Free Textbooks You Can Read Online

About this article
Free textbooks are a good way to get a free education. This article tells you where to get all sorts of free textbooks online, including free accounting textbooks, economics textbooks, computer science and technology textbooks, English textbooks, history textbooks and science textbooks.
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Free

Free Accounting, Business and Economics Textbooks

  • Principles of Accounting - This free online textbook from Larry Walther, Professor and Head of the Utah State University School of Accountancy, offers fundamental accounting instruction for college-level students. The text is updated on a regular basis. The last update was made in 2008.
  • Principles of Business Writing - Ilja van Roon's online textbook teaches readers how to apply seven basic principles of business writing. A PDF version of the textbook can be downloaded for free.
  • Financial Accounting: A Business Perspective - This thoroughly updated textbook from Professors Roger H. Hermanson and James Don Edwards focuses on using accounting information for making business decisions. The textbook is available for purchase or as a free ebook download.
  • Principles of Economics - Updated in August of 2008, this free textbook introduces readers to the principles of economics. It was written by Macalester College's Timothy Taylor.
  • Economics Made Easy - This free economics textbook was written by Professor Les Livingstone, MBA Program Director at the University of Maryland University College (UMUC). The book is short and easy to understand.

Free Computer Science and Technology Textbooks

  • A Balanced Introduction to Computer Science - This free textbook was written by David Reed and published by Prentice Hall. It offers an introduction to the field of computer science and the fundamentals of programming.
  • Programming Languages: Application and Interpretation - Used by more than 30 universities and some high schools, this programming textbook can be downloaded as a free PDF file. The entire text was written by Shriram Krishnamurthi.
  • C# Programming - This textbook from Wikibooks offers extensive information on C# programming. The test also includes links to other educational resources.
  • Advanced Linux Programming - Designed for advanced learners, this free textbook contains 368 pages of Linux instruction.
  • Java Programming - This computer science textbook can be read for free online through Wikibooks' open textbook collection. It offers extensive information on Java programming for beginners and advanced users.

Free English and Writing Textbooks

  • Grammar Etc. - Considered to be both practical and authoritative, this free textbook from English professors Gerald J. Schiffhorst, Ph.D. and Donald Pharr, Ph.D. offers grammar instruction and grammar exercises.
  • College Writing - This composition handbook and textbook is a full-length textbook that you can read for free online. It is useful as a complete reference to basic writing and AP style.
  • Writing Exploratory Essays - This free English textbook was written by Steven M. Strang, who directs The Writing and Communication Center at MIT. The textbook is designed for first-year students.
  • Technical Writing - This online technical writing textbook from David A. McMurrey instructs students on everything from business correspondence and resume design to audience analysis and the writing process.
  • The American Heritage Book of English Usage - Although this is more of a reference book than a textbook, it does offer a rigorous introduction to grammar, style and diction. Perfect for writers and English students.

Free History Textbooks

  • American History - American History is one of the best free textbooks that can be found online. This digital textbook offers an exciting, interactive, multimedia history of the United States.
  • U.S. History - This free textbook from Wikibooks' open textbook collection offers extensive information on U.S. history and links to additional resources.
  • Outline of U.S. History - Although the U.S. Department of State refers to this publication as an outline, it is more textbook than anything else. It offers 15 well-written chapters on U.S. history.
  • European History - This Wikibooks textbook offers a comprehensive overview of modern European history and links to additional resources.
  • Europe in Retrospect - Available through Brittania.com, this free European history textbook offers concise history of the past 200 years. The textbook was written by Raymond Betts, University of Kentucky.

Free Medical and Health Textbooks

  • Health Encyclopedia - This searchable medical textbook makes a great reference for med students and everyday people.
  • First Aid - First Aid is one of the many excellent health and medical resources available through Wikibooks open textbook collection. It covers all of the same information you would get from a first aid course and links to additional resources.
  • HIV Medicine: A Medical Textbook - This medical textbook, offered freely over the Internet, has been downloaded by thousands of people. It provides information on HIV medicine and prevention and is available in multiple languages.
  • The Electronic Textbook of Dermatology - The Electronic Textbook of Dermatology was written for trained clinical dermatologists, but can now be read for free online. The textbook is well-organized and covers more than two dozen topics in detail.
  • Gray's Anatomy - This classic medical reference can be read online at Bartleby.com. The book includes 13,000 entries and 1,247 engravings.

