I have 3 classes this semester, 8 hours, $675 on 3 books at the bookstore not including $60 in lab supplies. Online through Alibris.com, the only one who had these editions, down to $325; still a lot for so few credits but much better. Financial aid only allocated $240 towards these credit hours, $30 a credit. At least the online came closer.

$385 vs $240 = not realistic let alone $735 vs $240. I don't even want to think about what little going to get back when selling them back. I already know it will be pennies. One I will probably keep.

RE:School Funding - Best case scenario is to qualify for as many grants and scholarships as you can. Research them as they are out there and many go unused. If not available, loans are not evil. If it means getting an education or not, the education is too important and the loans are worth it in the end. Just be careful to only get the amount you need, NEED to get by, and what you realistically can pay back on your expected lowest income, go for minimums, not maximums. You don't have to take the full package amount that is offered.