These websites can help college textbook bargain hunters

WASHINGTON — It costs big bucks just to go to college, and then comes the pricey textbooks.

On average, full-time undergrads at four-year public colleges spend about $1,200 a year on textbooks and other course supplies, according to the College Board.

So, Consumer Reports checked out some online price comparison tools that can help you save money on textbooks, whether you’re buying new, used or if you’re renting.

Booksprice lets you compare prices at more than 50 stores, including Amazon, eBay and Barnes & Noble.

The downside: The prices the site provides might not always be current.

Two other sites, Textsurf and CheapestTextbooks, have pros and cons too.

Neither includes Barnes & Noble in their price comparisons, but CheapestTextbooks will tell you the last time a price was updated.

Michelle Basch

Michelle Basch is a reporter turned morning anchor at WTOP News.

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