Chegg.com is an online bookstore with a twist. Instead of buying books at an expensive price at university bookstores, Chegg.com rents books to students for a fraction of the cost.

At Chegg.com, students can also buy the books they have rented or sell back other textbooks they have previously bought elsewhere.

Chegg.com was started in 2007 by two young entrepreneurs, Osman Rashid and Aayush Phumbhra, who drempt beyond the conventional method of buying and selling back expensive college textbooks. Since then Chegg.com has accumulated 2.4 million textbooks and has helped students save more than $44 million, according to the Web site.

Every semester I would spend at least $1,000 in textbooks, and since I have started using Chegg since Fall of 2008, I've been able to save $1,210. Michelle N., California State University "Every semester I would spend at least $1,000 in textbooks, and since I have started using Chegg since Fall of 2008, I've been able to save $1,210," Michelle N. of California State University said.

As part of their environmentally friendly business plan, Chegg.com plants a tree for every book that is rented out. Chegg is a partner of Global ReLeaf, a program of American Forests that is on a mission to help the environment by educating people around the world on the importance of trees within our environment. To date, Chegg.com has planted more the 850 acres in trees, according to their Web site. 

"I must say that this has so far been a satisfying site," Xeomara Gonzalez, from the University of South Alabama, said. "I am thrilled to know that I am saving trees and not forgetting to mention I am saving money. The services so far have been excellent; I am happy that I was informed about this site."

Chegg.com has a great reputation for its quick shipping service. All rented textbooks have a guaranteed arrival within seven days.  A "30-day Any Reason" refund guarantee also comes along with the rental of any textbook.

The word is spreading around the UT campus too. Numerous UT students have begun renting books from Chegg.com.

"It's resourceful as it's usually half the price of books for the semester, you can rent them for certain periods of time, and the shipping is easy," JP Paradise, senior in Communication Studies said.  "They also plant a tree for each rental, so they also give back to the environment."