3% Increase in Housing and Meal Plans at Sul Ross

© Sul Ross State University

By: Viviana Sanchez, Skyline Copy-Chief

ALPINE- The Texas State University System Board of Regents is proposing a 3% increase in both housing and meal  plan rates beginning Fall 2026, after 3.6 and 6% increases in 2025, which could prove a financial burden to many students in insecure economic times. 

 Landon Velasco, a Sul Ross student in his second semester living in Fletcher Hall, said this increase could impact how students' budget.  

“I’m trying to become an RA partly because of the cost,” Landon said. “Housing keeps going up, and student are already trying to find ways to make it affordable.”  

Velasco also raised concerns about security and maintenance in the residence halls.  

“If the university is going to increase housing prices, they need to make sure the buildings are secure,” Landon said. “Right now, there are doors propped open and broken windows, and people who don’t live here can sometimes get inside.”  

The proposal says residence hall rates will increase by 3% across several housing options. 

The Lobo Village Residence Halls rate for Fall and Spring will increase from the current $3,677 per semester to $3,787, a $110 increase. For the Summer semester, the rate would increase from $1,168 to $1,203, an increase of $35. 

Double occupancy rooms in Fletcher Hall will see the fall and spring semesters' rates rise from $2,061 to $2,123. Summer housing rates for Fletcher Hall would rise from $675 to $695.  

The apartment-style housing on campus will also see changes. Lobo Village Efficiency apartments will increase from $873 to $899 per month, and the Lobo Pack Apartments will change from $1,062 to $1,094 per month. 

According to TSUS materials, the increase reflects the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and a growing increase in maintenance and postponed maintenance costs. Documents also state that the increase in funding will help expand housing options for future planned projects.  

Meal plans are also slated for a 3.5% increase; all plans will now be over $2,000.  

• 7 Day/20 Meals plan with $120 in Lobo Bucks would increase from $2,048 to $2,120 

• 7 Day/16 Meals plan with $120 in Lobo Bucks would increase from $1,981 to $2050.  

• The 200 Meals plan with $200 in Lobo Bucks would rise from $2,075 to $2,148. 

The materials state that the adjustments are tied to CPI under the university's contract with Aramark. Meal plans last saw an increase of 3.6 in the fall of 2025.