Ball State Approves Room And Board Increase

(rendering courtesy Ball State University)

Ball State University trustees have approved a 1.6 percent room and board increase for the 2018-2019 academic year. President Geoffrey Mearns says the increase keeps the school’s costs competitive while allowing it to provide modern residence halls to attract and retain top students.

The average cost to live on campus for the 2017-2018 academic year is $10,032, which the school says is about $500 less than average for peer and ins-state institutions. The cost will rise to $10,232 for the 2018-2019 academic year.

The board has also approved a 2 percent increase for first-time students. Returning students enrolled in the school’s premium plan will see no increase, since that option locks in costs for a two-year period.

Work is underway on the school’s new North Residential Neighborhood. The $90 million project, replacing LaFollette, will ultimately be the largest residence hall complex on campus. The first phase includes a five-story residence hall and stand-alone dining facility.