For many college students, every penny counts. So, students might not react well when Starbucks Corp. raises its prices next week.

The company announced Monday that prices will be raised by about 11 cents per cup because of increases in sugar and coffee prices.

Debra David, Starbucks barista at the West Ames Hy-Vee, 3800 W. Lincoln Way, said she could see this increase turning customers away.

“Students are penny pinchers,” she said.

Ashlee Helling, David’s co-worker, said the price increase might affect business.

“I think this wasn’t a very good idea with us just getting open,” said Helling, a student at Ames High School. “Business is slow already.”

The Hy-Vee Starbucks is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and the store had fewer than 100 customers by 6 p.m. Tuesday.

The two Ames Starbucks, located in both Hy-Vee stores, opened in June.

Helling said Starbucks that are better established and have a larger seating area and better environment might not feel the impact of the price increase.

David said freestanding Starbucks stores in more populous areas probably won’t be hurt by the increase.

While ordering coffee from the shop Tuesday afternoon, Andy Thom, associate scientist at the Ames Laboratory, said he wasn’t concerned about the price increases.

“They haven’t raised prices in some time,” said Thom, who frequents Starbucks two or three times per week. He said 11 extra cents per cup doesn’t seem extraordinary.

Helling said the store hasn’t told customers about the increase, but said it will probably start notifying them soon.

She said Starbucks distributes a standard price guide, but individual stores can increase the price higher than the recommendations.