TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — After Troy University said the Trojan Book Bag program saved students a combined total of $10.3 million in just two years, students are sharing their thoughts on the program.

Trojan Book Bag promises to save students both time and money, making it so they get their required textbooks at nearly half the original price before their classes even start. 

For some students, the program is like a dream come true, but for others, it could still be better.

Carson Kallhoff is a junior business administration marketing major from Cullman, Alabama, and was a student at Troy in 2022, before the Trojan Book Bag program began in 2024.  

“I think freshman year I ended up paying something like $800 in books,” Kallhoff said. “I think I did $200 this year, and I have more books now than I ever did before.” 

All students are automatically enrolled in the program, whether or not it saves them any money at all.  

LOOKING BACK: Troy University unveils Trojan Book Bag, says program will save students money

Michael Brantley, a junior criminal justice and prelaw major from Fairhope, Alabama, opts into the program every spring and fall semester, with the exception of summer semesters. He says the program is good but still has some room to grow with things like organization and streamlining. 

“I think opting out is harder than it should be,” Brantley said. “I think in the modern age it should be one click, but it’s not. 

“That’s just something they could do just to make it easier.” 

Brantley also says he thinks the program should do the math for every student, so they can see if the program would end up saving or costing them money. 

Students who take classes without many books or take a lower number of classes may not see as much benefit from the program. 

According to Trojan Bookstore Supervisor Jordyn Lewis, a junior psychology major from Wicksburg, Alabama, students should consider their course load, major and expected number of textbooks when thinking about whether they will benefit from opting into the program or not.  

“I currently take 19 credit hours a semester,” Lewis said. “I’ve done that since I’ve started here, and [Trojan Book Bag] has saved me hundreds of dollars. 

“It definitely depends on courseload. It also really depends on your major, especially if you’re within high English and literature or nursing departments.” 

Currently, the Trojan Book Bag charges $24 per credit hour. If students find the program to not be worth it to them, they can opt out by going to troy.edu, searching Trojan Book Bag, and clicking Opt Out.