OER - Open Educational Resources: Z-Degrees

The "z" in z-degree stands for zero textbook costs. A z-degree is a degree or certificate pathway that allows students to earn a degree without textbook costs. Zero-textbook-cost classes use either open educational resources (OERs) or other free materials as an alternative to traditional for-purchase textbooks. 

Learn more about z-degrees in Oregon at the Open Oregon Z-Degree page.

The OER Steering Committee and the college are working towards the implementation of z-degrees at PCC, as part of PCC's textbook affordability plan. Your program may be closer to a z-degree than you think! Reach out to us at oer@pcc.edu to start a dialogue and to learn more.

PCC's Textbook Affordability Plan
In 2020, a Textbook Affordability Taskforce was formed at PCC to develop the college's textbook affordability plan. One of the goals to emerge from the 2021 plan is to implement a viable Z-degree for students at PCC.
Why a Z-degree? Zero-materials-cost degrees:

• Make college more affordable
  Z-degrees help to reduce the financial barriers associated with going to college. According to a 2023 national survey, 7 in 10 students are worried about meeting their course materials costs, and the cost of textbooks has directly and negatively impacted academic success. A 2024 report from the US Department of Education states: "During the two decades leading up to 2016, the cost of books, course materials, supplies, and equipment for college courses increased by 88 percent, more than nearly any other college student expense. As a result of increasing costs, many students chose not to purchase required materials, contributing to poor academic outcomes."
  
  At PCC, OER and alternative course materials have saved PCC students over $30 million since 2017.
   
• Benefit Faculty
  Using open educational resources allows faculty to customize, adapt, and share course materials, creating opportunities for responsive and innovative curriculum and pedagogy. OER also make it easier to keep course materials up to date, and cultivate faculty collaboration within departments, and across disciplines and colleges.
   
• Impact Student Success
  Many studies have shown the positive impact of OERs on student academic success. A 2025 study also found that, across demographic groups, students that attempt NCLC (no cost/low cost) classes increase their likelihood of graduation, and graduate at a higher rate, than students not participating in NCLC classes.