Student spending on course materials over the past decade has declined to its lowest point. Inclusive access and Open Educational Resources (OERs) are some factors that have made substantial contributions to this downward trend. Student Monitor, a research organization focused on studying the patterns of student spending, reported in a 2022 study that students spent an average of $314 on course materials in the 2021-2022 school year. In contrast, during the 2011-2012 school year, the organization reported students spending an average of $557 on their course materials.
