Oct. 4—Students at Wellesley College currently pay $6,418 per year for their meal plan, making it the most expensive meal plan when compared to Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston College, Boston University, Tufts University, Brandeis University and Barnard College. Although many Wellesley students defended the meal plan, expressing satisfaction with the variety, nutritional value and culture which the dining halls offer, a recent poll conducted by the Wellesley News indicates that many are also unsatisfied with the cost.
Unlike other colleges and universities, Wellesley offers one unlimited meal plan, which students are required to purchase for all four years. Students who live in off-campus housing or a co-op, such as the Sustainability Co-op, may choose to opt out of the meal plan. In contrast, both MIT and Boston College use a “swipe” system and offer a variety of limited meal plans, allowing students to purchase between 14 and 19 meals per week in order to cut down on costs.