Curators vote to increase housing, dining rates
KANSAS CITY — In part because of new mid-campus housing and Rollins dining hall renovations, MU will see a 3.9 percent increase in housing and dining rates next year.
The UM system Board of Curators voted on the increase during Friday's meeting in Kansas City. The changes will be effective this summer.
Room and board costs vary among the four UM system campuses and among students on those campuses. MU's 3.9 percent increase is the third highest, behind the Missouri University of Science & Technology (4.2 percent increase) and UM-St. Louis (6.1 percent increase). UM-Kansas City will see a 3 percent increase.
MU's increase represents a 5 percent increase in rooming costs and a 2.2 percent increase in board. The predominant plan for room and board will cost about $7,925, with the low end projected to be about $6,095.
An anticipated increase in allowance for utilities and $600,000 spent on renovations at Rollins dining hall and the Hawthorne, Galena and Dogwood residence halls are driving the increase.
Along with renovation debts and utilities rates, revenues will decline about $1.7 million next year with the closing of Cramer, Stafford and Gillett residence halls. Extended campus options will cut 940 beds, which will cause a decrease in revenue as well.
The raise in room and board fees is separate from a proposed deal between Gov. Jay Nixon and the UM system that would freeze tuition and state funding for the second straight year.
The board also approved renovations to Tate and Switzler halls.