Students, families, faculty, and advocates for affordable education, we must unite to demand that the University of California, Santa Barbara address the rising costs of course materials, which threaten equal access to education! Join me in advocating for lower textbook costs and discounted or free access to online study resources to improve equality and opportunities for UCSB students.

As a UCSB student, I have personally experienced the financial burden of being required to purchase expensive textbooks and online learning platforms just to pass my courses. This additional cost, on top of the tuition we already pay, feels unfair. Students should not have to choose between financial stability and academic success. These essential course materials should be provided free of charge.

According to the California Student Aid Commission’s 2024-2025 Student Expenses Budgets, students are spending an average of $1,062 annually on textbooks and supplies. This is on top of tuition costs, with in-state undergraduates paying approximately $13,000 per year and out-of-state undergraduates paying around $34,000 per year. These expenses create financial barriers that affect low-income students and perpetuate inequity in higher education.

In addition to free or low-cost textbooks, UCSB should provide students with discounted or free access to essential online study tools such as Quizlet, Grammarly, and similar platforms. As a large, well-funded university, UCSB has the resources to negotiate these discounts or remove the costs entirely. Providing students with these tools would not only reduce financial stress but also encourage better study habits and improve academic performance overall.

We must take action to eliminate or drastically reduce these costs at our university. Here’s how we can make this happen:

• Provide free or low-cost textbooks for all students. 
• Negotiate university-wide discounts or free access to online study tools.
• Raise awareness about the financial struggles students face and the importance of affordable learning materials.

Let’s stand together to demand that UCSB prioritize student success by making education more affordable and accessible. Join us in advocating for a future where no student is left behind due to the high cost of learning materials. 

Sign this petition today and share it with your friends and classmates. Together, we can create a UCSB that prioritizes equity, opportunity, and success for all students.