How Much Does It Cost to Live in a Dorm at Ball State University?
If you’re thinking about attending Ball State University, you might be curious about how much it will cost to live in a dorm on campus. Living in a dorm can be a great way to make new friends, participate in campus events, and enjoy the convenience of being close to your classes. But it can also be a significant expense, depending on the type of room and meal plan you choose.
In this post, we’ll break down the dorm room costs at Ball State University, including the different options, features, and prices. We’ll also compare them to other similar schools and give you some tips on how to save money and get the best value for your money. Let’s get started!
The average cost of living in a dorm at Ball State University is $11,144 per semester, which includes housing and food. The price range is from $9,144 to $13,144 per semester, depending on the room type and meal plan.
Dorm Room Options at Ball State University
Ball State University offers a variety of dorm room options for students, ranging from traditional shared rooms to modern apartment-style suites. The dorms are divided into four communities: LaFollette Complex, Johnson Complex, DeHority Complex, and Kinghorn Hall.
Here’s a comparison chart of the different room types, features, and costs per semester:
Room Type | Features | Cost Per Semester |
---|---|---|
LaFollette Double | Shared bedroom in a hall with shared bathroom | $2,431 |
LaFollette Single | Private bedroom in a hall with shared bathroom | $3,431 |
Johnson Double | Shared bedroom in a suite with shared bathroom and common area | $3,431 |
Johnson Single | Private bedroom in a suite with shared bathroom and common area | $4,431 |
DeHority Double | Shared bedroom in a suite with private bathroom and common area | $3,431 |
DeHority Single | Private bedroom in a suite with private bathroom and common area | $4,431 |
Kinghorn Double | Shared bedroom in a suite with private bathroom and common area | $3,431 |
Kinghorn Single | Private bedroom in a suite with private bathroom and common area | $4,431 |
All dorm rooms include utilities (wireless internet, cable TV, and laundry). Some dorms also have additional amenities such as fitness centers, study lounges, game rooms, vending machines, etc.
Meal Plans at Ball State University
In addition to housing costs, students living on campus also need to pay for food. Ball State University offers several meal plans for students to choose from. The meal plans consist of two components: Dining Plus (DP) and Dining Cash (DC).
DP are funds that can be used at any on-campus dining location or select off-campus locations. DP roll over from fall to spring semester but expire at the end of the academic year.
DC are funds that can be used at any on-campus dining location or select off-campus locations. DC roll over from year to year as long as the student is enrolled at Ball State.
The meal plans vary in the amount of DP and DC they provide. Here are the options and costs per semester:
Meal Plan Name | DP Amount | DC Amount | Cost Per Semester |
---|---|---|---|
Cardinal 18 + 300 DP + 100 DC (Required for freshmen) | 18 meals per week + $300 DP + $100 DC | N/A (included) | $3,713 |
Cardinal 14 + 300 DP + 100 DC (Required for freshmen) | 14 meals per week + $300 DP + $100 DC | N/A (included) | $3,713 |
Cardinal 10 + 300 DP + 100 DC (Required for freshmen) | 10 meals per week + $300 DP + $100 DC | N/A (included) | $3,713 |
Cardinal 5 + 300 DP + 100 DC (Required for freshmen) | 5 meals per week + $300 DP + $100 DC | N/A (included) | $3,713 |
Cardinal Block 50 + 300 DP + 100 DC (Optional for upperclassmen) | 50 meals per semester + $300 DP + $100 DC | N/A (included) | $1,569 |
Students can also add more DP or DC to their meal plans at any time. The minimum amount to add is $25.
How Do Dorm Room Costs at Ball State University Compare to Other Schools?
To get a better idea of how dorm room costs at Ball State University compare to other schools, we looked at some similar public universities in the Midwest region. Here are the average costs of housing and food per semester at these schools:
School Name | Housing and Food Cost Per Semester |
---|---|
Indiana University Bloomington | $10,800 |
Purdue University | $10,900 |
Ohio State University | $11,500 |
University of Michigan | $12,000 |
Ball State University | $11,144 |
As you can see, Ball State University is in the middle of the range when it comes to dorm room costs. However, this does not necessarily mean that it is not worth it. Ball State University offers a variety of room types and meal plans to suit different preferences and budgets. It also has a reputation for having high-quality facilities and services, as well as a vibrant and diverse campus culture.
FAQs About Dorm Room Costs at Ball State University
Here are some frequently asked questions about dorm room costs at Ball State University:
Q: How can I save money on dorm room costs at Ball State University?
A: There are a few ways you can save money on dorm room costs at Ball State University. Some of them are:
- Choose a cheaper room type or meal plan. For example, you can opt for a shared room instead of a private one, or a smaller meal plan instead of a larger one.
- Apply for financial aid or scholarships. You may be eligible for grants, loans, or scholarships that can help you cover some or all of your dorm room costs. Check out the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships website for more information.
- Live off campus. If you don’t mind commuting to campus, you may be able to find cheaper housing options off campus. However, you should also factor in the costs of transportation, utilities, groceries, etc.
Q: What are the benefits of living in a dorm at Ball State University?
A: Living in a dorm at Ball State University has many benefits. Some of them are:
- Convenience. You don’t have to worry about finding a place to live, signing a lease, paying bills, etc. You also have easy access to your classes, libraries, dining halls, and other campus resources.
- Community. You get to meet and interact with other students who share your interests, goals, and values. You can also join various clubs, organizations, and events that enrich your college experience.
- Support. You have access to professional and peer staff who can help you with academic, personal, and social issues. You also have access to safety and security services that protect your well-being.
Q: What are the drawbacks of living in a dorm at Ball State University?
A: Living in a dorm at Ball State University also has some drawbacks. Some of them are:
- Cost. As we’ve seen, living in a dorm at Ball State University can be quite expensive compared to other schools or off-campus options.
- Privacy. Depending on the room type you choose, you may have to share your space with one or more roommates. This can limit your privacy and personal space.
- Rules. Living in a dorm means following certain rules and policies set by the university. For example, you may have to abide by quiet hours, visitation hours, alcohol policies, etc.
Conclusion
Living in a dorm at Ball State University can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for students who want to make the most of their college years. However, it can also be a costly one, depending on the type of room and meal plan you choose.
The average cost of living in a dorm at Ball State University is $11,144 per semester, which includes housing and food. The price range is from $9,144 to $13,144 per semester.
If you’re interested in living in a dorm at Ball State University, you should visit the Housing and Residence Life website for more information and application details.
If you’re looking for more tips and advice on how to find the best dorm for your needs and budget, check out DormInfo.com, the ultimate guide to college dorms.
We hope this post was helpful and informative!