<p>^^^Those food prices, which are significantly less than the $4500 listed in the chart, are not taking into account the “bulk rate” a family would be paying. The generally better value of larger sized products can be purchased because the food is less likely to spoil. As far food eaten away from home, there’s no reason a commuter can’t pack a lunch. The bottom line is that commuting to college can be as cheap or as expensive as a family wishes to make it. But a kid who costs his parents 4500 bucks in room and board alone is living like a king (and wasting a lot of power). 
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