Quality materials. Minimal cost.
Building on the success of our Zero Textbook Cost initiative, KPU introduced the Low Textbook Cost (LTC) designation in 2025. LTC courses ensure students pay no more than $40 for all required instructional materials.
This expansion recognizes that not all courses can achieve zero cost while still meeting learning outcomes. By designating courses with materials under $40, we give students more affordable options while maintaining academic quality and helping them plan their budgets with confidence.
Zero Textbook Cost Courses
KPU also offers courses with Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC), where students pay nothing for course materials.
Low Textbook Cost Criteria
The LTC designation applies to courses where the total cost of instructional materials is $40 or less, based on the pre-tax retail price of new materials available from the bookstore. Students are not required to purchase their materials from the bookstore; this benchmark is used for consistency.
Key Points:
- Eligibility: Any course section and instruction format may be eligible for the LTC designation.
- Linked Courses: Lectures and associated labs will be designated separately based on their materials.
- Printing Costs: Sections using free digital materials but requiring students to print some or all of the course materials may qualify as LTC if the printing costs are expected to be under $40.
Questions?
Contact the Open Education team at open@kpu.ca for more information about Low Textbook Cost courses.