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Are you planning to attend Washington State University (WSU) and looking for the best housing option for your budget and lifestyle? If so, you might be interested in learning more about the dorm costs at WSU and how they compare to other colleges. In this post, we will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the dorm room options, meal plans, and pricing at WSU, as well as some frequently asked questions and tips to help you make an informed decision.
WSU dorm costs range from $3,709 to $5,820 per semester, depending on the room type and location. WSU meal plans cost between $2,015 and $2,580 per semester, depending on the dining account level. WSU dorm costs are competitive with similar schools and offer great value for money.
WSU Dorm Room Options
WSU offers 14 residence halls with various room types, features, and amenities to suit different preferences and needs. The residence halls are divided into three neighborhoods: Hillside, Southside, and Northside. Each neighborhood has its own dining center, convenience store, laundry facility, and common areas. Some residence halls also have special interest programs or living-learning communities that cater to specific academic or personal interests.
The table below summarizes the main features and costs of each room type at WSU. The prices are per semester and include utilities, internet access, cable TV, and streaming services.
| Room Type | Features | Cost Per Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Single | One bed, one desk, one closet, one dresser per person | $4,009 – $5,820 |
| Double | Two beds, two desks, two closets, two dressers per room | $3,709 – $5,458 |
| Single Suite | One bed, one desk, one closet, one dresser per person; shared bathroom with another single room | $5,520 – $5,820 |
| Double Suite | Two beds, two desks, two closets, two dressers per room; shared bathroom with another double room | $4,752 – $5,458 |
WSU Meal Plans
WSU offers three dining account levels for students living in the residence halls. Each level has a base fee of $935 and a balance of dining dollars that can be used to purchase food and beverages at any of the dining locations on campus. Dining dollars work like a prepaid debit card and offer discounts of 40% at the dining centers and 10% at the espresso bars, Freshens, Carlita’s, and Einstein’s Bros. Bagels.
The table below shows the different dining account levels and their costs per semester.
| Dining Account Level | Base Fee | Dining Dollars | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | $935 | $1,080 | $2,015 |
| Level 2 | $935 | $1,390 | $2,325 |
| Level 3 | $935 | $1,645 | $2,580 |
WSU Dorm Cost Comparison
How do WSU dorm costs compare to other similar schools? To answer this question, we looked at the average cost of room and board for four-year public universities in Washington state and the Pacific-12 Conference (Pac-12), which is the athletic conference that WSU belongs to. The data is from the 2020-2021 academic year and is based on a double occupancy room and a standard meal plan.
The table below shows the comparison results.
| School | Location | Average Cost of Room and Board |
|---|---|---|
| Washington State University (WSU) | Pullman, WA | $11,590 |
| University of Washington (UW) | Seattle, WA | $14,016 |
| Western Washington University (WWU) | Bellingham, WA | $11,982 |
| Eastern Washington University (EWU) | Cheney, WA | $10,860 |
| Central Washington University (CWU) | Ellensburg, WA | $10,800 |
| The Evergreen State College (TESC) | Olympia, WA | $11,340 |
| University of Oregon (UO) | Eugene, OR | $13,551 |
| Oregon State University (OSU) | Corvallis, OR | $13,017 |
| University of California Berkeley (UCB) | Berkeley, CA | $18,178 |
| University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) | Los Angeles , CA | $16.873 |
| Stanford University (SU) | Stanford , CA | $17.255 |
| University of Southern California (USC) | Los Angeles , CA | $16,847 |
| University of Arizona (UA) | Tucson, AZ | $13,950 |
| Arizona State University (ASU) | Tempe, AZ | $13,510 |
| University of Colorado Boulder (UCB) | Boulder, CO | $14,766 |
| University of Utah (UU) | Salt Lake City, UT | $11,198 |
As you can see, WSU dorm costs are on the lower end of the spectrum compared to other schools in Washington state and the Pac-12. WSU dorm costs are also below the national average of $12,990 for public four-year colleges. This means that WSU offers great value for money for students who want to live on campus and enjoy the benefits of a vibrant and supportive community.
FAQs
Q: How can I apply for WSU dorms?
A: To apply for WSU dorms, you need to complete the following steps:
- Agree to the housing contract and submit an initial payment of $400. This fee will be applied to your housing costs in the fall. If you are expecting to receive a financial aid award of $15,000 or more, you can use your award to cover the payment.
- Indicate your hall and room-type preferences, request a roommate, and fill out a roommate questionnaire. You can do this online in the spring after you submit your housing contract.
- Check your housing placement online by June 3 if you apply before the priority date of May 1. After June 3, housing placements will be posted prior to your New Coug Orientation session.
Q: Can I change my dorm room or meal plan?
A: Yes, you can change your dorm room or meal plan under certain conditions. For dorm rooms, you can request a room change during the first two weeks of each semester or during designated room change periods. You can also swap rooms with another student who agrees to the swap. For meal plans, you can change to a different level until the eighth week of classes. You can do this online or by visiting the Housing Services office.
Conclusion
WSU dorm costs are affordable and competitive with other similar schools. WSU offers a variety of dorm room options and meal plans to suit different needs and preferences. WSU dorms also provide a great opportunity to connect with other students, access academic and social resources, and enjoy campus life. If you are interested in living on campus at WSU, you can apply online at housing.wsu.edu. For more information about WSU dorms and other aspects of college life, visit DormInfo.com.
