Report: KU student housing costs are nearly 20 percent below national average

LAWRENCE -- The University of Kansas continues to offer one of the best student housing values in the country, with rates nearly 20 percent below the national average for public universities and a full third less than private universities, according to a new report issued this week.

The Trends in College Pricing report by the College Board shows that KU residence hall students pay $1,120 less a year than the national average of $5,942 for public universities and $2,322 less than the national average for private universities.

"We're happy to offer our residents such a good value for the dollar," said Ken Stoner, director of KU Student Housing. "Not only is student housing affordable, it offers students a vibrant, inclusive and secure environment. Our residents have lots of activities and can focus on their studies -- and not worry about the everyday hassles like shopping, cooking and collecting rent from roommates."

KU students pay $4,822 a year for the traditional shared residence hall room and a 19-meals-a-week plan. The national average is $5,942 for public university students and $7,144 for private university students.

The College Board report is available online.

For more information about KU student housing, click here.

The university's coeducational residence hall system offers three styles of suites that feature living rooms, restrooms with vanity sinks, walk-in closets, a snack area with sink and counter, and hookups for cable TV, telephone and Internet access. Students can connect directly to high-speed Internet service without tying up their phone lines.

The Ekdahl Dining Commons, known on campus as "Mrs. E's," is a three-level dining area with wrap-around windows and a spectacular view of campus. It features "food court style" service that offers eight to 10 entrees a day, including pasta, salads, sandwiches, pizza and grilled items.

About 3,600 students live in KU's residence halls.

Other popular student housing options at KU include 10 scholarship halls, the Jayhawker Tower apartments and the Stouffer Place family housing complex.