OBERLIN, OH--(Marketwire - January 7, 2009) - Recent news reports and promotional releases related to the cost of textbooks perpetuate several inaccuracies concerning college stores. The myths supported by these broad generalizations and inaccuracies mislead students and unfairly attack an industry that works hard to ensure all students on their campuses have affordable access to the educational tools they need.

MYTH #1: Buying textbooks online is always cheaper.

FACT: A study by the Florida Office of Program Policy & Analysis and Government Accountability found that students purchasing new college textbooks online saved an average of only $2.15 per item. In fact, online prices were higher for 27 percent of the textbooks examined by the study.

MYTH #2: Buying textbooks online is always safe.

FACT: Students face real risks in purchasing course materials from unknown, unidentifiable sellers -- they face bait-and-switch tactics, hidden fees, and fraud. A recent case investigated by the FBI involved 568 fake online seller accounts and 100,000 orders by students that resulted in fraud totaling $5.3 million. If the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

MYTH #3: My college store is getting rich off what they charge me for textbooks.

FACT: College stores generate an average profit of only 4.5 cents from every dollar spent on new textbooks. All excess revenue is contributed back to the campus community to help hold the line on tuition and fees, provide book scholarships and student jobs, and fund student activities and organizations. Click here for graphic: http://www.nacs.org/public/nacs/mediaroom.asp.

MYTH #4: Students spend an average of $900 a year on textbooks.

FACT: According to the 2008 Student Watch™ Survey Student Attitudes and Buying Habits Revealed, students reported spending an average of $702 on required course materials a year. The higher College Board statistic often quoted in articles includes supplies.

MYTH #5: College stores aren't active student advocates.

FACT: Through NACS and individually, college stores advocate at both the state and federal level for textbook sales tax exemptions and tax credits. They also support initiatives that increase financial aid available for course materials.

About NACS

Headquartered in Oberlin, Ohio, the National Association of College Stores is the professional trade association representing the collegiate retailing industry. NACS' 3,100 member stores employ an estimated 30,000 students in the U.S., while supporting the academic missions of higher education institutions through scholarship and loan programs. Additional information can be found online at www.nacs.org.