Free Science Textbooks

  • Online Biology Book - Hosted by the Estrella Mountain Community College, this online biology textbook offers a basic introduction to biology. The textbook was written by Michael J. Farabee, Ph.D and is updated on a regular basis.
  • Physics Textbook - This high school level (grades 10-12) textbook was created to give students in South Africa a quality science education. The textbook is now free to anyone who wants to explore the subject.
  • Chem1 Virtual Textbook - This general chemistry textbook can be read in its entirety online. The book introduces students to chemistry and act as a basic chemistry reference.
  • Biochemistry - The second edition of Garrett and Grisham's popular Biochemistry textbook does not contain all of the updates made to the latest edition, which is now selling on Amazon for more than $200, but it does offer a comprehensive biochemistry instruction.
  • The Origin of Species - This classic textbook from Charles Darwin resides in the public domain, which means it is freely available to anyone who wants to read it. The textbook is known for its ease of use and straightforward instruction.

Other Free Education Resources

Popular Schools

  • Online Programs Available
    1. Grand Canyon University

    Program Options

    Doctorate
      • Ed.D in Teaching and Learning with an Emphasis in Adult Learning - Qualitative Research
      • Ed.D in Teaching and Learning with an Emphasis in Adult Learning - Quantitative Research
      • Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology: Performance Psychology (Qualitative Research)
      • Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology: Performance Psychology (Quantitative Research)
      • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
      • Education Specialist in Teaching and Learning
    Master's
      • M.S. Psychology with an Emphasis in Gerontology
      • M.S. in Psychology with an Emphasis in Human Factors
      • MA in Curriculum and Instruction
      • MS in Psychology: General Psychology
      • M.A. in Communication with an Emphasis in Education
      • M.Ed. in Secondary Education with an Emphasis in Humanities (ITL)
    Bachelor's
      • BS in Psychology
      • B.S. in Psychology with an Emphasis in Performance and Sports Psychology
      • Bachelor of Arts in Communications with an Emphasis in Interpersonal Communication and Human Relationships
      • Bachelor: Business Admin
      • BA in Digital Film - Screenwriting
      • Bachelor: Accounting
  • Online Programs Available
    2. Bryant & Stratton College

    Program Options

    Bachelor's
      • BA - General Management
      • BBA Human Resources Management
      • BBA Medical Services Management
      • BS Human & Social Services
      • General Management (GM) - BBA
      • Health Services Administration - BS
    Associate's
      • Criminal Justice Studies - AAS
      • AS - Business
      • AS - Criminal Justice
      • AS - Accounting
      • AS - Human Resources Specialist
      • AS - IT Networking
    Certificate
      • Business Assistant Diploma
      • Criminal Justice and Security Services Diploma
      • Business - AAS
      • Business Assistant - Diploma
      • Criminal Justice and Security Svcs. - Diploma
      • Accounting Assistant Diploma
  • Online Programs Available
    3. Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology

    Program Options

    Master's
      • Masters in Psychology
      • Masters in Dispute Resolution
      • Masters in Legal Studies
      • Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis
      • Masters in Clinical Psychology (Licensed Professional Counselor)
      • Masters in Clinical Psychology (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist)
  • Campus and Online Programs
    4. Full Sail University

    Program Options

    Master's
      • Computer Science Masters - Online
      • M.S. - Entertainment Business
      • M.S. - New Media Journalism
      • M.S. - Public Relations
      • Instructional Design and Technology Masters - Online
      • Master of Science - Innovation and Entrepreneurship
    Bachelor's
      • BS - Sportscasting
      • Computer Science Bachelors - Online
      • Information Technology Bachelors - Online
      • Game Business and Esports Bachelors - Online
      • B.S. - Music Business
      • B.S. - Digital Cinematography
    Certificate
      • Computer Science Bachelors with AI Concentration - Online
      • User Experience Bachelors - Online
  • Online Programs Available
    5. Keiser University

