FAQs

When can I buy textbooks?

Online - 2 months before the start of each semester. Orders must be pre-paid by credit card, (Mastercard, Visa, Discover), or Student Accounts (Financial Aid). Orders will then be available for in store pick up 2 weeks before classes begin, or shipped via FedEx, once the order is completed. Orders placed using Student Accounts (Financial Aid) begin approx. 2 weeks before the beginning of the semester.

In Store - Books are usually available for sale in The College Store about two months prior to the first day of classes at the beginning of each semester. Student Accounts (Financial Aid) Credit will be available beginning on two weeks prior to the start of the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters.

How do I know what textbooks I need for my SCCC courses?

Refer to the "Order Textbooks" section of the site. Choose the semester, course number and section and all course materials associated with that course. All information (titles, price, required, etc.) for that class will be listed, along with any required course materials for that class, you can then place your order, or print your book list for reference. You may also bring your course schedule to The College Store and a College Store associate will help you determine which textbooks you need, and any related course materials. 

If I am eligible for College Store Credit through the SCCC Student Accounts (Financial Aid) Office, how does that work?

You may purchase all course materials beginning two weeks prior to the beginning of each semester, in store and online. Before coming to the College Store to purchase your textbooks, make sure you have obtained your SCCC Student Photo ID.  Prior to and during the first two weeks of classes a line forms in the hallway outside the side/back door to the Bookroom, where a College Store Associate will check your Student Account and/or assist you in collecting your books and course materials. Then you may select any additional items you many need such as notebooks and pens. You may then go to any register to check out. You will be given a detailed receipt of your transactions, including your current balance. KEEP ALL RECEIPTS. You will need them for any exchanges or returns.

Student Accounts (Financial Aid) can be used to purchase anything in the College Store, EXCEPT, food, drinks, College Store Gift Cards, and pharmacy items.

Do you have extended business hours at the beginning of each semester?

Yes, Extended hours are listed on the Store Hours page.

What methods of payment do you accept?



Instore we accept cash, check, MasterCard, VISA, Discover, The College Store Gift Card and Student Accounts (Financial Aid). An ATM machine is located in the lobby of Elston Hall near the Security Desk.

Online we accept Mastercard, VISA, Discover, and Student Accounts (Financial Aid).

What is your return policy?

Beginning on the first day of the semester, textbooks may be returned for a refund for 10 business days only. (This does not apply to summer session). ALL BOOKS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A CASH REGISTER RECEIPT. Books must be in absolutely new condition, completely unmarked, shrink wrap intact with no signs of use. Textbooks purchased after the first two weeks of classes may also be returned within ten business days from date of receipt. Purchases made by check may be returned after three business days have passed from the date of purchase. Merchandise returns and exchanges must be made within 10 days of purchase and must be accompanied by a cash register receipt.

What is the difference between BUYBACK and a RETURN?

RETURNS are made inside the store within 10 business days of purchase, must be accompanied by a cash register receipt, and usually result in a full price refund. BUYBACK occurs outside the store, only during finals week and when posted. No receipt is required, and you may receive up to half of the new book price. An SCCC Student ID is required for textbook buyback.

I’m taking an SCCC course on the Internet. Where do I get my books?

The College Store sells all required textbooks and course materials for online courses. You can purchase them through our website, or visit the store.

When I sell my book at BUYBACK, how do you determine how much money I will get for my book?

When books are bought for The College Store, you are paid 1/2 the retail price of a new book IF: (1) there is an order from your instructor for that book for the next semester, (2) the book has not gone into a new edition, (3) The College Store needs additional copies to cover estimated class enrollment. After the store has all the books it needs, the buyers may purchase your book for their wholesale warehouse. They pay you a wholesale price which is usually significantly less than what The College Store pays you because they are only SPECULATING they can sell that book to another campus.

Can I still sell my book back if I have written in it? What about workbooks, study guides, and textbooks with disks?

A small amount of writing and highlighting is not a problem as long as the book is otherwise in reasonable condition. Textbooks with disks should be returned with disks.  Study guides are eligible for buyback. Workbooks are not eligible for buyback.

Do you sell college rings?

College Rings are available through Balfour's website, www.balfourcollege.com.

I am a culinary arts student. Where can I purchase my uniforms and cutlery?

The College Store carries required uniform items, cutlery items and most baking and pastry items. Students may purchase these items using Student Accounts (Financial Aid) Credit if eligible. These items are now available on our website; Chef Uniforms, Dining Room Uniforms, and Knife Sets.