I recently got accepted to Arizona State University (woohoo!). I'm trying to finalize my budget, particularly the room and board section. Could anyone shed light on the real cost? Is it as pricey as they say or are there ways to make it more affordable?
Congratulations on your acceptance to Arizona State University! Budgeting for college is a smart move and it's great that you're getting ahead of it.
Firstly, it would be helpful to understand that the cost of room and board for a university often varies based on the type of housing and meal plan you choose. As per the latest figures I've seen, ASU's estimated room and board cost is around $14,000 - $16,000 per year for an on-campus student - this figure includes both housing and a meal plan.
However, these are just averages and the actual cost could be lower or higher. For example, living in a traditionally dorm-style residence hall will likely be cheaper than opting for an apartment-style residence. So, if cost is a top concern, one way to cut down prices is by choosing the least expensive housing option.
As for meal plans, again the cost can vary. ASU has several meal plan options with different costs associated. Picking a less expensive meal plan could make room and board more affordable, but do weigh in how much you plan on eating on campus vis-a-vis preparing something on your own or eating off-campus.
Lastly, if you're open to living off-campus in the future years, there are often apartments or shared housing options nearby that may be cheaper than on-campus living, though you'll have to factor in commuting costs and the experience you'd prefer.
Remember, when looking at these numbers, that a significant part of your room and board may be covered by financial aid, so make sure to take that into account as well in your budget planning. Take a look at ASU's cost of attendance tool, which can give you an idea of what you'll pay on top of tuition: https://tuition.asu.edu/cost. Best of luck in planning your college budget!
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