Expensive textbooks are a major burden for students and their families. The average cost of a new textbook has increased by over 1,000% since the 1970s, while the average student loan debt has increased by over 400%. This means that students are paying more than ever for textbooks, even as they are also facing a higher cost of tuition and living expenses. There are a number of factors that contribute to the high cost of textbooks. One factor is the consolidation of the textbook publishing industry. A few large publishers now control the majority of the market, which gives them the power to set high prices. Another factor is the increasing frequency with which textbooks are revised. Publishers often release new editions of textbooks every few years, even if the changes are minor. This forces students to buy new textbooks even if they already own a previous edition. The high cost of textbooks has a number of negative consequences for students. It can force students to choose between buying textbooks and paying for other necessities, such as food and housing. It can also lead students to skip buying textbooks altogether, which can have a negative impact on their academic performance. There are a number of things that can be done to make textbooks more affordable for students. One option is to increase the availability of used textbooks and rental textbooks. Another option is to use open educational resources (OER), which are high-quality teaching and learning materials that are freely available online.