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Affordable Access vs. Traditional: The First Day of Class

Feb 6, 2026

Starting a new term is overwhelming.

New schedules, instructors, and expectations, plus the pressure to find and pay for course materials before class even begins.

Day-one access matters. Students who have materials from the start are better prepared, less stressed, and more likely to succeed.

How does that break down?

Affordable Access	Traditional Access
Cost & Access
Materials provided automatically Avg. $58 per course Financial aid applies upfront Opt-out option available	Must find and purchase materials independently Avg. $91 per course Must match exact title and edition Financial aid reimbursement may take up to 2 weeks
Student Readiness
Materials available on/before first day Accessed directly through the LMS	Learning delayed weeks into the term Materials may be out of stock
Academic Impact
Assignments completed on time Student stays engaged from week one	Missed early assignments Student falls behind before the course gains momentum

What the Data Shows - With Affordable Access, Students Are:

27%

more likely to earn a passing grade

60%

less likely to withdraw

84%

feel more prepared for class

81%

say Affordable Access positively impacts success

Bryant, G., McVety, C. (2025, April). Course Materials in Higher Education. Tyton Partners. https://tytonpartners.com/course-materials-in-higher-education/

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Affordable Access vs. Traditional: The First Day of Class

How does that break down?