Assignment 4
To understand the "Coffee Economy" of 2026, we have to look past the simple price tag. For a student today, a four-year caffeine habit is no longer a minor indulgence; it is a significant financial commitment that rivals other major university costs. As of March 2026 , here is the detailed breakdown of how the coffee market has shifted and its impact on the average student budget. 1. The 4-Year Cost Projection (2022–2026) A student who began their degree in late 2022 and is graduating this year has witnessed some of the most aggressive price hikes in the history of the beverage. Academic Year Avg. Daily Cup (Lattes/Cold Brew) Weekly Spend Cumulative Year Total Freshman (2022-23) $4.50 $31.50 $1,642 Sophomore (2023-24) $5.15 $36.05 $1,874 Junior (2024-25) $5.65 $39.55 $2,056 Senior (2025-26) $5.95 $41.65 $2,165 4-YEAR TOTAL — — $7,737 Context: This total exceeds the average cost of t...