Your Rental Book: What You Need to Know
When you purchase printed course materials through the online bookstore, you may have the option to rent a printed book instead of buying it outright. Renting lets you use the book throughout your coursework — just be sure to return it before the due date to avoid late fees.
How Your Rental Works
Step 1 — Purchasing your rental
You can pay for your rental book with a credit card or financial aid. If financial aid covers the full cost, you'll still need to enter a valid credit card on file to cover any potential late fees before your purchase can be completed. The due date will be clearly shown before you confirm.
You can return a rental for a refund as long as it meets the standard return policy terms — see the return policy for details.
Step 2 — Returning on time
As your due date approaches, you'll receive reminder emails and see a notice in your order history. Don't ignore these — they're your heads-up to take action.
To return your rental, go to your order history in the online bookstore and click the "Return Rental" button next to the item on the Order Details page. This will walk you through the process and generate a printable shipping label with return instructions.
IMPORTANT: Pack all rentals from a single order together in one box using the shipping label provided. Your shipping label expires 15 days after it's generated, so don't wait.
Once your return is received, it will be inspected to confirm the book is in good condition before the rental is officially closed. If the book is returned in poor condition, your return will be rejected and you'll be charged the full remaining value of the book.
Step 3 — What happens if you miss the due date
If you don't return the book prior to the due date,, your credit card will be charged a late fee automatically. You'll be charged whichever is less:
- A late fee that gives you a 30-day extension — in this case, use the same "Return Rental" button to ship it back before the new extended due date, or
- The full remaining value of the book — meaning you now own it and don't need to return it.
Step 4 — Extended due date reminders
If you received a 30-day extension, watch for reminder emails and notices in your order history as that new deadline approaches.
Step 5 — If you miss the extended due date
If you still haven't returned the book by the extended due date, you'll be charged the full remaining value of the book. At that point, it's yours to keep.
The full terms of a rented book can be found here.
For additional questions please reach out to Customer Support.
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