One of the most shocking things a new college student experiences is shopping for textbooks.  One minute you’re innocently strolling the aisles of your campus bookstore gathering books.  The next you find yourself madly gasping for oxygen when you see the total on the checkout register.

Welcome to the scary world of sky-high college textbook prices.

According to a 2007-2008 report from The College Board, the average four-year college student spends about $1,000 a year on books and supplies.  Making matters worse, many students pay with a credit card and then let the high interest accrue.