Ball State University plans to change its meal plan pricing approach by giving students a series of options. Traditionally, the school charged a single price for all students as part of their standard room and board rate, regardless of how many meals they planned to take in the board dining halls. This school year, the room and board rate is $7,932 for students on the standard housing plan living in a double-occupancy room, of which $4,355 is allocated for dining. On average, students don’t spend between 10 and 30 percent of that amount. Next year, students can opt for anywhere from $7,390 to $8,438 for the standard housing plan, depending on their meal plan preference.