Ashford University has launched a new partnership with ED MAP that will provide online students with an outlet to purchase textbooks and learning materials in e-book format. On average, e-books cost half as much as print books, resulting in significant savings to students.  

The rising cost of textbooks can be a major barrier for students thinking about attending college. In the 2007 report “Turn the Page: Making College Textbooks More Affordable,” the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance concluded that the prices for textbooks “are already too high for low- and moderate-income families and are pressing middle-income families as well.”  

Ashford University began looking into ways to alleviate the cost of learning materials for students. They collaborated with major textbook publishers to create the e-books and partnered with ED MAP to distribute both electronic and print books.  

“Ashford is different from most schools since we work almost exclusively with four publishers,” said Beth Aguiar, Bridgepoint Education’s vice president of learning resources. “We were able to go to those publishers and work with them to make e-books a reality. As a result, we will be able to offer 90% of the books used in our online classes in the e-book format.”  

When students log on to the ED MAP web site, they are given the option of purchasing books in either the electronic or print format. Students see a side-by-side price comparison and can choose the book format that best suits their needs and budget. 

Ashford University’s partnership with ED MAP had a soft launch on Oct. 1 to test the system and a hard launch on Nov. 1. During the first month of use, students have been enjoying the e-book option and 30 percent of all books purchased in October were in the electronic format.  

“E-books are one more way that Ashford University strives to make higher education more affordable and accessible,” said Jane McAuliffe, Ashford University president.  

About Ashford University

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org). The University offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs online and at its Clinton, Iowa, campus. The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable online and on-campus programs. For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, director of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.