CAMPUS: Some students struggle with Books IncludED questions

By Raul Gonzalez
Bridge contributing writer
Published Monday, Nov. 24, 2025

One decision some students make is rather to stay with the Books IncludED program or to opt-out. Texas A&M International University offers the Books IncludED program with the intent to make it easier for students to prepare for classes each semester with their books in-hand on the first day.

Students have different outlooks on the program. It may help reduce the stress of shopping for books, but at a potential cost of up to $594 for 18 credit hours, it may cost more than some students’ actual book costs for the semester. When students register, the system automatically enrolls them into TAMIU Books IncludED.

“The program was inducted to take stress off students and make their lives easier, so students do not have to worry about shopping for books,” Associate Vice President Trevor Liddle said. “I know the program is not perfect, but we are continuing to work on making the program beneficial to as many students as possible. We know there are some students whom this program is not going to work for.”  

If a student opts out, the fee will drop after the cutoff date; however, some students have had issues with the process. Cases of students who get dropped from classes and are registered again after the opt-out date are still automatically enrolled in the program after the cutoff date for opting out and must talk with the Bursar’s Office and the TAMIU Bookstore to resolve the issue.

Also, some have had issues accessing digital books. Students have suggested resolutions like having the option to opt-in during registration and possibly having academic advisers offer advice on the program instead of an automatic opt-in.

“I think it can be inconvenient for us to be enrolled without our permission each semester,” TAMIU graduate student Ana Toscano said.

According to the TAMIU Books IncludED website, “Who hasn’t worried about the mounting cost of textbooks and course materials?” There is limited information on the website, lacking the guidelines of what supplies are included with the program, how much it costs and what percentage of Books IncludED materials are digital or physical. Courses vary in requirements and some books aren’t available in digital formats.

There are times when the program saves students money because their books cost more than the program cost.

“Because one of [my] books was worth more than $500,” TAMIU senior Gema Ibarra said she decided to stay in the program.

 On the other hand, senior Gustavo Luna opted out because, “I could get [a] better price [for] books by looking elsewhere.”

 There are many views when it comes to Books IncludED, ranging from good, bad to neutral. In some cases, the program saves money, but in others it is not as beneficial. Some students would like the program to adapt to make it more customizable for their needs. Students could be offered an option to opt-in at registration rather than being forced into the program. Also, some students might prefer an option to opt-in only for certain classes and have the cost reflect the books needed. Additionally, the program cost could be modified to reflect the books required and not just be a flat rate.

“Many students, before the program, were still waiting for books to arrive after classes had already started,” Liddle recalled.

TAMIU Books IncludED can prevent students from missing their books on the first day of class.

“I’m interested in speaking to students in order to find out what issues they are having so that I can fix them or make them better,” Liddle said. 

Liddle was also able to share the following information about Books IncludED to help clear up any confusion: 

• It is calculated at $33 per credit hour. Therefore, students who take less than full-time hours pay less.
• When students use the program, students gain the opportunity to buy physical copies at a discounted price, if the book is available.
• For students who prefer physical copies, it is getting more difficult to procure those. Some publishers either print on-demand or only offer digital copies.
• The goal of the auto opt-in feature is to ensure that students have the course materials on the first class day.
• Pricing cannot be individualized due to the time constraints of financial aid.
• Students can see physical books, if available, two weeks prior to the first day of class. Professors are required to submit books for the class 30 days prior to prevent availability issues.