WUFLATION: Rising Costs of On-Campus Food
In early 2024, Duke Student Government (DSG) surveyed over 300 students to better understand how rising on-campus food prices are affecting daily life, eating habits, and financial well-being.
Who Took the Survey?
- 38% lived on East Campus, 45% on West Campus, and 13% off campus.
- 46% receive financial aid, and one in four identified as low-income.
- The survey ran from February 8 to March 3, collecting 315 complete responses.
Key Findings
1. The $5 Daily Devil Deal is No Longer a Meal
Before Fall 2022, 35% of students relied on the Daily Devil Deal as a full meal.
Now, 78% say it’s no longer enough food to count as one—a shift felt equally across income levels.
Students noted that portion sizes have shrunk while prices have climbed:
“The prices wouldn’t be so bad if we consistently got large portions… There’s no guarantee even a $12 bowl is a full meal.”
2. Price Directly Shapes Eating Habits
An overwhelming 93% of respondents said prices at West Union affect what they eat.
And 87% agreed that the cost of healthy food options affects their ability to eat well.
“It’s not just inflation—it’s that affordable options keep disappearing.”
3. On-Campus Groceries Are Out of Reach
75% of students said they can’t find affordable groceries at the Duke University Store.
More than 80% said they cannot find affordable produce like fruits, eggs, or vegetables on campus.
Students praised efforts like the Blue Devil Market, which saw 550 attendees in its first event, but emphasized the need for more consistent access to affordable, healthy foods.
4. Meal Plans Fall Short
Across all plans, two-thirds of students expect to run out of food points before the semester ends.
Among low-income students, 66% said their meal plan doesn’t cover what it’s meant to.
Many students budget by skipping meals or replacing them with snacks:
“I often skip lunch to make sure I don’t run out of points.”
“I lost 20 pounds since coming to Duke because I can’t afford to eat enough.”
5. Students Staying on Campus During Breaks Are Most Affected
Nearly one in three low-income students stays on campus during breaks—more than double the rate of higher-income peers.
Of those students, two-thirds said this is why they run out of food points early.
The Emotional and Health Impact
Dozens of students shared that food insecurity has affected their mental and physical well-being.
Some described restrictive eating patterns, stress about budgeting meals, and worsening body image issues.
“Having to think about restricting food for the sake of budgeting makes it really hard to recover from an eating disorder.”
“I struggle to prioritize my health when every meal feels like a financial decision.”
Looking Ahead: What Students Want
Based on the data, DSG recommends:
- Recalibrating meal plans to reflect higher food costs (average meals now cost $12+).
- Providing a temporary food point stimulus for students running low at semester’s end.
- Increasing first-year breakfast equivalency and expanding its use.
- Bringing affordable produce and healthy snacks to more campus locations.
- Improving microwave access for students preparing their own food.
Bottom Line
The WUflation survey shows that food affordability is not just a low-income issue—it affects nearly all students. Rising prices are pushing many to skip meals, choose less healthy options, or leave campus to eat. Students are calling for a dining system that meets real nutritional and financial needs.
Airport Transportation: Demonstrated Need
In April 2024, Duke’s Parking & Transportation team conducted a campus-wide Airport Transportation Pilot Survey to understand how students currently travel to and from the airport during university breaks — and whether there’s demand for a Duke-sponsored shuttle or rideshare support program.
How Students Get to the Airport Today
Most students rely on costly and inconsistent travel options:
- 52% use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft
- 28% rely on rides from friends
- 15% drive and pay for parking at the airport
- Only a handful have alternative arrangements or drive home within North Carolina
“An Uber to RDU is like $50 and I do not have the budget for that.”
“WHY DO WE NOT HAVE AN AIRPORT SHUTTLE FOR BREAKS??? Do you know how much I’ve wasted as a low-income student?”
The Cost Adds Up
Most rideshare trips cost between $30–$40, with many paying $50 or more during peak travel times
Few students share rides — one-third travel alone, while another third split the fare with just one other person
“It can take so long on days when lots of Duke students are commuting back.”
What Students Want from Duke
Students overwhelmingly support a university-organized solution.
When asked what they’d use if Duke implemented airport transportation:
- 50% want Duke to subsidize rideshare costs
- 48% want dedicated bus or van services
- Only 2% suggested other options
“Other universities provide busing — UNC and Elon do this.”
“A bus service running every hour before and after breaks would be amazing.”
“Make sure there’s enough capacity. Let students sign up so it’s well organized.”
What Students Are Saying
Feedback across hundreds of open responses painted a consistent picture:
- Equity and affordability were top concerns for low-income students.
- Convenience and reliability were priorities for those traveling on tight schedules.
- Many expressed frustration that peer institutions already offer airport shuttles, while Duke does not.
“It’s very expensive and an unnecessary cost for low-income students.”
“Please implement this — it would make a huge difference.”
“My high school even had airport buses. Frankly, I’m shocked Duke doesn’t.”
The Takeaway
There is strong student demand for affordable, university-supported airport transportation — especially during peak travel times before and after academic breaks.
A shuttle or rideshare subsidy program would not only save students money but also improve accessibility, equity, and campus sustainability by reducing individual car trips.