If you are planning to attend Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas, you might be interested in learning more about the dorm cost and the housing options available. Living on campus can offer many benefits, such as convenience, community, and safety. However, it can also be a significant expense that you need to plan for. In this post, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on the dorm cost and the housing options at Arkansas State University, as well as how they compare to other similar schools. We will also answer some of the frequently asked questions that you might have about applying for and choosing a dorm room at Arkansas State University.

How Much Does It Cost to Live on Campus at Arkansas State University?

The cost of living on campus at Arkansas State University depends on two main factors: the type of room you choose and the type of meal plan you choose. The type of room you choose determines how much space, privacy, and amenities you have in your dorm. The type of meal plan you choose determines how often and where you can eat on campus.

Dorm Room Options and Costs

Arkansas State University offers various types of rooms for students who want to live on campus. These include:

• Apartments: These are self-contained units that have two or four bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and one or two bathrooms. They are fully furnished and located in Collegiate Park, Red Wolf Den, or Pack Place. Apartments offer more space and comfort than other types of rooms, but they also cost more.
• Suites: These are units that have two or four bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. They are also fully furnished and located in Compass Point or North Park Quads. Suites offer more privacy and convenience than traditional rooms, but they are less expensive than apartments.
• Traditional Rooms: These are shared bedrooms that have a common bathroom with another room. They are furnished with beds, desks, chairs, closets, and dressers. They are located in Arkansas Hall, Kays Hall, or University Hall. Traditional rooms offer the lowest cost and the most social interaction among roommates.

The table below shows the features and costs of each type of room per semester.

As you can see, the most expensive option is the 2 BR Apartment at Pack Place or Collegiate Park or the Single Deluxe Room at Arkansas Hall or University Hall which costs between $2,800 and $3,770 per semester. These are good options for students who want more space and comfort. The cheapest option is the Double Room at Arkansas Hall, Kays Hall, or University Hall which costs $2,400 per semester. These are good options for students who want to save money and don’t mind sharing a room and a bathroom.

Meal Plan Options and Costs

In addition to the dorm room cost, you also need to consider the meal plan cost. A meal plan is a prepaid account that allows you to eat at the dining locations on campus or nearby. Arkansas State University offers various types of meal plans for students living on campus or off campus, such as:

• Eagle Gold: This plan gives you unlimited access to the residential dining hall (The Galley), plus $300 Dining Dollars per semester that you can use at other dining locations on campus. This plan costs $2,115 per semester and is ideal for students who eat frequently and want variety.
• Eagle Blue: This plan gives you unlimited access to the residential dining hall (The Galley), plus $100 Dining Dollars per semester that you can use at other dining locations on campus. This plan costs $1,956 per semester and is the minimum required for first-year students living on campus. This plan is suitable for students who eat mostly at The Galley and occasionally at other places.
• Eagle Five: This plan gives you five meals per week at the residential dining hall (The Galley), with no Dining Dollars. This plan costs $820 per semester and is the minimum required for first-year students living at the Armstrong Campus. This plan is good for students who eat less often or prefer to cook their own meals.
• Voluntary Meal Plans: These are optional plans that are available for off-campus students and on-campus apartment residents. They do not renew each semester and run from August to July of the following year. They include:
  • 25 Block + $175 Flex: This plan gives you 25 meals at The Galley and $175 Dining Dollars that you can use at other dining locations on campus. This plan costs $405 per year.
  • 50 Block + $150 Flex: This plan gives you 50 meals at The Galley and $150 Dining Dollars that you can use at other dining locations on campus. This plan costs $605 per year.
  • 80 Block + $50 Flex: This plan gives you 80 meals at The Galley and $50 Dining Dollars that you can use at other dining locations on campus. This plan costs $725 per year.

To sum up, the total cost of a dorm room and a meal plan at Arkansas State University ranges from $3,220 to $6,885 per semester, depending on your choices. The average cost is $5,356 per semester ($2,400 for a Double Room and $1,956 for an Eagle Blue meal plan).

How Does Arkansas State University Compare to Other Similar Schools?

You might be wondering how Arkansas State University’s dorm cost and meal plans compare to other similar schools in terms of pricing, amenities, and overall value for money. To help you answer this question, we have gathered some data from College Board, which is a reliable source of information on college costs and financial aid.

According to College Board data from 2020-21:

• The average cost of a dorm room and a meal plan at public four-year colleges in Arkansas was $9,540 per semester.
• The average cost of a dorm room and a meal plan at public four-year colleges in the South region was $10,521 per semester.
• The average cost of a dorm room and a meal plan at public four-year colleges in the U.S. was $11,620 per semester.

This means that Arkansas State University’s dorm cost and meal plans are lower than the state, regional, and national averages by 66%, 69%, and 74%, respectively. This makes Arkansas State University an affordable option for students who want to live on campus and enjoy the benefits of campus life.

Some of the benefits of living on campus at Arkansas State University are:

• Convenience: You can walk or bike to your classes, dining halls, libraries, and other facilities without worrying about traffic, parking, or commuting costs.
• Community: You can meet new people, make friends, and join clubs and activities that match your interests and goals. You can also access academic and personal support services, such as tutoring, counseling, and health care.
• Safety: You can feel secure and comfortable in a well-maintained and supervised environment, with 24/7 security and emergency response. You can also follow the COVID-19 guidelines and protocols that Arkansas State University has implemented to protect the health and well-being of the campus community.

FAQs

Q: How do I apply for a dorm room at Arkansas State University?

A: To apply for a dorm room at Arkansas State University, you need to complete the online housing application¹ and pay a $250 housing deposit