EAST LANSING, Mich. — Despite an increase of about 5 percent, room and board rates at Michigan State University will remain among the most competitive in the nation.
At its April 13 meeting, the MSU Board of Trustees voted to raise rates 5.25 percent for returning students. That means it will cost $6,362 annually for a student to live in an on-campus residence hall (double room, 15 meals per week), an increase of $318 over last year.
The board also voted to increase rates by 10.45 percent for new incoming freshmen and transfer students. That means it will cost $6,676 annually for these students to live in an on-campus residence hall (double room, unlimited access to meals) an increase of $632.
The rates for residence halls will be effective fall semester 2007.
New for on-campus students this coming year will be improved and expanded meal plans. Students will have “anytime access” to meals.
In addition, a “gold” plan will be offered that provides anytime access, four guest meal passes, and $150 per semester in Spartan Cash; a “platinum” plan that offers anytime access, eight guest meal passes, and $300 per semester in Spartan Cash; and a five-day plan that provides anytime access Monday through Friday and $100 per semester in Spartan Cash.
Spartan Cash is money deposited into an account which students have access to through a debit card.
A focus group, surveys and pilot projects were conducted to determine student expectations.
“Students were explicit in their desire for new meal options, more variety in menu selections and late-night dining,” said Angela Brown, director of University Housing. “With these increases, we will continue to meet the ever-changing needs of students.”
In addition, rates for university apartments will increase by 5 percent. The monthly rate for a one-bedroom apartment will increase from $600 to $630 per month; the rate for a two-bedroom apartment will increase from $665 a month to $699 a month.
The rates for apartments also will be effective fall semester 2007.
For additional information, visit www.hfs.msu.edu.
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Michigan State University has been advancing knowledge and transforming lives through innovative teaching, research and outreach for more than 150 years. MSU is known internationally as a major public university with global reach and extraordinary impact. Its 16 degree-granting colleges attract scholars worldwide who are interested in combining education with practical problem solving.