Inside Higher Ed podcast: UC Clermont professor speaks on increasing affordability in course materials
Patty Goedl shares how she wrote and published an OER textbook, saving students thousands
University of Cincinnati accounting Professor Patty Goedl shared on Inside Higher Ed’s podcast “The Key” how she wrote and published an open education resource textbook, saving students thousands of dollars each semester.
According to Inside Higher Ed, a 2023 survey of Pennsylvania college students found 71% of students are worried about meeting their course material costs for the term, and 16% have failed a class because they could not afford the course materials.
Despite nearly two-thirds of faculty members viewing textbook affordability as a top priority, a spring 2023 Student Voice survey from Inside Higher Ed and College Pulse found 26% of students believe their professors do not take affordability into account when choosing course materials.
Goedl is an accounting professor at the University of Cincinnati Clermont College who wrote and published her own textbook as an OER, making the resource free and available to anyone who wants to use it inside or outside her institution. The textbook features video lectures, practice problems and the features of a traditional text, but it saves students thousands of dollars each month. Goedl estimates that the etext has saved students more than $200,000 in just a few years.
In the latest episode of the Voices of Student Success podcast series, Goedl spoke with Inside Higher Ed about how she made her book and what faculty should know before undertaking a similar project of their own.
“It’s so beneficial for students," Goedl told Inside Higher Ed. “I’ve received so much positive and kind feedback from students. And I feel like I’ve made such a difference.”
Listen to or read the entire interview from Inside Higher Ed.
Featured image at top:UC Clermont Professor Patty Goedl smiles in front of a classroom of her students. Photo/Danny Kidd
About UC Clermont
The University of Cincinnati Clermont College is located in the center of Clermont County on 91 beautiful, wooded acres in Batavia Township. The college is an accredited, open-access institution offering more than 60 programs and degrees. UC Clermont is part of the nationally recognized University of Cincinnati. For more information, call 513-556-5400 or visit www.ucclermont.edu.
Related Stories
UC College of Medicine celebrates first graduates of undergraduate certificate in clinical anatomy
May 8, 2026
The University of Cincinnati's College of Medicine celebrates its inaugural graduates of the undergraduate certificate in clinical anatomy, mastering complex human anatomy through hands-on study.
Innovators, healers, bridge-builders: UC College of Medicine students earn prestigious 2026 honors
May 8, 2026
Three University of Cincinnati College of Medicine students earned the 2026 Presidential Medal of Graduate Student Excellence and Presidential Leadership Medal of Excellence for service, scholarship and impact.
Western & Southern and UC expand scholarship and co-op support
May 8, 2026
As a longtime employer of University of Cincinnati graduates, Western & Southern Financial Group is now deepening its commitment to empowering the next generation of career-ready professionals. This April, UC faculty and Western & Southern leadership celebrated 10 students as part of the Western & Southern Scholars Program. The scholarship program is a fund launched in 2024 alongside the Western & Southern Accelerated Career Program. The 10 Western & Southern Scholars were selected for their exceptional involvement and impact. These students exemplify the highest standards of academic engagement, having completed meaningful co op experiences and actively contributed to UC’s extracurricular community. Together, these students demonstrate strong leadership, initiative and a commitment to excellence.