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Resources for Students

What is ZTC?

Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) courses at Allan Hancock College use free or no‑cost instructional materials (often digital/OER), so students pay $0 for required textbooks for those classes. In the online class search, ZTC‑eligible sections are marked with a ZTC symbol. If a printed option is available from the bookstore, the class may still qualify as ZTC because students can choose the free electronic version.

How to Find ZTC Classes

We have a real-time snapshot of all ZTC courses offered by current term:  Find ZTC Courses

                                                             OR

Follow these steps when searching the online course schedule:

1. Use the online class search and go to “Search by Gen Ed or Attributes” and select “0 Zero Textbook Costs” (shown below).  Look for the ZTC symbol next to sections that have zero textbook cost.                          

                      Drop down menu in class search with "0 Zero Textbook Costs" highlighted

                                     Course search results with the ZTC symbol circled in red                                                                                            

                                                                  Open book with a dollar sign

 

2. Check textbook details via Bookstore: In the class search results, click on the course title. Then click Bookstore Links-Information to open the Bookstore page and confirm materials/options for that class.

                                           Drop down menu with an arrow pointing to the Bookstore link

Which programs or pathways are being developed as ZTC at AHC?

  • Spanish- Associate in Arts (AA) and Associate in Arts for Transfer (ADT) 
  • Communication Studies 2.0 - Associate in Arts for Transfer (ADT)
  • Early Childhood Education (ECS) - Associate in Science for Transfer (ADT)
  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)- Certificate of Accomplishment
  • Agricultural Business - Associate in Science for Transfer (ADT)
  • Agricultural Pest Control Adviser Preparation (1 of 2): Crop Protection - Certificate of Achievement
  • Agricultural Pest Control Adviser Preparation (2 of 2): Production Systems - Certificate of Achievement
  • Agricultural Plant Science - Associate in Science for Transfer (ADT)

Is There a List of ZTC Courses Available to View?

Yes. You can view all currently offered ZTC courses by term at the following link: Find ZTC Courses.   
Addtionally, we built a ZTC Dashboard to display current ZTC Data pertaining to enrollment, headcount, demographics, cost of books, etc., which can also be viewed on our ZTC Data page.  

What to Expect in ZTC Courses

  • Free digital materials: Most ZTC courses provide required readings digitally at no cost.
  • Optional print: Some courses offer optional printed materials through the bookstore. 

Tips for Students

  • Start with ZTC where possible: When building your schedule, search for sections with the ZTC symbol to cut textbook expenses.
  • Verify materials early: Use the Bookstore link to confirm required materials and understand any optional print costs.
  • Use the library and reserves: AHC has expanded textbook access via library reserves (especially helpful if you want print access without purchasing).