Free Textbooks? That’s a Game Changer.
Over the course of a year, the average undergraduate student spends more than $1,200 on textbooks.
We’re committed to changing the game and getting more students the support they need to succeed in school and in their careers – we provide 100% free textbooks for all degree-seeking EKU students. The EKU BookSmart program provides students with all required textbooks for the semester, before classes start, for free.
Once registered for classes, your textbooks will be gathered and packaged for you in your Big E Box. Study hard, and use your books while classes are in session, then return them at the end of the semester. It’s that simple!
It’s One Less Thing to Worry About
Through the BookSmart Program, EKU is the first public university in Kentucky to offer free textbooks to all degree-seeking students! It’s easy to take advantage of this new program:
- Register for classes.
- Your Big E Box filled with the required books and course materials arrive from the EKU Bookstore or to your doorstep at no cost to you.
- Study hard, then return your books at the end of the semester using the provided pre-paid return label.
As the School of Opportunity, Eastern Kentucky University understands the many challenges students face when pursuing education. One of those barriers, and often overlooked, is the cost of textbooks. Over the course of a year, the average undergraduate student spends more than $1,200 on textbooks.
So, we’ve partnered with Barnes & Noble College to provide free textbooks for all degree-seeking EKU students. The EKU BookSmart program provides students with all required textbooks for the semester, before classes start, for free.
This is an investment in students and is meant to ensure that all degree-seeking students have every opportunity to succeed and earn a college degree. The EKU BookSmart program was created as a way to provide students with an additional level of financial support in their educational experience and lower the overall cost of attendance.
Once registered for classes, your textbooks will be gathered and packaged for you in your Big E Box. Study hard, and use your books while classes are in session, then return them at the end of the semester. It’s that simple!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are graduate and doctoral students eligible for the EKU BookSmart Program?
Yes. We are proud to expand the EKU BookSmart Program to graduate and doctoral students begining Fall 2023. For more information, contact the EKU Graduate School.
Are online students eligible for the EKU BookSmart Program?
Yes.
Will I own the books I receive?
No. EKU BookSmart is a textbook rental program. Textbooks will be on loan for use throughout the semester, but must be returned to the Barnes & Noble @ EKU Bookstore at the end of the semester. There will be an opportunity to purchase textbooks you want to keep at a discounted price.
Can I mark or highlight in my books?
Yes – you may mark or highlight in these textbooks.
If I prefer digital or print versions of the books, can I receive my preferred format?
The book format is selected by faculty during the course scheduling process. This is the format that will be delivered to students.
What if I drop or add a class?
Contact the Barnes and Noble @ EKU Bookstore.
Can I pick up books in the EKU Bookstore?
Yes. You may pick up your textbooks in the bookstore instead of having them delivered to you. During the confirmation process that will be sent to you via email students will select their preferred delivery method.
What if I want to keep my book(s) at the end of the semester?
You have the option to purchase your books from Barnes & Noble at a discounted rate at the end of the semester.
What happens if I do not return the books to Barnes and Noble?
Please take care of your textbooks on loan and return them at the end of the semester. You are responsible for these textbooks and if you do not return your textbooks no later than the 14th day after the end of the academic semester, you will be charged in accordance with the terms and conditions of the textbook loan agreement. Students who have not returned their books will not be allowed to participate in the BookSmart program the following semester.
Will I receive one-time use codes and/or access codes?
Yes. One-time use codes and/or access codes will be included in your Big E Box.
Will I receive “recommended” textbooks?
No. Textbooks that are designated as “recommended” will not be included as part of your Big E Box.
Do I have to pay for shipping?
No, your Big E Box will be shipped to you free of charge. You’ll also get a return shipping label to cover shipping costs when it’s time to send back your books at the end of the semester.
Will dual credit students receive free textbooks?
The EKU BookSmart Program is offered for all degree-seeking students, so high school students enrolled in dual credit courses are not eligible to participate in the EKU BookSmart program at this time.
Is BookSmart really no cost to degree-seeking students?
Yes, EKU wants to make sure every student has every opportunity to succeed and earn a college degree. There is not a fee for students to participate in the program, and a fee will not be added to your account for books. The EKU BookSmart program was created as a way to provide students with an additional level of financial support in their educational experience.
Can I opt out?
Yes, if you choose to purchase your books yourself, you may opt out of EKU BookSmart by selecting the Opt Out option at the conclusion of the registration process. EKU will not provide your textbooks and course materials if you opt out of EKU BookSmart.
How can I find out more about BookSmart?
If you have further questions about the EKU BookSmart program, please contact the Barnes & Noble @ EKU Bookstore or dial (859) 622-2696.