Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) has received $100,000 in state funding to develop Z-degree courses, which offer free course materials, including textbooks. Z-degrees are associate or bachelor’s degree programs that use zero-cost materials like open educational resources and library-curated materials.
The initiative aims to address the high costs of textbooks, which can range from $700 to $1,200 annually for students. Research shows that 66% of college students have skipped buying or renting course materials due to cost. From 1977 to 2015, textbook prices increased by 1,041%.
MSUM received an initial $25,000 grant in March 2023 to explore these options, including faculty training and building open textbook capacity. The recent award will help faculty identify, use, or create open educational resources, enhancing curriculum mapping and incorporating culturally responsive strategies.
The focus will initially be on general education, with plans to unveil the complete Z-degree plan in spring 2026. Some courses may offer no-cost materials as early as fall 2024.