University Communications and Marketing

MSU Billings puts students first by reducing housing cost by 20%

Changes made to housing and dining offerings based on student feedback and local analysis

University Communications and Marketing, 657-2266

MSU BILLINGS NEWS—Montana State University Billings is introducing new housing and dining options for upcoming semesters. Student feedback and local market research helped drive these changes. The Montana Board of Regents at the Tuesday, January 8 meeting considered and approved the housing pricing changes as part of a pilot. Changes include a 20 percent drop in pricing for resident hall rooms, a flexible “extended stay” program, and new dining opportunities in Rimrock Café.

Commented Chancellor Dan Edelman, “MSU Billings is committed to putting students first. After discussions with students and analysis of the local market, it was clear we need to adjust our housing and dining options to be more price competitive and attractive to our current and prospective students. We are appreciative of the Montana Board of Regents’ support with this pilot.”

The most significant announcement was that residential hall room pricing was being reduced 20% starting with the fall 2019 semester. The semester cost of a double room will now be $1780 and a single room will now be $2172. The initial application fee to secure a room for returning residence hall students is also being waived.

Spring 2019 semester will introduce a pilot, late-night dining opportunity for students. Beginning on Jan. 14, the Rimrock Café will be open for additional hours Monday through Thursday from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Also that semester, the residence halls’ Extended Stay Program is being launched to allow students who need a room on campus to stay in the residence halls for a night, a week, or longer. The daily rate for the program is $34, while the weekly rate is $200.

New meal plans and blocks will also be offered to students starting fall 2019 semester. The Extended Stay Program will also continue into that semester.

Added Edelman, “Looking to the future, the university is also looking at plans and funding options to modernize residential halls for students.”