Likewise the format used at UW-Madison costs a lot less than in many other places. A la carte since my days eons ago it has a format where as much or little as one wants can be spent. Plus, anyone can eat in the Res Halls facilities, something open from early morning to late at night. The food is varied and often locally sourced (including on campus). Dorm residents pay less and also have a supplied refrigerator in each room and can have one microwave per room. The annual costs put out by UW include the average spent in the low $1000 range. This does not include food brought in or outside eating. Restaurant prices are not high in the campus area although the nearby grocery stores are more expensive than further away (but food prices are much lower than in other regions of the country). The light eaters do not subsidize those who eat most, missing a meal paid for does not happen. No profits to outside concerns- not a money losing/making operation.