Room-and-board rates for Michigan State University students who live in the residence halls will increase by 2.75 percent for the 2016-17 academic year, the lowest increase in 18 years.
However, rates for university apartments – Spartan Village and University Village – will remain unchanged from last year.
The MSU Board of Trustees approved the rate adjustment at its April 15 meeting.
With the rate change, the residence hall double room rate for undergraduate students will increase $108 to $4,020 per year. The silver unlimited dining meal plan increases $152 to $5,714 per year.
Total residence hall housing and dining costs for next academic year will increase to $9,734.
MSU’s rate remains among the least expensive in the Big Ten and the third-most expensive among Michigan universities.
The basic silver plan provides students unlimited meals at any of the 10 residence hall dining facilities from 7 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week. It also includes the Combo-X-Change, a popular program that allows students to pick up a meal or snack at a food truck, Sparty’s or retail dining location once each weekday.
“Our goal is to enhance the academic experience of our students by providing them with the resources they need to be successful,” said Vennie Gore, MSU vice president for auxiliary enterprises. “For about $43 a day, our students enjoy a wealth of amenities, including a safe and secure living environment, as well as access in their neighborhood to all of the resources of the engagement centers.”
This year also marks the first year of leasing for the 1855 Place one and two-bedroom family apartments. Located on Harrison Road at the site of the old Michigan State Police post, the new housing unit will eventually house a grocery-lite marketplace, coffee shop and university administrative offices.
Monthly rates for 1855 Place family apartments are $800 for a one-bedroom unit and $925 for a two-bedroom unit.