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(AP) -- Textbook rental programs at many of the nation's colleges aren't yet the solution to save students from the high costs of their books.

Bookstores are limited by the number of titles available to rent and publishers who commonly put out frequent new editions. And there are professors who believe their right to choose course materials is essential to academic freedom.

The National Association of College Stores says about half the nation's major colleges and university bookstores offered textbook rentals this fall, a dramatic increase from last year's 300 stores.

They're hoping to cut the $600-$900 students spend buying books each year.

But while students can rent books for as much as half the price of new ones, there are complaints that even rental prices are too high.

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