$1 Million Saved by Students Through Lakeshore Technical College’s Textbook Affordability Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

11/24/2021

CLEVELAND, WI —

A textbook affordability program offered by Lakeshore Technical College has helped students save more than $1 million they would otherwise have spent buying textbooks. 

Instructors eliminated textbook costs by adopting what is referred to as open educational resources. Open educational resources include free online textbooks and other learning tools. Rather than renting or purchasing textbooks, which can cost hundreds of dollars, students download materials to their computers.

Students at LTC currently do not need to buy or rent textbooks for 73 courses in subjects including human resources, chemistry, nursing, animal science, web development, and public safety. In addition, students without computers or internet access can check out laptops and hotspots from the college at no cost.

“Helping our students save more than $1 million through the use of open educational resources is just one example of how we are keeping higher education affordable for our community,” said LTC President Dr. Paul Carlsen. “We applaud our faculty who continue to find innovative ways to introduce open educational resources to their students.”

In addition to saving students money, open educational resources also provide them more equitable access to course materials. All students have access to textbooks on the first day of class since they do not need to wait for bookstore shipments or financial aid awards. 

For information on LTC’s programs, including over 40 with starting dates in January, visit gotoltc.edu

LTC Bridge Fall
 

About Lakeshore Technical College

Each year more than 10,000 people enroll in courses at Lakeshore Technical College. They rely on LTC for job preparation, to earn a degree, upgrade a specialized skill, train as an apprentice, or seek a high school equivalency. LTC faculty and staff meet students where they are in life and help them get one step closer to achieving their goals.

LTC is a nationally recognized technical college. The college was ranked the #2 two-year college in the nation for adult learners by Washington Monthly, #20 in the nation for two-year college educational outcomes by WalletHub.com, a top-150 two-year college for the fifth consecutive time by the Aspen Institute, and a top 10 Bellwether Award finalist for two consecutive years.

Approximately 800 students graduate from LTC each year, and LTC’s associate degree graduates earn a median salary of $52,000 per year. In addition to the Cleveland campus, LTC serves students in Manitowoc and Sheboygan, and offers classes at additional sites throughout the district. Visit LTC at gotoltc.edu.