Student Watch 2026
Now accepting campuses!

The Student Watch™ report investigates student buying behaviors for their course materials, preferred sources, and more. Funded by the NACS Foundation, the Student Watch study contains vital, industry-specific research that offers new insights into the college student consumer and other campus trends.


Student Watch is conducted once a year. More than 16,000 students at 36 institutions participated in the latest report.



Student Watch is underwritten by the NACS Foundation.

Participating campuses will receive: 

  • Individual campus results in the form of a customized data table.
  • Aggregate results across all participating campuses for benchmarking.
  • Final report with aggregate results, takeaways, data tables, and graphs.
  • OnCampus Research will randomly select a student respondent on your campus to receive a $50 gift card to and will also offer a $1000 grand prize to incentivize responses.
  • Promotional materials to promote the study on your campus.

To participate in the Student Watch survey, you must email the survey link to students on your campus. You will also be responsible for obtaining all necessary institutional approvals. We are happy to help with this process. Also see our IRB Guidance page for details.

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Student Watch 2025 Report

The 2025 Student Watch report is still available for purchase

Purchase the Report

Student Watch™: Attitudes and Behaviors toward Course Materials 2025

This fact-packed report contains:

 

  • Acquisition behaviors including where, when, how, and what course materials are being obtained
  • Leading sources for purchases and rentals
  • Where and how students find value in course materials
  • Cost challenges students face and how they pay for course materials
  • Information on alternatives to traditional course materials including free materials, access programs, and not obtaining materials altogether



Survey Participants

FREE

NACS Institution/Store Members

FREE

NACS Affiliates


$499

Others


$999

Get the Report

Student Watch™: Attitudes & Behaviors toward Course Materials 2025

Student Watch™: Attitudes & Behaviors toward Course Materials