In light of recent economic times, it's clear that education remains one of the most important factors for our society, which can light the way for a brighter future. Yet, while there are a few Bill Gates & Steve Jobs out there who can blaze their own trail without completing their formal education, the majority of the US population absolutely has to be educated to truly thrive in American society.

However, despite the ever-increasing demand for educated professionals in our society, the cost to educate our population continues to escalate higher and higher, making it less desirable to those who are considering higher education. As costs continue to soar, there has been one saving grace that has made a big impact on helping students keep their costs down, the World Wide Web.

Thanks to free online marketplaces, students have found ways to communicate freely and find the most affordable books, furniture, and materials in their respective regions. No longer do the prices have to be dictated by the businesses and corporations that provide educational resources at physical bookstores all over the country. Plus, thanks to the younger generation's captivation with the web, there are more and more free sites that are popping up across the country, as more students develop forums and marketplaces to discuss and sell their school supplies and other products.

Plus, the free & open forum of the Internet has made it easy for students to communicate and discuss where to find the best school materials around, without having to buy into educational company's advertising campaigns.

While it's quite true that social media has become a powerful tool for educational companies to advertise their products, the recommendation of a friend or a fellow classmate still holds much more resonance over buying decisions, and will continue to do so, allowing free online student marketplaces to thrive.