What is a bookstore charge and how does it work?

A bookstore charge uses the available financial aid in your student account after tuition and fees are paid to cover the cost of your books and supplies instead of paying out of pocket. 

Bookstore charging is permitted to eligible students who have sufficient financial aid (grants, loans and scholarships) to cover all of their tuition, fees and bookstore transactions. You may check how much financial aid you have available to purchase books and supplies at myCOTC. Locate the Student Financial Services card, and click on “My Bookstore Funds.”

To charge books and supplies, you must provide your COTC student ID at the bookstore for in-person purchases or enter your student ID number for online ordering. COTC student IDs are available at the Department of Public Safety in the Warner Center. 

Be responsible about your purchases. Your charges will be reflected on your student account. You are responsible for paying book charges out of pocket if financial aid is reduced/revoked. 

Who is eligible?

To be eligible to use your excess financial aid for a bookstore charge, you must:

• be enrolled in an aid-eligible program
• receive a financial aid award notification
• meet Satisfactory Academic Progress standards
• (if you have student loans) complete entrance counseling and the master promissory note with the U.S. Department of Education, and accept your loan(s)
• not owe a federal grant repayment/overpayment
• not be in default on a federal student loan

When can I purchase my books?

Central Ohio Technical College utilizes a course material delivery program, COTC Book Bundle, in partnership with Barnes & Noble. The COTC Book Bundle program ensures that you have your required course materials on or before the first day of class. You will receive an email 30 days prior to the first day of classes to confirm your course materials and select your fulfillment preference (delivery or in-store pickup). The cost of your course materials is a flat per-credit-hour rate, and this amount will be added to your student account.

If you opt out of the COTC Book Bundle, you may charge your books and supplies using available financial aid beginning 10 days before the start of the semester and until the fourth Friday of the semester. 

For your convenience, the bookstore is open Saturday from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. the first week of every semester. Visit the official bookstore website for store hours and online ordering. 

Where can I find out what textbooks I need?

When you register for classes, you will be enrolled in the COTC Book Bundle program and will receive a custom email from the bookstore with all your required course materials and nonrequired recommended options 30 days before the first day of your classes. Confirm your order or opt out of the COTC Book Bundle. Textbook information can be found via either the links in email or at the official bookstore website. If you are going directly to the website, select the term with the opt out and CCP label, department, course and section to locate your books. Only order on the bookstore website if you have opted out of the COTC Book Bundle or are a CCP student. For additional assistance, call the bookstore at 740-366-9277.

Can I charge textbook rentals?

Yes, you may rent textbooks. Information is available at the official bookstore website.  Any fees incurred for not returning the textbook(s) will be charged to the credit card on file with the bookstore (not your COTC student account).

Can I buy textbooks at an extended campus? 

Students at our extended campuses are also included in the COTC Book Bundle. You can visit the official bookstore webpage to view and shop for books. Only do so if you have opted out of the COTC Book Bundle program or are a CCP student. You must select your term with the opt out and CCP label. During checkout you may select either in-store pickup at the Newark campus or ship to address (standard ground one-day service anywhere in Ohio). If using financial aid to purchase books, you must enter your seven-digit ID number. Please allow up to 48 hours for processing time. 

Can I return items purchased with financial aid?

Returns will be handled according to the same return policy for all bookstore purchases. No cash refunds will be given for charged books and supplies. Returned items will show as a credit on your student account. Return privileges are limited and you must have an original, dated receipt. You must return all items by the return deadline; the dates are printed on the bottom of the sales receipt. Books and materials must be in the same condition as when purchased. 

Can I buy books somewhere else?

Yes, you may purchase book anywhere, but you will not be able to charge the books using your financial aid. 

What can be purchased with financial aid?

• bookbag (limit of one)
• calculators (must have course syllabus to purchase)
• notebooks and paper
• packets
• reference materials
• textbooks, e-text and rentals
• writing instruments
• travel drive
• laptops (up to $900, limit of one, non-refundable)
• tablets (up to $400, limit of one)
• tablet or laptop sleeve
• other required educational materials (supplies and uniforms)