Zero Textbook Cost
What does ZTC Mean?
ZTC means there is no cost for required instructional materials — including textbooks, workbooks, lab manuals, readers, and required course software like online homework systems.
California law (SB 1359) requires community colleges to identify ZTC course sections in the class schedule
Books, manuals, software included
No waiting, no cost barriers
Higher completion rates
We are listening to you!
Accross SDCCD, stuents shared how important open educational resources and ZTC options are to their success - here's what they said in the fall 2024 districtwide survery.
59% said ZTC materials were very or extremely important in their decision to enroll
Higher Success ZTC courses are linked to stronger student success rates across the district
70% said OER and ZTC materials reflect diverse perspectives and helped them fell more supported
When students have access to affordable, inclusive materials from day one, they are more likely to succeed.
Find ZTC courses in the class scheule
You can search for ZTC courses in the online class schedule.
[VIDEO]
Faculty supporting affordable aducation
San Diego City College faculty are being encouraged to expand ZTC opportunities for students. This may include using open educational resources (OER), library materials, and other freely available learning resources.
Low Cost Textbook Designation
The Low Cost designation can also be applied in the textbook cost filter. The Low Cost symbol is a green button that states "Low Cost Textbook" and means that a student will [pay $30 or less] for all required instructional materials in that course section
- Instructional materials include required textbooks, workbooks, lab manuals, readers, or specialized websites or software like online homework systems. The definition does not apply to supplemental items such lab coats and kits, goggles, a calculator, blue books, scantron forms, art supplies, etc.
- The designation is based on the pre-tax retail price of new materials in the CRC Bookstore only. It does not apply to the price of used or rental books or ebooks available through the CRC Bookstore or any other bookseller.
- A section that uses free digital materials, but requires students to print some or all of the course materials may be designated as Low Cost if the printing costs can be reasonably expected to be under $30.