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BookSmart: Free Textbooks

Free Textbooks? That’s a Game Changer.

Over the course of a year, the average undergraduate student spends more than $1,200 on textbooks. EKU is committed to changing the game and providing more students with the support they need to succeed in school and in their careers.

The EKU BookSmart program provides all degree-seeking students with all required textbooks for the semester, before classes start, for free.

It’s One Less Thing to Worry About

Through the BookSmart Program, EKU is the first public university in Kentucky to offer free textbooks to all degree-seeking students! It’s easy to take advantage of this new program:

  • Register for classes.
  • Pick up your Big E Box filled with your required books from the EKU Bookstore or have it delivered to your doorstep at no cost to you.
  • Study hard, then return your books at the end of the semester using the provided pre-paid return label.

As the School of Opportunity, Eastern Kentucky University understands the many challenges students face when pursuing education. One of those often-overlooked barriers is the cost of textbooks. EKU’s partnership with Barnes & Noble College is an investment in students meant to ensure that all degree-seeking students have every opportunity to succeed and earn a college degree.

EKU BookSmart FAQs

If you have questions about the EKU BookSmart program that weren’t answered here, please contact the Barnes & Noble @ EKU Bookstore or call 859-622-2696.

No. EKU BookSmart is a textbook rental program. Textbooks will be on loan for use throughout the semester, but must be returned to the Barnes & Noble @ EKU Bookstore at the end of the semester. There will be an opportunity to purchase textbooks you want to keep at a discounted price.

Yes. You may mark or highlight in these textbooks.

The book format is selected by faculty during the course scheduling process. This is the format that will be delivered to students.

Please visit the Digital and Physical Books Request website to make this request.

Contact the Barnes and Noble @ EKU Bookstore.

Yes. You may pick up your textbooks in the bookstore instead of having them delivered to you. During the confirmation process that will be sent to you via email students will select their preferred delivery method.

Yes. You may pick up your textbooks in the bookstore instead of having them delivered to you. During the confirmation process that will be sent to you via email students will select their preferred delivery method.

You have the option to purchase your books from Barnes & Noble at a discounted rate at the end of the semester.

Please take care of your textbooks on loan and return them at the end of the semester. You are responsible for these textbooks and if you do not return your textbooks no later than the 14th day after the end of the academic semester, you will be charged in accordance with the terms and conditions of the textbook loan agreement. Students who have not returned their books will not be allowed to participate in the BookSmart program the following semester.

Yes. One-time use codes and/or access codes will be included in your Big E Box.

No. Textbooks that are designated as “recommended” will not be included as part of your Big E Box.

No. Your Big E Box will be shipped to you free of charge. You’ll also get a return shipping label to cover shipping costs when it’s time to send back your books at the end of the semester.

No. The EKU BookSmart Program is offered for all degree-seeking students, so high school students enrolled in dual credit courses are not eligible to participate in the EKU BookSmart program at this time.

Yes, EKU wants to make sure every student has every opportunity to succeed and earn a college degree. There is not a fee for students to participate in the program, and a fee will not be added to your account for books. The EKU BookSmart program was created as a way to provide students with an additional level of financial support in their educational experience.

Yes, if you choose to purchase your books yourself, you may opt out of EKU BookSmart by selecting the Opt Out option at the conclusion of the registration process. EKU will not provide your textbooks and course materials if you opt out of EKU BookSmart.