The Academic and Financial Benefits of Inclusive and Equitable Access Programs
A Research-Informed Approach to Supporting Student Success
As the cost of higher education continues to rise, colleges and universities are exploring strategies that support student success while reducing financial barriers. Inclusive Access (IA) and Equitable Access (EA), or simply “Access,” are course material models that ensure students receive required learning resources at a reduced rate by the first day of class. Research and industry data indicate that Access programs can improve affordability, promote equitable access, and support positive academic outcomes when implemented thoughtfully.
What Are IA and EA Programs?
Access programs are course material delivery models in which required learning resources, including physical and digital textbooks, are automatically provided to students on or before the first day of class, typically through the school’s Learning Management System (LMS) for digital material. The cost of these materials is bundled into tuition or course-related fees, allowing students to use financial aid rather than paying out of pocket at the start of the term. Students retain the option to opt out if they prefer to obtain materials independently.
While both models share the same delivery and opt out framework, they differ primarily in how students are charged. Inclusive Access (IA) applies a course level fee, meaning students pay only for the materials required for the specific courses in which they are enrolled. Equitable Access (EA) uses a flat, program wide fee, often assessed per credit hour or per term, that covers required course materials across all participating courses.
Key Benefits of Access Programs
Affordability and Financial Aid Compatibility
One of the primary advantages of Access programs is their potential to reduce overall course material costs. Institutions or their bookstore providers negotiate pricing directly with publishers, resulting in rates lower than traditional retail pricing. Because costs are included in institutional billing, students can apply financial aid toward required materials, helping alleviate upfront financial strain at the start of the semester.
Peer-reviewed research has shown that reducing the cost of required course materials can improve student success, particularly for students from historically underserved populations. A large-scale study published in Research in Higher Education found improved academic outcomes for Pell-eligible, part-time, and underrepresented students when course material costs were reduced (Colvard, Watson, & Park, 2018).
First-Day Access to Course Materials
Access programs ensure that all enrolled students receive required materials from the start of the course. This early access is particularly important for students who might otherwise delay purchasing textbooks because of cost. Industry research indicates that first-day access supports more consistent participation and may be especially beneficial for adult learners and students from underrepresented backgrounds (Association of American Publishers, 2025).
Improved Academic Outcomes
Access to course materials from the first day of instruction has been associated with greater academic engagement and higher course completion rates. When students are not delayed by access issues, they are better positioned to keep pace with coursework, participate fully, and meet academic expectations. Industry research on course material access indicates that students enrolled in Inclusive Access programs demonstrate higher levels of preparedness than peers who experience delays in obtaining materials (Association of American Publishers, 2025).
Convenience and Reduced Administrative Burden
By integrating materials directly into the LMS, Access programs eliminate the need for students to search for, purchase, or wait for course materials. This streamlined experience reduces logistical challenges and allows students to focus on learning rather than procurement. Faculty also benefit from knowing that all students have immediate access to the same materials, which can simplify course planning and instructional delivery.
Flexibility for Institutions, Faculty, and Students
Inclusive Access programs are not mandatory at the course level. Faculty maintain discretion over whether the model is appropriate for their classes, and students can always opt out. This flexibility allows institutions to balance affordability initiatives with academic freedom and individual student preferences.
Access in Practice
Across higher education, Access programs continue to expand as institutions evaluate ways to improve access, affordability, and student outcomes. At Textbook Brokers, we have worked with institutions that have piloted and scaled Access programs aligned with their campus goals, emphasizing transparency, student choice, and first-day readiness.
Conclusion
Access represents more than a shift in how course materials are delivered. It is an institutional strategy aimed at improving equity, reducing financial barriers, and supporting academic success. While peer-reviewed research often examines cost reduction and early access broadly rather than Access programs in isolation, the evidence consistently supports the model's underlying principles. When implemented with transparency and student choice, Access programs align with research-backed practices associated with improved student preparedness and academic success.
Sources
Association of American Publishers. (2025, April). Course materials in higher education: 2025 report.
https://publishers.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Course-Materials-in-Higher-Education_2025.pdf
Colvard, N. B., Watson, C. E., & Park, H. (2018). The impact of open educational resources on various student success metrics. International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, 30(2), 262–276. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1184998.pdf
