Case Study: Rapid Expansion of Inclusive Access at a University
A university partnered with Textbook Brokers in Fall 2023 to launch a branded Inclusive Access (IA) program. The program began as a small pilot with a clear goal: to make course materials more affordable, simplify access through LMS integration, and ensure students had what they needed on the first day of class.
Like many institutions, the University was navigating rising course material costs, uneven first-day access, and the administrative burden that comes with traditional adoption and fulfillment models. The pilot was designed to test whether Inclusive Access could address these challenges without adding complexity for faculty or students.
Early success led to broader campus adoption and set the stage for rapid growth.
Program Growth and Performance
What started as a limited pilot expanded quickly into a full Inclusive Access rollout across multiple terms and departments.
Inclusive Access Revenue
2023 to 2024 (Pilot Year)
$563,530 across Fall, Spring, and Summer
2024 to 2025 (Full Rollout)
$1,302,803 across Fall, Spring, and Summer
Year-over-Year Growth: +131%
The increase reflects both higher participation and the program’s ability to scale once processes and systems were in place.
Sections Supported
2023 to 2024: 336 course sections
2024 to 2025: 595 course sections
Year-over-Year Growth: +77%
More sections meant more faculty choosing Inclusive Access as a reliable way to deliver course materials without added friction.
Students Served
2023 to 2024: 9,577 students
2024 to 2025: 17,126 students
Year-over-Year Growth: +79%
As the program expanded, thousands more students received access to required materials on day one, helping reduce delays, confusion, and out-of-pocket costs.
Student Savings
2024 to 2025: $308,665 in total student savings across Fall ‘24, Spring ‘25, and Summer ‘25
These savings reflect the difference between Inclusive Access pricing and what students would have paid for the same materials outside the program, reinforcing the program’s impact on affordability at scale.
Non-Inclusive Access Course Material Sales
Inclusive Access programs are often evaluated on whether they negatively impact traditional course material sales. In this case, that concern did not materialize.
Year
Operator
Non-IA Course Material Sales
2022
School-Operated
$891,169
2023
Textbook Brokers
$1,042,810.55
2024
Textbook Brokers
$829,877.01
Even as Inclusive Access expanded, non-IA sales remained strong. Students continued to use multiple purchasing options, showing that Inclusive Access worked alongside existing sales channels rather than replacing them.
Why Textbook Brokers
The program's growth was supported by a hands-on approach that focused on execution as much as on strategy.
- A branded Inclusive Access program tailored to the institution
- LMS integration to support first-day digital access with a focus on first integrating digitally native material, such as courseware
- Faculty onboarding and ongoing support
- Scalable operations across Fall, Spring, and Summer terms
- Clear reporting and program tracking
This approach allowed the program to expand quickly without disrupting the student or faculty experience.
Key Takeaways
- Starting with a pilot helped set up long-term success
- First-day access reduced friction for students and faculty
- Inclusive Access growth did not come at the expense of non-IA sales
- Offering multiple access options gave students flexibility and choice
Conclusion
This Inclusive Access program shows how a measured pilot can turn into a campus-wide solution in a short amount of time. In one year, the program more than doubled revenue, expanded to nearly 600 course sections, and served over 17,000 students, all while maintaining healthy non-Inclusive Access sales.
The result is a more accessible, flexible course material model that supports both students and the institution.
A Model for Other Institutions
This university’s experience shows what is possible when Inclusive Access is introduced thoughtfully and supported by a strong bookstore partnership. By starting with a pilot and scaling based on results, the institution improved first-day access for students, expanded affordability, and simplified course material delivery without disrupting existing purchasing options. Focusing first on adding course material that was already digital, such as courseware, at a lower cost than what students could purchase on their own, helped launch the program and build acceptance.
The program’s growth demonstrates that Inclusive Access can work as part of a flexible, student-focused course material strategy that supports academic readiness while remaining operationally sustainable.
Interested in learning more about how Inclusive Access could work at your institution?
Schedule a Free Bookstore Solutions Consultation to explore program options, implementation strategies, and real-world outcomes like those outlined above.
