Students Confirm that First Day® Complete has a Positive Impact on Their Academic Journey

Barnes & Noble College has implemented more equitable access programs than any other campus store solutions provider, and students continue to affirm that they’re experiencing the benefits of our expertise. In our 2024 FDC Student Success Survey, more than 80% of participating students again confirm that First Day^® Complete had a positive impact on their success in the spring term.

Students also agree that the program delivered an easy, convenient and time-saving experience, with access to their required course materials—bundled for delivery or pickup—before the first day of class. Nearly 90% express a strong likelihood to recommend and participate in the program again.

“I did not have any stress about my textbooks, so I was able to have less stress about and focus more on my schooling.” –Freshman at Alamo Colleges District

SUPPORTING ACADEMIC SUCCESS

First Day Complete allows faculty to maintain full academic freedom to select course materials without any restrictions on format or publisher selection, and it ensures students receive their materials before the first day of class. The majority of students tell us that First Day Complete contributed to their academic success from start to finish in the academic term.

84% of students agree that the program better prepared them for the academic term

81% of students agree that the program had a positive impact on their success

72% of students agree that the program helped them achieve better grades

“Without the help of my math books to guide me through homework and lessons, I would not have been able to get an A in the class. Thank you!!” –Freshman at Sam Houston State University

“I believe that being able to have the material by the first day makes sure that you don’t fall behind. I can immediately become familiar with the book and how the course will be laid out. I appreciated the program, and it is more cost effective.” –Junior at Coastal Carolina University

“Having the physical textbook as soon as class started went a long way in helping me digest the course material and get better grades.” –Freshman at Central Alabama Community College

DELIVERING EASE AND CONVENIENCE

We’ve made an investment in technology and systems designed specifically for equitable access that create simple and seamless course material experiences for students, faculty and administrators. Students access their personalized First Day Complete portal page using single sign-on (SSO), review their required course materials, and simply select their fulfillment method: in-store pick-up or delivery.

Students overwhelmingly agree that First Day Complete makes the process of getting course materials faster and simpler, saving time and stress.

91% of students say the program saves time in shopping for course materials

91% of students say it was convenient to have course materials bundled and delivered through the program

89% of students say the overall process, from selecting course materials to receiving/picking up course materials, was easy

“It’s fast, easy, and you only have to go to one place. Your classes are already listed, and it tells you exactly what books you will need, which is amazing.” –Sophomore at Corning Community College

“I love this program. In the past, I have had to go to the bookstore website, look up my books and wait for the professor to choose the book and add it to the bookstore. Then try to order the book for it to arrive by class. I had to also make sure I had the funds to purchase the book. Now all of that is taken care of for me. I just wait for my books to arrive a week before class.” – Freshman at University of North Carolina at Greensboro

“I didn’t have any worry about picking up my course materials, I knew they would be prepared on time. I most likely wouldn’t have gotten the materials I did unless it was through the program.” –Freshman at Albion College

IMPROVING AFFORDABILITY AND RETENTION

Through First Day Complete, BNC offers students, faculty and administrators access to the most comprehensive catalog of physical and digital course materials in the industry. Students and administrators know they receive the lowest possible prices on course materials and have access to the largest assortment of high-quality used textbooks and digital titles.

89% of students say they are likely to participate in the program in the future

77% of students say the program provided more affordable course materials

72% of students say the availability of First Day Complete increases the likelihood they will continue their education at their school

“I feel like many students may be hesitant to continue their education due to a variety of reasons, one including cost of materials. This program has helped me save money to devote to other course expenses.”–Junior at Eastern Kentucky University

“As a returning adult student who remembers how hard it was in the past to attend school due to the cost in textbooks, this program was much needed and a relief in order to focus on my collegiate goals.” –Sophomore at Winston-Salem State University

“I was able to purchase materials needed at affordable price, if not I might not have been able to get all materials needed.” – Senior at Florida International University

First Day Complete represents just one way Barnes & Noble College is continually innovating to meet the evolving needs of a new generation of students, support your highest priority goals, and deliver even better, more relevant experiences for the entire campus community.

Leveraging our highly experienced teams and customized implementation model, we ensure a seamless transition to First Day Complete. We also provide ongoing program support to ensure a superior user experience for your students, faculty and administrators.

To learn more about First Day^® Complete from the student perspective, watch our video – and to learn more about how BNC can support the academic journey on your campus, contact us.