Textbooks are expensive because educational authorities have formed a nexus with textbook publishers. Everytime authorities decide to revise the curriculum, the textbook lobbyists camp outside their offices until they sign a lucrative deal. The textbooks then, find their way to college bookstores. (Haven't you seen a particular publisher dominating the bookshelves?) It's like a cartel. All is not bleak however. New wave of non profits are leading from the front to expose this contraband. They're even distributing free content (read CK-12, http://www.ck12.org/flexbook/). It's time to stop these 'for-profits' profiteering from education.