The White House has instructed the Federal Trade Commission to prevent universities retaining unused meal plan payments. The initiative is a component of a campaign against “junk fees” and other forms of exploitation of university students (and their parents) including charging for books as a component of tuition fees. A White House statement noted, “Students incur billions in fees or additional unseen costs for unused meal account funds, using a college-sponsored credit card or
banking account, paying for textbooks or taking out a loan.” The statement also criticized the lack of transparency displayed by Universities in withholding information that would allow students to opt out of certain fees.
![](http://www.Egg-News.com/images/Post_Images/15294image.jpg)
The intention to limit “junk fees” also extends to restaurants and hotels that in some jurisdictions are required to clearly state service fees and to restrict imposition of charges without a specific explanation and express agreement by the patron.