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Zero Textbook Costs

Zero Textbook Costs (ZTC) = Classes with Free Textbooks

Zero Textbook Costs (ZTC) means that there is no cost for required textbooks, workbooks, lab manuals, readers, or specialized software like online homework systems. There is a state law (SB 1359) that requires California Community Colleges to identify Zero Textbook Costs course sections.

Searching for ZTC Courses

You can search for ZTC courses in the online class schedule or in eServices.

Find ZTC Courses in the Online Class Schedule

American River College's online class schedule is available on the college website without having to login with your wID and password. This section explains how to search for and view courses in the online class schedule that have been designated as ZTC. This means you should not be required to purchase textbooks, workbooks, lab manuals, readers, or specialized software like online homework systems to complete the course. You might be asked to purchase supplemental materials that are required to successfully complete the course. Examples of supplemental materials are lab coats and kits, goggles, a calculator, blue books, scantron forms, art supplies, etc.

Watch this short video to see how to find ZTC in the online class schedule or follow the written steps linked below.

Finding ZTC in the Online Class Schedule (Google doc)

Find ZTC Courses in the eServices Course Search

eServices is the platform in which you actually enroll in classes and can only be accessed by logging in with your wID and password. This section explains how to search for and view courses in eServices that have been designated as ZTC. This means you should not be required to purchase textbooks, workbooks, lab manuals, readers, or specialized software like online homework systems to complete the course. You might be asked to purchase supplemental materials that are required to successfully complete the course. Examples of supplemental materials are lab coats and kits, goggles, a calculator, blue books, scantron forms, art supplies, etc.

Watch this short video to see how to find ZTC courses in eServices or follow the written steps linked below.

Finding ZTC Courses in eServices (Google doc)

Low Cost Textbook Designation

The Low Cost designation can also be applied in the textbook cost filter. The Low Cost symbol is a dollar sign in a down arrow 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 ARC Bookstore only. It does not apply to the price of used or rental books or ebooks available through the ARC 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.

Zero Textbook Cost Degrees and Certificates

With careful course selection, the following Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) degree and certificate pathways can be achieved without paying for textbooks. This means at least one section in the major and GE course sequence is available as ZTC.

Art History

Visit the Art History page for the most up-to-date degree requirements.

Art History AA-T Degree (Full Time) Map
Art History AA-T Degree (Part Time) Map

Early Childhood Education

Visit the Early Childhood Education page for the most up-to-date degree requirements.

Early Childhood Education A.A.
Early Childhood Education for Transfer AS-T Degree

General Science

Visit the General Science page for the most up-to-date degree requirements.

General Science A.S. Degree

Social Science

Visit the Social Science page for the most up to date degree requirements.

Social Science A.A. Degree

World Languages

Visit the World Languages page for the most up to date degree requirements.

Spanish AA-T Degrees
Language Studies A.A. Degree

General Education (GE) Courses with Zero Textbook Costs

Use the links below to see a list of ZTC courses offered in the next upcoming semester that meet each GE requirement.

CalGETC Courses with Zero Textbook Costs

California General Education Transfer Curriculum Requirements

Find course sections that have Zero Textbook cost (Free Textbook) for each of the requirement areas in the schedule of classes:

California State University General Education Courses with Zero Textbook Costs

California General Education Transfer Curriculum Requirements

Find course sections that have Zero Textbook cost (Free Textbook) for each of the requirement areas in the schedule of classes:

Associate Degree GE Courses with Zero Textbook Costs

2023-2024 Associate Degree Graduation Requirements

Find course sections that have Zero Textbook cost (Free Textbook) for each of the requirement areas in the schedule of classes: