UNC Launches First Zero-textbook-cost Degree Pathways With $143,000 State Grant

The University of Northern Colorado has launched its first zero-textbook-cost degree pathways in mathematics, data science, statistics, and computer programming—funded by a $143,000 state grant taking effect this fall and potentially saving undergraduates hundreds of dollars annually on required materials.

The Colorado Commission on Higher Education awarded the funding as part of more than $1 million distributed statewide to support 28 projects that reduce textbook expenses. Now in its seventh year, the statewide Open Educational Resources Grant Program is projected to save students more than $3 million in textbook costs across Colorado this cycle.

Mathematician Kristin Kang received funding to advance zero-textbook-cost degree pathways in pure and applied mathematics, data science, statistics, and certificates in data analytics and computer programming. These pathways will allow students to complete their programs using free, openly licensed materials, and they represent the first z-degrees at the University of Northern Colorado, according to UNC.

But the real payoff isn't just financial. OER use at UNC has improved student outcomes, including higher passing and completion rates. In 2024-25 alone, no-cost course materials saved UNC students more than $319,000 and impacted more than 5,900 course enrollments across 242 sections using zero-cost materials.

In fall 2024, 90% of new, first-time students had at least one class with no-cost materials.

UNC lists $1,200 yearly for books and supplies on its official Cost of Attendance for resident undergraduates, underscoring how much students can pay for materials before OER and ZTC savings are factored in.

Librarian Nancy A. Henke received a general incentive grant that will provide faculty stipends for creating or adopting OER, support a day-long professional development workshop, and strengthen UNC's broader affordability initiatives through OER-related outreach and education.

State higher education officials highlighted the program's track record in a Colorado Department of Higher Education briefing: "With the disbursement of $550,000 in grants in FY 2018-19, students saved $3.9 million in textbook costs in the 2019-20 academic year. This is more than a 700 percent return on investment which far exceeds the program's goals and the national average for similar programs."

Since 2018, UNC faculty have secured twelve state OER grants totaling more than $526,000.