Room and Board Meaning: What is Room and Board in College?

When your child compiles a college list, you’ll discover that the cost analysis sheet contains many line items. Besides tuition, room and board will almost always climb to the top of the expense list. 

But what is the meaning of room and board? Put simply, it’s a fancy term for “food” and “shelter.” 

In this article, we’ll look at room and board meaning, what these costs include, the differences between various types of colleges, and how to distinguish between types of room and board. We’ll also help you put together a plan to pay for it. Read on to learn how room and board costs factor into a college education so both you and your child know what to expect.

Understanding Room and Board in College

What does room and board mean, or more specifically, what does room and board mean in college?

“Room and board” means living accommodations and dining services. “Room” is defined as the physical area and “board” is food. These necessities help students achieve the basics — food and shelter, which is vital for learners’ comfort and an optimal learning environment.

Defining “Room” in Room and Board

Colleges provide many options for where students may live, including typical dormitory-style living and living in apartment-like structures. They all differ in terms of price and services offered.

Some common types of housing options include:

• Dormitory rooms: The most usual choice of accommodation, rooms in the dormitories usually have a bed, a desk, and perhaps drawers or a closet. They may have several rooms grouped together with a bathroom or two or more bathrooms on every floor.
• Suite-style rooms: Suite-style rooms are more private and may cost more. Suite-style rooms typically contain a small lobby and bathrooms located within each suite.
• Apartment-style housing: Colleges may include apartment-style housing equipped with a kitchen, dining hall and private bathrooms. This option provides more freedom since students may cook if they want. This housing type may also cost more.

In dorms, students likely have the option to live in a single room (private occupancy) or multiple occupancy in a single room (two people). Many schools also have triple or quad rooms, which usually costs less. Most schools provide beds, desks, closet space and shelving for single rooms, double rooms, triple and quad rooms.

Defining “Board” in Room and Board

What does board mean in room and board?

The “board” part of room and board relates to meal services, or college campus meal plans. Meal plans offer a fixed number of meals in a week, typically in an all-you-can-eat format. These plans offer more choices and ensure that learners have plenty of options, including dietary-friendly options. 

Most meal plans are designed to suit different student lifestyles and budgets. Common types include unlimited plans, which allow for unrestricted access to dining halls; block plans, which offer a set number of meals per semester (such as 75 meals or so), and weekly plans (which provide a specific number of meals per week (such as 14 meals). 

Each meal at a dining hall usually requires a “meal swipe.” Some plans allow swipes to be used at on-campus retail locations for a set dollar amount (e.g., $7 for a sandwich and drink).

Some schools add in “dining dollars” or “flex bucks”: additional funds included with many meal plans or purchased separately. They work like a debit system for snacks, coffee or meals at campus cafes and convenience stores. Unlike swipes, dining dollars often roll over semester to semester (but may expire at the end of the academic year).

Some plans partner with off-campus restaurants, letting students use swipes or dining dollars at select locations. Delivery or take-out options may also be included, depending on the school. Many plans also include guest passes.

Students can choose from various eating locations, including:

• Dining halls: Dining halls are typically the most common for individuals, usually associated with a buffet concept. Swipes can typically be used during designated meal times for buffet-style or pre-set menus.
• Campus cafes and eateries: Other traditional meal plans may allow for credits at other eating establishments on campus such as coffee houses and snack bars to improve the range of foods available to students.

The number of choices ranges greatly depending on the size of the school: bigger schools typically have more varied cafeterias as well as more varied menus.

Why Room and Board Are Important Components of College Costs

Food and shelter offer students the ability to have their basic needs met, with the ability to focus on studying and co-curricular activities, especially for first-time college students who learn to navigate college and be close to classes, libraries and other studying resources.

More importantly, residing in dormitories is convenient as it encourages social life. The student housing policy lets students engage lifestyles, share properties, and make friends more freely as compared to off-campus residents. Room and board aid those aspects of college: academic and social/personal.

