Laundry Costs and Equipment Issues at Cornell University

This article summarizes reporting originally published by The Cornell Daily Sun.

A Cornell Daily Sun report examines concerns among North Campus residents about the cost and reliability of campus laundry machines.

The Affordability Question

First-year students at Cornell pay approximately $12,000 per year for a double room. Despite this housing fee, laundry is not included. Residents must pay per load to use washers and dryers in their residential buildings.

Students expressed the view that campus laundry should be covered by the housing fee, given its size. The additional per-load cost, combined with machine malfunctions that can waste money without completing a cycle, adds to the concern.

Malfunctioning Equipment

Beyond the cost structure, students reported machines that accept payment but fail to complete cycles properly. Loads come out still dirty or still wet, requiring a second paid cycle. For students already managing tuition, meal plans, and other expenses, these unpredictable costs are a meaningful financial burden.

The Cornell Daily Sun noted that first-year students adapting to the independence of college life found the laundry system "unnecessarily difficult" due to the combination of unreliable equipment and additional fees.

Why It Matters

The Cornell case raises a question that many universities are navigating: at what price point should basic services like laundry be included in room fees? As housing costs continue to rise at universities nationwide, students increasingly expect that essential amenities are part of what they are already paying for. Aligning service models with student expectations is an evolving consideration for housing programs.