Textbook Rentals

Our Rental Program

We offer a book rental program to provide students with yet another option while purchasing textbooks. Plain and simple, renting textbooks saves you money and gives you the same result in your classes as buying your books. Renting a textbook is exactly like renting a movie. You pay for it, have it for a certain period and then have to return it by a certain date. Specifically, we set the date at the end of finals week for each semester. If you do not return it by that date, an extra charge will be added to your account. By renting a textbook you are saving 20-50% compared to a new or used book.

Still confused about why you would want to rent instead of buying used? Well, we purchase books according to what the instructors decide to use. If the instructor uses the same books for the following semester, then it is better to have a used book and sell it back. However, if you buy used and the instructor decides to use a different book the next semester, chances are we will not buy the book back. In that case, it is better to have a rented book because you saved the money up front and didn't lose anything. Buyback is great, except for the fact that it is not guaranteed. Renting textbooks allows you to purchase a book without the risk of it becoming worthless by the end of the semester. Renting is the safe option for you; it keeps your dough in your pocket and saves you from worrying about buybacks.

Another awesome thing about renting books is if you decide you want to keep the book for future reference, all you have to do is pay the difference, and it is yours. Here at the South Dakota State University Bookstore we are committed to finding an affordable way for students to get their textbooks.