Students can opt out of Inclusive Access, but doing so can block them from required coursework.

When students sign up for a course with Inclusive Access, they are given a period to “opt out” of getting charged for the material. If they don’t opt out—or are unable to do so before the deadline—they are automatically billed for the content as part of their tuition and fees.

Even if students do opt out of the Inclusive Access content, they may find it difficult to access some components of the course, such as online homework. If the Inclusive Access platform is used to turn in homework, the “choice” to opt out isn’t really a choice. 

Some Inclusive Access programs consider low opt out rates positive. However, this is not necessarily a sign of success, since there are many reasons students may not opt out. For example, students may not be aware that opt out is possible, or they may find the process too complex. What’s more: The fine print in some Inclusive Access contracts can actually penalize institutions if they let too many students opt-out, which creates adverse incentives.

How many students drop courses due to textbook costs?

Surveys have found that an alarming number of students—nearly one in four—already report dropping courses due to textbook costs. When the choice is between being automatically billed or getting locked out of key course components, the only way out is to drop out of the course.

Further Reading

Courseware Can Be Integral to a Course. Why, Then, Are Students Footing the Bill for It? (The Chronicle of Higher Education, 2023)

That Digital Textbook? Your College Has Billed You for It. (The New York Times, 2020)

2018 Student Textbook and Course Materials Survey. (Florida Virtual Campus, 2019)