Textbook Rental
Many students are only interested in using certain textbooks for the duration of a class. Renting for a semester typically costs less than half of the New book price.
Renting removes the risk of how much the book may be worth at the end of the semester, and you can capture the savings up front instead of waiting for Buyback Period at the end of the term.
Renting provides a lower up-front cost. In some cases, it can be less expensive to buy a used text (when available) and sell it during Buyback period.
There is always the chance that the text won't be bought back if a newer edition is published or if the professor switches to a different book.
Buying a new book and selling it back at Buyback will generally be more expensive than renting.
View the Textbook Rental Terms & Conditions
If you decide to keep the book, you can purchase it at any time during the rental period. The purchase price would be the difference between the New rental fee and the current New selling price, or the Used rental fee and the current Used selling price, based on whether the book was rented in New or Used Condition at the time of initial transaction.
Students returning textbook rentals by mail can ship them to the University Store via UPS.
Please follow the steps below:
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1. Request a shipping label by emailing us at [email protected].
2. Package textbooks for shipment, including your name, PeopleSoft or Student ID #, and contact information (email and phone number).
3. Send package to The University Store on Fifth using the shipping address listed below:
Attn. Textbook Returns
The University Store on Fifth
4000 Fifth Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Use our online textbook price comparison tool or check our shelves to see if any of your titles are available for rent. Textbooks available for rent have two different prices: new rental price and used rental price. Select the textbook you would like to rent and bring it (and any other items you wish to purchase) to one of the cash registers. Your student ID, a credit card and form of payment will be required to complete the rental. At checkout, if a book you brought to the counter is available to rent the cashier will ask you if you would like to rent or purchase the book. You may pay using any of our accepted forms of payment. Completing the transaction indicates your acceptance of the Textbook Rental Terms & Conditions. Save your receipt. It will be needed if you want to return your book for a refund during the returns period.
Hundreds of titles are available to rent directly from the store. Those can be rented online or from our shelves and you can use any of our accepted forms of payment.
Unfortunately, not all textbooks qualify for our rental program. There are multiple factors that are considered, from how current the text is to the size of the class, and how consistently the course is offered. This semester, hundreds of titles are available to rent directly from us.
Rental stock is limited to our on hand quantities of a book. As used copies and used rental copies of books sell out, students will have the option of purchasing new copies or new rental copies of the book. Students who shop early will be the most likely to acquire rental copies in the condition they desire.
I Need the Textbook for A Continuation Class; Can I Rent it for Multiple Semesters?
If a book is available for rent, a student can decide to purchase a new rental or used rental based upon availability. There are different costs associated with rentals based on condition.
Yes. Refunds for textbooks rented in-store or online from The University Store on Fifth will be treated in the same manner as refunds for purchased textbooks. Our standard course materials return policy will apply. All returns must be in salable condition, in the condition purchased, and be accompanied with the receipt.
When Do I Have to Return the Book At the End of the Semester?
A replacement Fee of 75% of the current new condition retail price will be charged to your credit card.
You ONLY have 5 days after Due Date (before the close on business on the last day of scheduled final exams each semester) to return your book. A late fee of $10 per book will be charged. If you miss the deadline, we may be able to purchase your copy at the current buyback price, but you will be charged the Replacement Fee for not returning on time.
It is recommended that you return your own books.
Books must be returned in salable condition as determined by store staff. Minimal highlighting and marking is allowed. Books with damage to the spine, torn covers, missing pages, or any water damage will not be accepted.
There are several options.
Textbook Rental
Many students are only interested in using certain textbooks for the duration of a class. Renting for a semester typically costs less than half of the New book price.
Renting removes the risk of how much the book may be worth at the end of the semester, and you can capture the savings up front instead of waiting for Buyback Period at the end of the term.
Renting provides a lower up-front cost. In some cases, it can be less expensive to buy a used text (when available) and sell it during Buyback period.
There is always the chance that the text won't be bought back if a newer edition is published or if the professor switches to a different book.
Buying a new book and selling it back at Buyback will generally be more expensive than renting.
View the Textbook Rental Terms & Conditions
If you decide to keep the book, you can purchase it at any time during the rental period. The purchase price would be the difference between the New rental fee and the current New selling price, or the Used rental fee and the current Used selling price, based on whether the book was rented in New or Used Condition at the time of initial transaction.
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