With federal changes to financial aid programs as part of Title IV of the Higher Education Act, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) announced adjustments to its EKU BookSmart textbook program for Fall 2026, ensuring maximum financial aid benefits for students.
Since Fall 2021, EKU has provided free textbooks to students through the BookSmart program in partnership with Barnes & Noble. With federal changes to student aid taking effect July 1, 2026, continuing to provide free books would negatively impact students’ financial aid award eligibility. To avoid reductions in federal student aid, textbooks will instead be provided at a discounted rate through BookSmart, starting Fall 2026. Under the new federal guidelines, offering discounted textbooks does not add to the Student Aid Index and therefore will not affect federal aid eligibility.
“At EKU, we always have and always will respond, adapt and innovate to put our students and their dreams of a college degree first,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Our BookSmart program was a first-of-its-kind approach to both student accessibility and success. We’ve explored every avenue to find the best solution for our students. We’re pleased to innovate new ways to offer the BookSmart program at cost, while preserving financial aid eligibility for our students.”
An at-cost rate for students has been negotiated between EKU and Barnes & Noble. Participating students will pay a flat $26 per credit hour for all textbooks and course materials. Estimated at $780/year, BookSmart provides a significant discount from the national average of $1,250 per year for textbooks.
EKU has set aside funding to help students who may experience undue financial hardship as a result of the change with the BookSmart discount. To qualify, students will need to have filled out their free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and meet standard eligibility requirements.
With the change to BookSmart, EKU will extend the discount on textbooks to dual credit students, who had previously not been eligible for the program. BookSmart is not a mandatory fee, and students have the option to opt out.
“EKU remains one of the most affordable public universities in the Commonwealth,” said Dr. Tanlee Wasson, EKU senior vice president of Student Success, Engagement, and Opportunity. “Although federal changes required us to rethink BookSmart, we were determined to find a way to continue this program because it is vital to the success of our students and our institution.”
A hallmark feature of BookSmart is the streamlined process for students receiving their textbooks and course materials. Books are packaged before the start of each semester, customized for the individual student based on their course schedule. With BookSmart, students will continue to start classes ready to learn on the first day—removing a common hurdle to student success.
Students may be eligible to use federal, state and institutional aid and loans to cover the cost. Students also have the option to opt out of the program and purchase their textbooks directly from a vendor of their choice.
Staff at EKU’s Big E Central are available to discuss financial aid and scholarship options as students plan for the Fall 2026 semester. Learn more at go.eku.edu/booksmart.
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