College Textbook Prices Are Officially out of Control

The other night, my toddler was playing in his room when he decided to fill a kid's backpack up with Hot Wheels cars. John walked over to me, bag in hand, and asked me to help him put it on. After I got the straps adjusted, my boy looked up at me, beaming and said, "mama, I'm ready to go to school."

In that moment, my heart shattered. For two reasons. I'm not ready for my little boy to grow up (it's happening entirely too fast) and because I'm scared about how expensive John's education will be. Even thought my husband and I have been and will continue to tuck money away for John's schooling, it's scary to think about how expensive everything will be.

I hate to have to tell you this, but if you've got a kid going to college or if you're headed back yourself, be prepared to feel the burn. The burn from your back pocket as your wallet bursts into flames.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, textbook prices jumped an absolutely astounding 1,041% from January of 1977 to January of 2015 and the cost is only going to continue to climb.

Of course, this is on top of a huge increase in the cost of tuition, so that's super fun. It’s almost extortion. Right?

[via NBC News]