Purdue trustees approve decreased room, board rates for 2014-15

WEST LAFAYETTE -

Purdue University will decrease overall room rates and for the second consecutive year reduce board rates.

Purdue's Board of Trustees on Saturday (Dec. 14) approved a 2.5 percent reduction in the predominant room and board rates for the 2014-15 academic year. The overall average rate reduction is 0.2 percent for housing, and prices for the most popular dining plans are being cut by 5 percent, marking the second straight year that board rates have decreased by 5 percent. Tuition will remain unchanged for 2013-14 as part of a two-year freeze announced last spring.

The board also approved new discounted rates for a 12-month room and board contract, as well as rates for Purdue's Calumet and Fort Wayne campuses.

"Our pledge to students and their families is to deliver a world-class college experience - from the classroom to campus life - and to keep a Purdue education as affordable as possible," Purdue President Mitch Daniels said. "By controlling and, when feasible, cutting rates, we seek to extend the clear academic and social benefits of living on campus to as many students as possible."

Students living in residence halls are required to carry one of four meal plans, ranging from $2,998 to $5,172, and starting next fall dining dollars can be used in all Housing and Food Services retail locations. Depending on the type of campus housing students select, the price per academic year for room only, minus a required meal plan, will range from $2,574 for a room with two beds in Cary Quadrangle to $9,500 for a single-bed unit in First Street Towers. There also are options at Purdue apartment complexes where no meal plan is required.

Additionally, another housing option will be available to students with the opening of the Third Street Suites next fall on the West Lafayette campus.

Purdue also will provide a room-rate discount of about $150 for students opting for a 12-month housing contract and staying in McCutcheon Hall to continue their studies during the summer months.

"While serving a diverse student population and maintaining affordability, we're also providing an incentive for students to stay on campus during the summer to work toward their degree requirements," said James Almond, senior vice president for business services and assistant treasurer.

Purdue's on-campus residence program houses more than 11,919 students, and all campus housing is voluntary. The system is financially self-supporting, and no state funds or general student fees are used for construction, maintenance or operations.

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Purdue trustees approve decreased room, board rates for 2014-15