PSU Bookstore Purchases

Am I eligible to charge bookstore purchases to my Penn State student account?

As of spring 2022, all registered students who attend PSU are eligible to purchase books at a PSU bookstore/PSU Bookstore online** and have the option to add the bookstore charges to their Penn State student account. Your Penn State ID is required at the time of purchase.

** Penn State World Campus students can purchase course materials at any PSU bookstore and add the charges to their PSU student account. Please note, purchases made at MBS Direct/Barnes and Noble will continue to be paid at the point of sale, rather than via the student's PSU student account. Penn State World Campus students may purchase course materials from MBS Direct/Barnes and Noble or from other vendors. For more information, please visit the Penn State World Campus student website.

What type of bookstore purchases are eligible to be charged to my Penn State student account?

Bookstore charges are limited to textbooks and course materials purchases.

Questions regarding applicable materials should be directed to the bookstore. Please see contact information below.

What is the maximum amount I can charge to my student account?

You can charge up to $1,000 to your Penn State student account per semester.

When can I charge bookstore purchases to my student account?

You can begin charging books to your student account with this option in mid-July for fall, mid-December for spring, and mid-April for summer. Students will receive an email with instructions from the PSU Bookstore when the purchase period for the semester begins.

When is the last day that I can charge books and course materials to my student account?

Approximately 30 days after the start of the regular session classes for Fall and Spring.

*Please note, summer session date will vary.

Can I order my textbooks directly from my course schedule?

Yes, navigate to your course schedule in LionPATH and click “View Books” to find what you need from the bookstore.

Can I pay bookstore charges on the student account with my financial aid?

If you are a recipient of Federal aid funds, your approval is required to cover charges to your student account (other than tuition, fees, and housing and food plan). To authorize Federal aid funds* please follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your Student Home Base in LionPATH
  2. Click on "My Finances" on top of the page
  3. Click on "Permission to Use Federal Aid"
  4. Click on "Grant Permission"
  5. Follow instructions to submit request

**You have the right to rescind your approval by contacting the Bursar's Office. If you rescind your approval, you will not be able to grant permission again for the same semester.

How long does it take for the bookstore charges to appear on my Penn State student account?

Your bookstore charges will appear on your next monthly student account billing statement.

Please note, if you make a purchase after your financial aid has disbursed and a refund has been issued, you will need to pay the charges on the billing statement by the due date.

Who can I contact with questions about bookstore charges on my student account?

Please contact your bookstore for questions: