Textbook Rental Frequently Asked Questions

Attending college costs more now than ever before. TIS College Bookstore is helping you out by offering you the ability to rent your textbooks. Renting textbooks has some advantages and disadvantages over buying. Here are a few commonly asked questions and answers to help you decide if renting your books is the right choice for you.

Q: Why would I want to rent textbooks?

A: When you rent your books, you’ll save up to 60% of the list price.

Q: What do I need in order to rent my textbooks?

A: You need to be 18 years or older, have a valid credit card, an email address and a valid U.S. drivers license.

Q: Why do you need my credit card?

A: At the time of purchase, you will need a securing credit card in the event the rental is not returned to us. You may pay for your rental book(s) with any of our accepted forms of payment. After that, we’ll only charge your securing credit card if you don’t bring your books back by the rental return date.

Q: When can I rent my books?

A: You can start renting books for Spring semester now.

Q: When do I have to return my books?

A: We ask that all rented books be returned by the last day of the semester for which it was rented. We'll send you a reminder via email at the end of term to help you remember to bring your rented books back.

Q: What if I forget to return my books?

A: If you don’t return your books on time, we’ll charge your securing credit card a replacement cost. At this point your rental becomes a purchase, which means you can keep it or sell your book(s) back during Buy Back.

Q: What if I decide that I want to keep a book?

A: If you decide to keep a book that you rented, just call us or stop by our store at 1302 E. Third Street before the last day of the semester to receive a refund of your rental fee and be charged regular retail price based on whether the book was new or used when you rented it.

Q: What happens if I drop a class?

A: Rental refunds will be allowed during the normal refund period. Of course, the regular refund rules will still apply: the book needs to be in the same condition as it was when it was rented and you’ll need a copy of your receipt.

Q: Can I rent all my books?

A: Currently there are only limited titles available for rent. We’re working hard with your professors and textbook publishers to identify as many rental titles as possible.

Q: How will I be able to tell if the book I need is rentable?

A: The book will be on the shelf, like usual, under your class listing. There will be a "Rental" shelf tag indicating that the book is for rent.
When renting on our site, if a Rental is available, there will be a "New Rental" or "Used Rental" option when selecting your books.