The out-of-state tuition rate is rising next year. So are premiums for graduate student health care. And last week, University Dining Services announced it will increase its prices for student meal plans next year, too.
"On the average, meal plans for next year will increase in price about 2.9 percent," Dining Services Director Edward Gutauskas said.
First years now pay $1,315 for their meal plans. Next year, first years will have to pay $1,355, an increase of $40.
The higher price "is going entirely into increased wages for our workers and the increased cost of food," Gutauskas said.
Though all first years are required to purchase a meal plan, upperclassmen can decide whether to buy a plan.
"I chose not to buy a meal plan this year," second-year College student Andrew Hayes said. "I think the prices for University meal plans are ridiculous enough already, and a rate increase is ludicrous."
However, other upperclassmen find value in buying a meal plan.
"It's nice to have a meal plan because of the central locations of the dining halls," third-year College student Jas Jeet Singh said. "Plus, I usually meet some friends at the dining hall. It's all about the convenience."
Now, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in plus dollars, cost $3.15, $5.50, and $6.10 respectively. But, with the price increase, the same meal on different plans will cost different amounts.
Now, the first-year Plus 10 plan, with 390 Plus Dollars included, charges $5.97 per meal. Students lose money every time they buy either breakfast or lunch, and dinner is only cheaper than paying per meal when it's eaten for the maximum 10 times a week.
Upperclass plans also charge students more per meal than the actual cost of those meals. For example, the Semester 50 plan averages $6.60 per meal. Since dinner, the most expensive meal, costs $6.10 for students without a meal plan, students lose money no matter what meal they purchase.
Dining Services has not yet set prices for next year's individual meals.
Some argue that students fare better putting money into Cavalier Advantage and purchasing meals as needed.
"Basically, there are ways to save money on your meal plan with Plus Dollars or Cavalier Advantage depending on your eating habits," said Connie Dong, a College representative for Student Council who serves on the Dining Affairs Committee.
Upperclassmen can choose from other non-University sponsored plans.
One option, the Corner Meal Plan, allows students to put money into a special account. Students can then pay for meals at more than 40 area restaurants with money from that account.
"The Corner Meal Plan is very convenient, especially on the weekends when I'm down by the Corner," second-year College student Karen Hamm said. "With the Corner Meal Plan, I feel like I'm getting more value for my money"
The Core Account is another similar option, for which "core vouchers" can be used to buy food and beverages at participating restaurants.
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