“Even though we’re undertaking a substantial investment in the residence halls and dining facilities, we do not want to see students incurring additional costs for those improvements,” said Finance Director David Creamer.
Housing and dining costs vary, depending on the type of residence hall and number of roommates a student has, as well as the amount of meals they eat on campus.
For 2011-12, Miami’s annual room rates range from $5,098 to $9,346. At the University of Cincinnati, the range is $5,799 to $7,479.
Miami meal plans range from $4,342 to $6,541. Cincinnati’s from $3,786 to $3,981.
For the 2011-12 school year, Miami increased room rates 2.95 percent and meal plan rates 2.84 percent. Cincinnati increased their rates by 3 percent and 2 percent.
“We’re on the upper end of room and board rates, and this is another reason why we need to keep any increase we’re passing on minimal,” Creamer said.
Miami trustees who sit on the finance and audit committee on Aug. 31 approved sending the cost increases to the full board for a vote.
The trustees also approved allowing the full board to vote on issuing bond in an amount not to exceed $167 million for construction projects in the next three or so years.
“While debt is cheap, I want to borrow,” Creamer said. “There’s going to come a time when debt isn’t cheap.”
Contact this reporter at (513) 523-4139 or mengle@coxohio.com.
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