Tyton Partners Releases New Report on Affordable Access Programs for Course Materials
April 25, 2025 PapersTyton Partners Releases New Report on Affordable Access Programs for Course Materials
Tyton Partners Releases New Report on Affordable Access Programs for Course Materials
Tyton Partners, in collaboration with the Association of American Publishers, has released Course Materials in Higher Education: How Affordable Access Programs Save Students Money and Produce Positive Learning Outcomes. Drawing on data from 1,088 U.S. colleges and universities, the report provides the first comprehensive look at affordable access programs nearly a decade after their launch.
The findings show that affordable access programs are reducing student costs while improving academic preparedness and success. Developed through partnerships between institutions, publishers, and distributors, these opt-out models provide students with immediate, lower-cost access to required materials, often supported by financial aid. Administrators highlight the advantages of this approach for promoting equity, especially for first-year and first-generation students.
Key findings from the report include:
- Cost Savings – Average course prices under opt-out models fell 36%, from $91 to $58, compared to standard list prices.
- Improved Preparedness and Outcomes – 84% of students in opt-out programs felt better prepared, and 81% said it boosted their academic success. One community college saw a 60% drop in withdrawals and a 27% increase in pass rates.
- Stakeholders Prefer Opt-out, Concerned About Opt-in – Opt-in models saw lower participation, reducing savings and access. Administrators worry that moving to opt-in would hurt affordability and equity, especially for first-year and first-generation students.
As institutions continue to seek ways to lower costs and improve outcomes, the report highlights affordable access programs—especially opt-out models—as a proven strategy for advancing student success and supporting broader institutional goals.