digital-access-codes

Are online access codes the new textbook monopoly?


Costly online access codes often force students to pay even more for required course content and tests.

Though the high cost of textbooks and course materials has prompted many faculty to move to free online resources, a majority students who wish to unlock course-specific required online learning resources are still faced with costly access code fees.

Access codes are serial numbers that allow students to unlock online learning software. These platforms often contain digital books, homework assignments, quizzes, tests, and more. The access code, once registered, becomes null and may not be used by a different student in a different course or semester.

Access Denied, a new report from the Student PIRGs, investigates the growth of online access codes on campuses across the nation.

“Online access codes are the new face of the textbook monopoly,” said Ethan Senack, Higher Education Advocate at the Student PIRGs. “In one swoop, the publishers remove a student’s ability to opt-out of buying their product, eliminate any and all competition in the market, and look good doing it because the codes are cheaper than publisher’s exorbitantly priced textbooks.”

(Next page: Top findings on access codes from the report)

The report delves into two key areas: research into the role of access codes in the marketplace, and analysis of the transition from a consumer perspective.

Unfortunate Facts

The report found that across institutions and majors, an average of 32 percent of courses included access codes among the required course materials.

At campus bookstores, the average cost of an access code alone was $100.24.

In bookstores, only 28 percent of access codes were offered in unbundled form. Even when acquired directly from the publisher, only 56 percent of all required access codes were offered without additional materials bundled in, despite federal law requiring materials to be sold separately.

According to the report, the lack of consumer choice and competition in the textbook market has allowed publishers to drive up prices to unsustainable levels. However, increased prices have allowed alternative pathways to emerge that help students succeed regardless. It is this freedom of choice – the ability of a student to choose between used books, renting, sharing with a friend, borrowing from the library, or opting out entirely – that protects students from the most harmful effects of a broken market.

A Win-Win…for Whom?

The access code model, in contrast, precludes the development of these alternatives and eliminates student choice.

By making access codes single-use and individualized for each student, publishers eliminate a student’s ability to share with a friend, or borrow from the library if they don’t have the financial means to buy it.

By creating access codes that include assignments and tests, publishers lock 100 percent of students in a course into buying their product and eliminate a student’s ability to opt-out.

By transitioning to digital course materials, publishers now have the ability to eliminate excess supply that could lead to used book markets.

“Publishers are touting access codes as a student-friendly option in the textbook market, but in reality, it’s just another tactic to eliminate competition in the market and keep profits high,” said Senack. “These codes offer big publishers a host of benefits over the traditional print market – while throwing students, especially those who are economically disadvantaged, under the bus.”

Material from a press release was used in this report.

Sign up for our newsletter

Newsletter: Innovations in K12 Education
By submitting your information, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Laura Ascione