Category: Student finance

According to recent estimates, the monthly food expenses for college students can fluctuate from under $100 to over $400, depending heavily on their living arrangements, access to cooking facilities, and dining habits.

According to a 2025 study by the student loan agency ELFI, the average student pays $5,656 annually for a meal plan. This statistic immediately dispels the myth that college meal plans are free, revealing them as a significant and often mandatory part of the college experience for many students.