College Board: Higher Ed Dining Contract Costs Jump 6 Pct.

The average cost of resident and dining hall contracts at colleges and universities posted a six percent increase in 2009, according to the College Board, which reported the figure as part of its annual analysis of college prices and financial aid trends. Overall, the total sticker price of a year at a typical university rose by more than $1,000 in 2009, despite a decline over the period in the consumer price cost of living index. The average asking price for all expenses, including tuition, room, board and books rose 5.8%, or $1,062 to $19,388, at public universities for the current academic year. At private colleges the increase was $1,638 (4.4%), to $39,028.