By Annabeth Miller, ShowMe Times Editor

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. – March 26, 2011 - With the rising cost of food and gasoline and everyday expenses, colleges and universities are examining the cost of living making tough choices for the next academic year.

Like their peers across the nation, students at Southeast Missouri State University and their families will have to dig a bit deeper for living and eating on campus.

The Southeast Board of Regents met Friday and approved new room and board rates for the fiscal year that begins July 1. Under the approved plan, room and board rates will increase an average of 3.71 percent for next academic year.

Dr. Dennis Holt, vice president for enrollment management and student success, said average room rates will increase 3.37 percent, while average board rates will climb by 4.26 percent for fiscal 2012, bringing the average combined room and board rate increase to 3.71 percent for the 2011-2012 academic year.

New Dorm Rates

Based on the new rates, the cost of living in dorms will range for $3,750 in Dearmont to $5,750 for Vandiver, Henderson and New halls.



These figures reflect the cost to continue, including additional costs for maintenance and repair. Private room rates continue to be 1.5 times the rate of a double room, Holt said.

Dinner Time!

Holt says the average food plan change of 4.26 percent is consistent with the University/Chartwells dining contract and reflects actual and anticipated inflation in food prices for 2011-2012.



The flex dollars reflected in the board rates are cash stored electronically on students’ ID cards as part of their meal plan. They can be used at any campus dining location to buy additional meals, food items, snacks and beverages.

With the approved room and board rate increases, a student living in Towers South/East with a 15-meal plan will pay $6,360, up from $6,160 last year.

The Board also approved a three percent increase for non-traditional housing at Southeast. Southeast offers non-traditional housing at Washington Street Apartments, 19 units that vary in number of bedrooms, the size of rooms, and amenities.

Rates next academic year will range from $379.90 for a one-bedroom efficiency apartment at 505 Washington Street to $513.99 for a two-bedroom unit with a balcony at 401 Washington Street.