However, room and board fees are a little broader than just a room, plus three meals a day. They also include a line of other services and facilities:

• Utilities (electricity, water, heating, air conditioning)
• Wi-Fi and internet access
• Shared or private bathrooms
• Laundry facilities
• On-site security and/or keycard access
• Maintenance and repair services
• Common areas (lounges, study rooms, recreational spaces)
• Kitchen or kitchenette access
• Mail and package delivery services
• Campus meal plan options
• Access to fitness centers or recreational facilities
• Cable TV or streaming services (sometimes included)
• Parking (may require additional payment)
• Resident advisor (RA) support and programming
• Maintenance and security

Average Costs of Room and Board in College

Because of this, room and board depends on the particular college a student attends, its geographic location, and the type of housing accommodation. Here are some averages based on national figures:

• Public two-year in-district colleges: $9,610
• Public four-year in-state colleges: $12,310
• Public four-year out-of-state colleges: $12,310
• Private nonprofit four-year institutions: $14,030

Most colleges and universities break down the cost on their website so it looks something like this: 

College or University X
Tuition and Fees	$22,478
Room and Board	$10,010
Books	$1,200
TOTAL	$33,688

Concerning the cost ranges, facilities in high-priced cities may cost more in terms of housing, while apartment-based residence halls are even more costly than normal residence halls. Research the average costs at your child’s colleges of choice to learn more.

Factors Influencing Room and Board Costs

Several factors impact room and board costs:

1. College location: Typically, you’ll pay more for room and board in large cities. In most cases, you’ll pay more for room and board at a school in Los Angeles compared to Nebraska.
2. Housing type: Single rooms in dormitories and apartment-style living may cost more than double occupancy in residence halls.
3. Meal plan selection: Choosing a larger meal plan (more meals per week) will likely cost more than choosing a smaller meal plan (fewer meals per week), but it depends on the institution. Check to learn more about the costs.
4. Campus resources and facilities: While state-of-the-art campus resources and facilities, such as research labs or upgraded housing, can enhance the student experience, they often come with higher costs. Weigh the value of these amenities against your child’s needs and long-term goals. Discussing whether these features are truly beneficial or necessary can help ensure that tuition and fees align with your family’s budget and priorities.
5. Amenities: Some institutions offer high-end amenities, like state-of-the-art fitness centers (including yoga studios, climbing walls and virtual training rooms!) which may mean more costs passed onto your child. 

Comparing Costs Between Public vs. Private Colleges

Tuition fees may vary by institution type, but so can room and board costs. In-state tuition may be cheaper in public colleges, while private colleges charge high fees for accommodation since they do not have government subsidies like their counterparts. 

However, your child may prefer off-campus accommodation in their last two or last year of college, which may save money. However, off-campus cost implies paying for rent, utilities, internet, groceries and all other expenses.

At public institutions, room and board costs are typically more affordable, with standard dormitories and dining options. However, some campuses may offer luxury housing or upgraded meal plans, increasing costs.

At private institutions, room and board may cost more, reflecting high-end housing options like suite-style living or apartment-style accommodations. Dining plans may include gourmet or specialized menus, which can add to expenses, but not always. The variation largely depends on the location, level of amenities offered, and whether colleges use higher-quality services to attract students.

How Are Room and Board Charges Billed?

Students will receive a bill, which includes room and board, prior to the first semester. Most parents or students will see a breakdown of the fee structure, including the room type and meal plan of your choice. 

Your child’s room and board will likely be embedded in your final costs. For example, the total cost for the semester may be $25,000, and within that amount, housing and food may cost $15,000. 

Most institutions offer payment plan options, but billing cycles vary from college to college, so check into the final costs.

Learn more: What Does Room and Board Include During College and What Does it Cost? 

How to Make Room and Board More Affordable

Tuition and fees alone still comprise a good chunk of college expenses, but you can do a few things to make it less expensive. Read on for more information about how to shrink room and board costs.

How to Pay for Room and Board

Parents and students have a few primary options for covering room and board expenses:

• Direct payment: You can pay for room and board in full prior to each semester or term. 
• 529 college savings plan: It’s time to tap into that college savings plan! College savings plans, such as 529 plans, are tax-advantaged accounts designed to help families save for education expenses. Contributions grow tax-free, and withdrawals are not taxed if used for qualified expenses like tuition, room and board, books, or supplies. Many states offer additional tax benefits for residents who invest in their state-sponsored plan.
• Student employment: Many students choose to work at off-campus jobs during school, such as as a retail associate, food service worker, grocery store cashier or stocker, babysitter or nanny, tutor, delivery driver, administrative assistant or another job off campus to pay for school expenses like room and board.

