There seems to be a trend toward using these online access codes, which are quite expensive, since they can only be used once , and cannot be purchased “used” or be rented, as typical textbooks can.
The physical books that accompany my current student’s access code books are usually loose leaf editions that cost $15- $20, so there is little opportunity to save anything on a used book.
I think professors like using them, because homework and quizzes are graded by the software as they are completed, reducing time spent grading assignments, and inputting grades. While I understand that using the access codes/ online versions is time saving for many teachers, the costs are extremely burdensome for students.
These access code editions seem to be growing in use, much to the delight of publishers, who no doubt have long lamented the sale of used/older editions of textbooks.
At the smaller LAC my 2 older Ds attended, the online access editions were only required during the last couple of years by a professor or 2. The professors at this college tried to specify older editions of text books, whenever possible, to keep book costs down.
My youngest D is a rising junior at a large public U, and we typically need to purchase 3 or 4 access codes each semester. It gets crazy expensive! Her textbook costs have been 3-4 times what we paid for her sisters, because we have not been able to buy used or rent very often.
If it turns out that these access codes will be used frequently at your CC, it may make sense to borrow some of your federal loans to help cover costs. Or plan on working part time/ or work a few extra hours if already working to help cover book costs down the road.