Textbook affordability and access has been an increasing area of concern for Montana students. Prohibitively expensive course materials can deter students from preferred courses and programs and may have unintended negative consequences on student outcomes. The Montana University System is committed to access to higher education for all Montanans and supports multiple intitiatives to reduce the costs of course materials for students through course tagging and supporting the development and use of Open Educational Resources.

Course Tagging

In response to student requests, the Montana University System encourages institutions to prominently designate sections of courses whose course materials exclusively consist of no-cost (open or free textbooks) or low-cost course materials at the point of registration. Tagging courses provides transparency and improves student agency, allowing them to make informed decisions and select courses that fit their budgets and reduce financial burdens. The no-cost or low-cost designation in the MUS is set at $40 or less for course materials, not inclusive of tools and supplies, or course fees.

MUS institutions tagging courses for no-cost, low-cost should refer toMUS No-Cost/Low-Cost Course Catalog Designators. While institutional practices for communicating and processing No-Cost/Low-Cost designations may vary, it is critical to student access that all institutions operate from the shared definition and designations. If campuses are interested in additional guidance on how to implement and communicate course section tagging, resources are available in the MUS NOLO Course Tagging Toolkit.

Open Educational Resources

In striving to make higher education accessible for all Montanans, MUS OER logothe Montana University System also supports Open Educational Resources as an important affordability strategy. Open Educational Resources (OER) are textbooks and course materials that are openly licensed and that dramatically decrease costs for students. High textbook costs are often a barrier for students and can often hinder student success. 

The Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education actively partners with MUS campuses and the Treasure State Information and Library Services (TRAILS) consortium to advance use of OER across the system and the state. Through one project that provided grants to MUS faculty to adopt OER, MUS students have saved over $1 million in textbook costs. Learn more about that project here.