooks, which 50% of respondents preferred over digital navigation.
The Slow Rise of eTextbooks
While print textbooks remain the preferred choice, the market for eTextbooks is expanding steadily. According to the same survey, students who favor eTextbooks highlight several advantages:
• Search Features: 88% of students appreciate the ability to quickly locate passages using a search function.
• Environmental Impact: 70% favor the eco-friendliness of digital formats, as they reduce paper usage and printing.
• Cost: 69% of students find eTextbooks to be a more affordable option compared to print materials.
The ability to adjust font size and brightness (66%) and the portability of eTextbooks (57%) were also cited as significant benefits. Features like text-to-audio and integration with educational apps are additional perks that appeal to tech-savvy students.
The Compromise: No Clear Preference
An increasing number of students (9% as of 2021) report having no strong preference between print and digital formats. These students often choose based on the specific subject or situation. For instance, one student noted:
“I use eTextbooks for less intensive subjects like writing but rely on physical books for challenging subjects such as math and science.”
Others mentioned the benefits of using both formats interchangeably. For example, a print textbook might be preferred for highlighting and annotation, while an eTextbook is used for on-the-go studying.
The Growing eTextbook Market
While preferences lean toward print, the eTextbook market is experiencing notable growth. According to Student Monitor, eTextbooks accounted for 20% of average student textbook purchases in 2020, up from just 9% in 2015. This growth reflects increasing awareness of the cost and convenience benefits of digital formats, particularly for budget-conscious students.
Despite this, many students are reluctant to fully transition to eTextbooks. One recurring concern is that the price difference between eTextbooks and print textbooks is often not significant enough to justify the switch.
Conclusion
The preference for print textbooks among college students in the U.S. remains strong, but the gradual rise of eTextbooks indicates a changing tide in the academic world. While digital formats offer cost savings, environmental benefits, and convenience, many students still value the tactile experience and ease of use provided by traditional print textbooks.
As technology continues to evolve, the balance between print and digital resources may continue to shift, but for now, the two formats coexist, each catering to specific needs and preferences. For students, educators, and publishers, understanding these trends is crucial for shaping the future of learning resources.
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Why do most college students still prefer print textbooks?
Many students find print textbooks easier to read, annotate, and navigate. The tactile experience of highlighting and bookmarking physical pages helps them focus and retain information better. Print textbooks also don’t require internet access, making them more reliable in various study environments.
Are eTextbooks cheaper than print textbooks?
In most cases, eTextbooks are more affordable than their print counterparts. According to recent surveys, 69% of students highlighted cost as a major advantage of eTextbooks. However, some students argue that the price difference isn’t always significant enough to fully transition to digital.
What are the main advantages of eTextbooks?
eTextbooks offer several benefits, including:
• Instant access to study materials.
• Portability—students can carry an entire library on one device.
• Interactive features like text-to-audio, search functions, and adjustable font sizes.
• Eco-friendliness, as they reduce paper usage.
How much of the textbook market is currently digital?
As of 2020, eTextbooks made up about 20% of average student textbook purchases, up from 9% in 2015. This growth reflects increasing adoption but also shows that print textbooks still dominate the market.
Can I resell eTextbooks?
No, eTextbooks typically do not have resale value. However, print textbooks can often be resold, allowing students to recoup some of their costs after a course ends.