Average 3.6 increase to take effect next year

Average room and board will cost about $240 more next year.

The Board of Trustees approved this average 3.6 percent increase at its meeting yesterday.

So far, Kent State is proposing the second lowest level of percentage increase among Ohio’s public universities, said David Creamer, vice president for administration. Ohio University plans to raise room and board about 2 percent, but the universities of Miami and Toledo are looking at increases of more than 7 percent.

Trustee Patrick Mullin said this increase is necessary but will still preserve Kent State’s affordability for students.

The university is trying to absorb most of its rising energy costs, rather than pass the responsibility on to students through higher room and board, Creamer said.

The increase is being used to help repay debt from the construction and renovation of residence and dining halls, according to a press release.

Actual fees vary depending on residence hall and meal plan choices, Creamer said, but the average total will increase from $6,640 to $6,880.

— Rachel Abbey