average college textbook cost
1 The total cost of books at a college level will usually be much higher. 2  Depending on the number of credits, the price can vary from $200-$1000 per semester. 3  According to CollegeBoard.com, the national average for college textbooks is $1,137 per year. This price depends on what curriculum your school uses as well as how many academic classes the student is taking. 2  According to the National Association of College Stores, the average college textbook was $57 for the academic year in 2010.