Save Money. Get Day-One Access. Succeed.
Río Hondo College offers Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) and Low Textbook Cost (LTC) courses designed to help you save money while ensuring you have access to your learning materials from the first day of class.
Understanding OER, ZTC, and LTC
What Is Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC)?
A Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) course means:
- You will not be required to purchase a textbook or access code
- All required course materials are provided at no cost
- Materials are available on the first day of class
ZTC courses may use Open Educational Resources or other free resources, such as library materials or faculty-created content.
Many students save hundreds of dollars per semester by enrolling in ZTC courses.
What Is Low Textbook Cost (LTC)?
A Low Textbook Cost (LTC) course is a class where the total cost of required textbooks and materials is $30 or less.
LTC courses are designed to:
- Keep textbook costs predictable and affordable
- Reduce the financial burden on students
- Offer flexibility when zero-cost materials are not available
When ZTC sections are not available, LTC courses are a great affordable alternative.
What Are Open Educational Resources (OER)?
Open Educational Resources (OER) are teaching and learning materials that are:
- Free for students to use
- Openly licensed, which means they can be shared, adapted, and updated
- Available online at no cost, and sometimes in low-cost print options
Examples of OER include:
- Digital textbooks
- Readings and articles
- Videos and interactive learning tools
- Homework and practice materials
OER are often created and customized by faculty to better match course goals and student needs.
Student Success with ZTC & LTC Courses
Quality education without the financial barrier
Significant Cost Savings
Save hundreds of dollars per semester on textbooks and course materials while maintaining the same academic quality.
Immediate Day-One Access
Access all course materials from the first day of class—no waiting for financial aid or delayed book orders.
Flexible Multi-Device Access
Study on your laptop, tablet, or phone—anytime, anywhere. Digital materials adapt to your learning style.
Proven Academic Quality
ZTC and LTC courses maintain the same learning objectives and academic standards as traditional courses.
Course Offerings
Río Hondo College’s Commitment to Affordable Education
Complete Your Degree at Zero Textbook Cost
Río Hondo College offers 23 degrees and certificates that can be completed entirely through Zero Textbook Cost courses—saving you hundreds on your path to graduation.
ZTC Transfer Degrees
7 Degrees- AA-T, Art History
- AA-T, Art/Studio Art
- AS-T, Child Development/Early Childhood Education
- AA-T, Communication Studies 2.0
- AA-T, Psychology
- AA-T, Social Justice Studies
- AA-T, Social Justice: LGBTQ Studies
ZTC Associate Degrees
8 Degrees- AA, Animation
- AA, Chicana/o/x Studies
- AS, Child Development
- AA, General Studies (Arts and Human Expression)
- AS, General Studies (Science and Mathematics)
- AA, General Studies (Social Behavior and Self-Development)
- AA, General Studies (Social Sciences)
- AA, Graphic Art and Design
ZTC Certificates of Achievement
8 Certificates- COA, Child Development
- COA, Preschool Teacher
- COA, Graphic Design
- COA, Graphic Design: Advertising Design
- COA, Graphic Design: Branding & Identity Design
- COA, Graphic Design: Packaging Design
- COA, Graphic Design: Publication Design
- COA, Graphic Design: Website Design
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about OER, ZTC, and LTC courses at Río Hondo College.
You can find ZTC and LTC courses directly in the Río Hondo Class Schedule using the built-in filter options:
- Visit the Class Schedule and look for the Textbook Cost section with Low Textbook Cost and Zero Textbook Cost filter options
Tip: ZTC courses often fill quickly—register early when possible.
Yes. While most OER materials are available digitally, many courses offer:
- Printable PDFs
- Low-cost print options (when available)
Check with your instructor for specific options.
No—ZTC and LTC courses cover the same learning objectives and maintain the same academic standards as other courses. The difference is cost, not quality.