My son just graduated from college this weekend. His annual room and board costs were probably around 12k annually. He attended Binghamton and lived on campus the first year. He lived off campus the other three years.
There is wide variation in what students pay for room and board, depending on many factors. Much of it depends on a student’s lifestyle.
As a freshman on campus, my son’s dorm was new and frankly, luxurious, compared to many dorms I’ve seen at other universities and colleges. Two full bathrooms were shared by 5 guys in a suite. Son chose the second most expensive dining option.
Once he started renting, his apartments were in the $700 a month region. Many friends were in much more expensive accommodation.
My son prepares most of his own food, and even within his shared apartments, several of his roommates eat takeout all the time.
My daughter attended Bates, where nearly all students live on campus all four years and there were no tiers of dining options. Her room and board costs were, if I recall, about $14, 000 a year.
I believe costs will vary much more at larger universities, where there are so many differences in housing and food options. Much depends on the student and their lifestyle.