UTSA Textbook Transparency: Find Courses with Affordable Textbooks

Higher Test Scores & Lower DFW Rates

A systematic review of 16 studies was published in 2016 by John Hilton. That review uncovered that students that use OER had higher test scores and lower DFW rates compared to students that used a commercial textbook. 

Across these 16 studies:1) the students had higher test scores and lower DFW rates and 2) both students and faculty felt the OER were of the same or better quality than commercial textbooks. Both groups appreciated the flexibility and currency of the OER. Students appreciated the low price.

Equity in Access

A 2018 study at the University of Georgia has even greater implications for OER and their impact on learning and equity. The study ran over the course of 6 years and over 21,000 students enrolled in entry-level courses participated.  Of the 21,000 students, just over 11,000 used commercial textbooks and 10,000 used OER. The results?

• Switching to OER increased A’s and A-minuses in the courses by 5.5% and 7.73% percent respectively
• Number of students who dropped, withdrew, or failed fell by 2.68%
• DFW rates decreased dramatically for student populations receiving financial aid, that were non-white or enrolled part-time