    Program Options

    Master's
      • M.S. - Psychology
      • Master of Business Admin - Leadership
      • Master of Business Admin - Accounting
      • Master of Business Administration - Management (Spanish)
      • Master of Business Administration - International Business (Spanish)
      • Master of Business Admin - Marketing
    Bachelor's
      • B.A. - Legal Studies
      • B.A. - Psychology
      • Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice (Accelerated Track to MACJ)
      • B.A. - Accounting
      • B.S.s - Information Technology Management
      • Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (Accelerated Track to MBA)
    Associate's
      • Associate of Sciences - Information Technology
      • Associate of Arts - Criminal Justice
      • Associate of Arts - Accounting
      • Associate of Arts - Paralegal
      • Associate of Arts - Homeland Security
      • Associate of Sciences - Medical Assistant
  • Online Programs Available
    6. Saint Leo University

    Program Options

    Doctorate
      • Doctor of Criminal Justice: Education
      • DBA: Business Administration
      • Education Specialist in Educational Leadership
      • Doctor of Criminal Justice: Homeland Security
    Master's
      • MS: Criminal Justice
      • MS: Criminal Justice - Critical Incident Management
      • MA: Creative Writing - Poetry
      • MAcc: Accounting
      • MBA: Project Management
    Bachelor's
      • BA: Criminal Justice
      • BA: Criminal Justice - Criminalistics
      • BA: Psychology
      • BA: Psychology - General
      • BS: Computer Science
      • BA: Psychology - Experimental
    Associate's
      • AA: Criminal Justice
      • AA: Business Administration
      • AA: Information Technology
  • Campus and Online Programs
    7. The Chicago School

    Program Options

    Master's
      • M.A. Psychology
      • M.A. Behavioral Economics
      • M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling
      • M.A. Forensic Psychology
      • M.A. Industrial and Organizational Psychology: ARP Track
      • M.A. International Psychology
    Certificate
      • Suicide and Cyberbullying Prevention Certificate
      • Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning
      • Certificate in Forensic Psychology - M.A. Non-Licensure Track to Licensure Bridge Program
      • Certificate in Behavioral Economics
      • Graduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis
      • Certificate in Organizational Leadership
  • Online Programs Available
    8. Liberty University

    Program Options

    Doctorate
      • DME: Doctor of Music Education
      • LLM: International Legal Studies
      • EDD: Curriculum and Instruction
      • EDD: Curriculum and Instruction/Elementary Education
      • EDD: Curriculum and Instruction/Middle Grades Education
      • EDD: Curriculum and Instruction/Secondary Education
    Bachelor's
      • Bachelor of Science in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
    Certificate
      • CTG: Communication
      • CTG: Criminal Justice
      • CTG: Curriculum and Instruction
      • CTG: Higher Education Administration
      • CTG: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
      • CTG: Psychology
  • Online Programs Available
    9. Penn Foster High School

    Program Options

    High School Diploma
      • HS Diploma
  • Campus and Online Programs
    10. Pacific Oaks College

    Program Options

    Certificate
      • Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
      • Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential

Featured Schools

The schools and programs listed below are popular educational options, and tuition varies based on program and location

Grand Canyon University

  • Ed.D in Teaching and Learning with an Emphasis in Adult Learning - Qualitative Research
  • M.S. Psychology with an Emphasis in Gerontology
  • BS in Psychology

What is your highest level of education?

Bryant & Stratton College

  • BA - General Management
  • Criminal Justice Studies - AAS
  • Business Assistant Diploma

What is your high school graduation status?

Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology

  • Masters in Psychology
  • Masters in Dispute Resolution
  • Masters in Legal Studies

What is your highest level of education completed?

Full Sail University

  • Computer Science Masters - Online
  • BS - Sportscasting
  • Computer Science Bachelors with AI Concentration - Online

What is your highest level of education?

Keiser University

  • M.S. - Psychology
  • B.A. - Legal Studies
  • Associate of Sciences - Information Technology

What is your highest level of education?

Saint Leo University

  • Doctor of Criminal Justice: Education
  • MS: Criminal Justice
  • BA: Criminal Justice
  • AA: Criminal Justice

What is your highest level of education completed?

The Chicago School

  • M.A. Psychology
  • M.A. Behavioral Economics
  • Suicide and Cyberbullying Prevention Certificate
  • Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning

What is your highest level of education completed?

Liberty University

  • DME: Doctor of Music Education
  • Bachelor of Science in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
  • CTG: Communication

What is your highest level of education?