Cost of textbooks for economics major?

Hello all, I'm considering to major in economics. However, I keep hearing horror stories about how expensive college textbooks can be. Can anyone give me an insight about the cost of economics textbooks? Is it one of the most expensive fields in this regard?

The cost of textbooks can significantly vary depending on the course level, the instructor's choices, and whether you buy new, used, rent, or seek out an online version. Generally, for an Economics major, you can expect to spend between $50-$200 per book, but upper-level classes can sometimes require more expensive materials.

Some Economics principles and theory books for introductory courses might be on the lower end of that range, potentially even less, if you can find used or older edition copies. However, books equipped with access codes for supplemental online materials or textbooks for higher-level courses might push towards the pricier end.

It's not necessarily true that Economics is one of the most expensive fields in terms of textbook costs. Some disciplines, especially those in the realm of sciences or some business courses, can have higher textbook costs due to the necessity of frequently updated information or bundled digital assets.

Don't forget to check if your university library carries the textbooks you need, as some offer textbook lending programs. It's also possible to share books with a classmate or consider international editions, which are often cheaper—just be sure they contain the same content.

One last tip: Once your course syllabus is available, you can look for the required textbooks at online retailers, where you might find less expensive options. Some professors also keep a reserve copy in the college library, which you can use for reference, even if it's not available for long-term loan. Communication with your professor can also be helpful; some professors are sympathetic to the high costs of textbooks and might provide alternatives or allow older, cheaper editions.