While still new to many in higher education, there is debate in open ed about the emphasis on affordability rather than the impact on student success. Sarah Cohen, Managing Director of the Open Textbook Network, will unpack this dualist approach to demonstrate that open education's potential impact on affordability is not mutually exclusive to its potential impact on academic success. This talk will provide an overview of open education, explore both sides of the debate, and offer reasons why engaging in open education doesn't—and shouldn't—stop at cost-savings.