Earn your entire A.A. degree without buying textbooks
Inver Hills Community College is dedicated to creating a transformational education for every student founded on belonging, learning, support, clear pathways, and community engagement. The college’s Z-degree pathway supports this vision by lowering the cost of your college education.
The Z-degree pathway lets you complete an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree taking courses that exclusively use zero-cost learning materials such as Open Educational Resources (OER), open textbooks, and library-curated materials. You’ll have more money in your pocket and access to learning materials on day one of class.
Any Inver Hills student can take Z-degree classes. No extra enrollment or sign up is required. You can register just like you would for any course. Just search for Z-degree classes in e-Services.
Search for Z-degree classes in e-Services:
Fall Semester 2025
Spring Semester 2026
FAQs
Who can take Z-degree classes?
Zero-textbook-cost courses are open to all students regardless of intended major or academic goal. There is no special application to participate in a zero-textbook-cost course. Students may register for as many zero-textbook-cost courses as they want, as long as the course prerequisites are met.
How do I find zero-textbook-cost classes?
Anyone can search for a zero-textbook-cost course via the Course Search page in e-Services, or using the search button above.
To search specifically for zero-textbook-cost courses in e-services:
- Click on the “Expand/Collapse for Advanced Search” dropdown menu.
- In the bottom left hand corner under textbook cost, select “No cost for textbooks.”
- Then click “Search” and all available zero-textbook-cost courses will appear.
Are course supplies free?
There may be a charge for class supplies such as a notebook, clay, art supplies, yoga mat, or tools. Refer to the tuition and fees section for each course to find information on any additional materials costs.
Can I just take some Z-degree courses?
Yes, a student can earn the A.A. degree by taking all Z-degree courses, some Z-degree courses, or no Z-degree courses.
Why is it called “Z-degree?”
The “Z” refers to “zero,” as in zero-textbook-cost courses. A Z-degree is a pathway to complete an Associate of Arts degree taking courses that exclusively use learning materials with zero-cost to students such as Open Educational Resources (OER), open textbooks, and library-curated materials.
Get answers to your Z-degree questions by contacting:
Counseling & Advising
Inver Hills Community College
counseling@inverhills.edu
651-450-3508
— OR —
Katie Nelson, PhD
Anthropology Faculty
2022 Minnesota State Board of Trustees Educator of the Year
Inver Hills Community College
knelson@inverhills.edu
651-450-3492
