The University estimates that a student will spend $1,200 on course-related books and supplies in an academic year, according to the cost of attendance calculator. 

According to a 2015 NBC review of Bureau of Labor Statistics data, textbook costs have risen 1,041% since 1977 — or over three times the rate of inflation.

While some courses require students to purchase online access codes for their textbooks, many only ask that students have the required text on hand. This means that students are free to purchase any required texts secondhand — or to take a not-so-legal route. 

Some students choose to limit textbook costs by pirating the materials from one of several textbook piracy sites. 

While this method is certainly the cheapest means of obtaining necessary texts for class, it also places students at risk of violating copyright law. If found out, a student could face fines between $200 and $150,000 under copyright law.

Beyond books, many students may encounter a time when they need to purchase a laptop, software, iClickers, equipment or other miscellaneous supplies. It may be necessary to maintain space in your budget for unexpected educational needs.