Trustees approve 2013-14 residence hall rate plans

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University's Board of Trustees on Saturday (Dec. 15) approved a 1.9 percent average increase in room and board rates at the West Lafayette campus for the 2013-14 academic year. It marks the third straight year that average rates have risen 2 percent or less.

The board also approved rates at Purdue's Calumet and Fort Wayne campuses.

The new rate structure at the West Lafayette campus follows the previous two academic years, in which room and board rates averaged increases of 2 percent in 2011-12 and 1.9 percent for 2012-13, said James Almond, senior vice president for business services and assistant treasurer. The average rates include the 12-meal plan, the most popular student choice.

"These last three years reflect some of the lowest historical average increases, and our rate structure once again provides students with several options from which to choose while maintaining affordability," Almond said. "This structure makes it easier for students and families to determine what is best for them as far as choosing a place to live on campus."

Depending on the type of campus housing students select, the price per academic year will range from $3,980 for a room with two beds and no meal plan in Hawkins Hall to $14,946 for room and board in First Street Towers. Students can choose from among five dining options.

Purdue's on-campus residence program houses more than 11,700 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.

University Residences offers a comprehensive package that includes furnished rooms with utilities, telephone service, cable TV and high-speed Internet. Meals are available 18 hours a day, and a portion of students' dining dollars can be used in the Purdue Memorial Union and at various campus satellite food operations.

University Residences hires professional staff members who live in residence halls to provide support to students and their communities. In addition, access to buildings is monitored and security policies are enforced to help ensure student safety.

Trustees also approved room rates at Purdue Calumet and Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.

Rates for both four- and two-bedroom suites at Purdue Calumet will increase 3 percent. The Calumet campus has nearly 750 rooms that offer apartment-style housing accommodations. Board contracts are not provided on campus.

Students at Fort Wayne will see no average increase for 2013-14 due to offsetting increases and decreases. Rates will range from a decrease of 3.2 percent to an increase of 3.2 percent, based on a room's configuration. Board contracts are not provided on campus. Student housing capacity is just over 1,200.

Writer: Jim Bush, 765-494-2077, jsbush@purdue.edu

Source: James Almond, 765-494-9706, jsalmond@purdue.edu