Vending machine costs for most items have remained the same since approximately 2003-04, but Ball State and its vending machine contractor, AVI Foodsystems Inc., agreed that prices should increase because of inflation and other economic factors, said Leisa Julian, the university's director of finance legal affairs.

"Our contract provides that the university and the vending company can review pricing each semester," Julian said. "Changes may be made when they are requested in writing from the provider and approved by the university. But our provider has not asked for any increase in most cases since 2004."

However, AVI requested price hikes recently because it is experiencing increasing costs for fuel and products, she said.

"When you consider the amount of time since the prices have increased, we thought it was a reasonable request," she said.

In addition, Julian said the increases were fair as well. A breakdown of the costs follows:

• 20-ounce bottled soft drinks and bottled water had been $1 since May 2003. They will increase to $1.25.
• 20-ounce bottled sport drinks had been $1.25 since May 2003. They will increase to $1.50.
• 12-ounce canned soft drinks had been 65 cents since September 2004 and will increase to 75 cents.
• 8-ounce milk had been 60 cents since June 2004. It will increase to 75 cents.
• Candy, cookies and crackers had been 65 cents since September 2004. They will increase to 75 cents.
• Gum and mints had been 50 cents since September 2004. They will increase to 55 cents.
• Regular-sized snacks had been 60 cents since September 2004. They will increase to 70 cents.
• Large single-serve snacks had been 80 cents from September 2004. They will increase to 90 cents.
• Microwave popcorn had been 80 cents since May 2003. It will increase to $1,
• Pastries had been 85 cents since September 2004 and will increase to $1.