The room and board graph helps explain why many students might choose an alternative living situation over paying room and board at a four year institution. Which reason is supported?

• A. Because on-campus housing is always available.
• B. Because room and board is included in tuition.
• C. Because room and board can be expensive.
• D. Because living costs are negligible.

Answer: (C)

Understanding how expenses influence housing choices is key. The room and board graph shows that housing and meals can be a large, recurring part of the total cost of attending a four-year school. When those costs are high, students look for cheaper living arrangements to keep overall expenses down, such as living off campus, living with family, or choosing a school with lower living costs. That’s why the idea that room and board can be expensive is supported by the graph—the cost signal it provides helps explain why alternative living situations might be chosen. The other options don’t fit as well because on-campus housing isn’t always guaranteed to be available, room and board isn’t universally included in tuition, and living costs are not negligible for most students.