Lander’s New “Bearcat Bundle” with Barnes & Noble College Makes Course Materials More Affordable

Lander University has announced the launch of the “Bearcat Bundle” program in partnership with Barnes & Noble College (BNC), designed to make course materials more affordable and more accessible for students.

Beginning Fall 2026, the Bearcat Bundle: Course Materials Day One program will take the guesswork and stress out of prepping for a new semester by providing each student’s required textbooks, lab manuals and other course materials for an affordable, flat rate. Students receive everything they need before the first day of classes, while saving as much as 35-50 percent through the program’s bundled discounts.  

“This new program is a major step forward in our commitment to keeping a high-quality education accessible for Lander students,” said Joe Greenthal, vice president for finance and administration at Lander. “By rethinking how we deliver course materials, we are ensuring that every student will have access to course materials on day one, while keeping more of their money in their pockets.”

All undergraduate students – in person and online – are eligible for the Bearcat Bundle program, which is applied directly to a student’s account as a flat-rate charge. For full-time students, the cost is $375 per semester; for students taking 6 or fewer credit hours, the cost is reduced to $188. After registering for classes, students access the course materials portal to verify the materials needed and choose their preferred delivery method. At the end of the semester, they simply return the materials following exams.

Along with being a more convenient and easier-to-navigate user experience, the program typically saves students anywhere from 35 to 50 percent over the cost of traditional textbook purchases, Greenthal said. By comparison, full-time undergraduates nationwide pay an average of $500-600 per semester for course materials, according to data from College Board.  

Students do have the option to opt out of the program. However, according to market research, the “Bearcat Bundle” responds to the needs of today’s college students and families who increasingly value predictable costs and a simplified experience.

“We’re proud to partner with Lander University and support its commitment to keeping a high-quality education accessible to students,” said Jonathan Shar, President, Barnes & Noble College. “Our program helps ensure students have the course materials they need from the very first day of class, fostering stronger academic outcomes while providing a more affordable and convenient experience.”

For more information on the Bearcat Bundle, please visit www.lander.edu/bundle.