Learn more about payment accommodations and other ways to pay for college through your child’s college bursar’s office.

Financial Aid Options to Help Cover Room and Board Costs

Financial aid may also cover room and board costs, and it can come in the following forms:

• Scholarships: Scholarships are available for room and board, and the majority of them are awarded according to merit or need.
• Federal and state grants: These awards are normally need-based awards and can usually be applied to the full costs of college.
• Student loans: Students may also pay for room and board with the help of the Federal Direct subsidized and unsubsidized loans for students. They may also apply for private loans as well, which require a cosigner and do not come with the same repayment options as federal student loans or Parent PLUS loans.
• Work-study programs: Work-study programs enable learners to work at institutional jobs. (Note that you’re limited to the amount you’ll be able to earn through work-study, however.)

Check with the financial aid office at your child’s top-choice institutions to learn more about your options for paying for room and board, including student loans. Learn more about private vs. federal student loans for college.

Learn more about how to handle a disappointing financial aid award.

Tips for Reducing Room and Board Expenses

Families can do things that would decrease the overall price of room and board. Here are some practical tips:

• Choose a more modest meal plan: Most colleges let students alter their meal plans during the course of a semester, so a student may sign up for a minimum plan at the start, with the intent of switching to a maximum plan after a few weeks if they need a larger meal plan.
• Consider resident advisor (RA) positions: A number of colleges provide resident assistants (RAs) with reduced room and board costs.
• Explore off-campus housing options: Off-campus living usually costs less, especially when your child divides costs among several occupants.

Learn more: How to Get In-State Tuition When You Live Out of State 

Is it Cheaper to Live Off Campus?

In most states, average on-campus housing prices are less than the average rent paid by 18-to-24-year-olds, according to the Urban Institute.

Location also matters. Naturally, urban areas are more expensive to rent in than rural areas. In addition, it may be more expensive to live near a college campus instead of a neighborhood off the beaten path. Here are some common apartment rental fees your child is likely to pay, in addition to utilities like electricity, water, garbage, sewer, internet, cable and more:  

• Application fee
• Security deposit
• Pet fee
• Administrative fees

If your child rents with several roommates, living off-campus may be more affordable, especially if your child splits these expenses with roommates. Buying food at the grocery store (while a big time drain) can also be a lot cheaper than paying for board, especially if you have a low-maintenance eater. 

The only way to figure it all out is to round up some numbers. Call a few known apartment buildings in the area and find out how much it costs to rent them. Find out what utilities cost flush out a number that makes sense.

Planning for Room and Board: Budgeting for the Full College Experience

Don’t think of college as just the cost of tuition — it includes more than that. Accommodation and meals can cost more, so consider them in advance. Parents can prepare themselves by opening a college savings account, searching for scholarships, and walking through finances with your student. 

Have these conversations to avoid making poor financial decisions about the costs of college (and teach budgeting skills!). Planning ahead can help you in the long run.

FAQs

What does room and board in college mean?

“Room and board,” or room and boarding meaning, is a fancy way to refer to food and housing at college and universities. Room and board costs at colleges and universities vary from school to school, so it’s important to dive into the exact costs so you get an idea of how much you’ll pay per institution. Contact the financial aid office at each school on your list so you’ll get an idea of the costs for the schools on your child’s list.

How much is room and board at most colleges?

It depends on the type of school. Public two-year in-district colleges typically cost $9,610, public four-year in-state colleges cost $12,310, public four-year out-of-state colleges cost $12,310, and private nonprofit four-year institutions cost $14,030. The average cost of all of these is $12,065.

Does the term room and board include food?

Yes, in room and board, what does board mean? It’s confusing isn’t it? The “board” part of “room and board” includes the food you’ll prepay for at college, or more specifically, the meal plan your student will receive. There are many different types of meal plans available for students, so it’s in your best interest to do a lot of research and test out the different options at colleges and universities!