22 Jan State Board of Higher Education sets policy to reduce textbook costs
BISMARCK, N.D. – To further its efforts towards ensuring student affordability across the North Dakota University System (NDUS), the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) recently approved a new policy to reduce textbook and student material costs. Policy 462: Instructional Materials Access and Affordability will take effect on Aug. 1, 2025, and encourages the adoption of Open Educational Resources (OER) and other affordable alternatives.
“Student success is the cornerstone of all we do for higher education in North Dakota,” said SBHE Chair Tim Mihalick. “The Board is committed to student affordability, which is why it is a goal in our strategic plan. This policy change helps create opportunities that can mean college is more affordable and more accessible.”
OER are teaching, learning, and research resources that are free for use and re-purposing by others. They include full courses, course materials, modules, textbooks, streaming videos, tests, software, and any other tools, materials, or techniques used to support access to knowledge, according to the University of North Dakota website.
“Textbooks at little or no cost to students provide equitable access to high-quality learning materials,” said Lisa Johnson, NDUS vice chancellor for academic and student affairs. “They not only alleviate financial burden to students but also foster a collaborative and academic environment where knowledge is freely shared and accessible to all.”
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the national average for textbook costs from 2022-2023 was $1,212 for first-year, full-time undergraduates. The average estimated cost of books and supplies in the NDUS from 2023-2024 was $991, down from $1,009 the previous year.
The SBHE policy additionally sets guidelines requiring NDUS institutions to create and implement strategies for making instructional materials more affordable while maintaining high education standards. Among the policy’s key components are requirements for course marking and professional development for faculty.
Course marking is a system that allows students to clearly identify courses that meet specific affordability criteria. This marking system will be visible during course registration, allowing students to easily identify the cost of required materials before registration.
The policy ensures faculty will have professional development opportunities, helping them discover, evaluate, and implement OER materials in their courses. It additionally directs faculty members to revisit their course materials periodically to ensure they remain cost-effective without sacrificing academic quality.