What is ZTC?
ZTC is Zero Textbook Cost. It can be one course or a series of classes (a pathway). Some ZTC courses use free online textbooks, or free Library resources, or they don’t require any textbook at all.
Note: Some ZTC courses may require students to purchase non-textbook materials like art supplies, calculator, lab coat, goggles or other supplies.
Zero Textbook Cost Degrees available at SRJC:
Complete an entire degree pathway without purchasing any textbooks!
- Art History AA-T
- Social Justice AA-T (coming Fall 2026)
- Child Development Teacher Certificate (coming Fall 2026)
Removing Barriers! ZTC in the News
June 2026
California Students Saved Nearly $33 Million on Textbooks 2024 - 2025
In 2021, Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California Legislature allocated $115 million for Zero Textbook Cost Degrees across the California Community Colleges. As a result, the program is on track to create more than 1,000 degrees and certificates that students can earn without spending money on textbooks. Building on the success of the 2020 ZTC pilot program—which delivered a more than a 700% return on investment—the 2021 investment is positioned to deliver even greater impact.
Read the full article Sen. Arreguín Introduces Resolution Recognizing Zero Textbook Cost Program That Saved CA Community College Students $33 Million Last Year
Read the ZTC Student Success Snapshot
Academic Senate California Community College Open Educational Resources Initiative
Are you a faculty member who is new to finding open educational materials (OER)? Find out what resources are being used in your discipline with the Academic Senate California Community College Open Educational Resources Initiative.
OER Research Guide
Learn more about Open Educational Resources with this Research Guide for faculty