Some programs don't have this. When I interviewed for IM, almost every place had a free dinner the night before. For medicine subspecialties, it was at least 50% that had nothing the night before. Also, I never got my hotel paid for during fellowship interviews, but for a small number of IM residencies (the less competitive ones) I got a free hotel room. I think it does have to do with level of competitiveness, particularly for the free hotel rooms. Why would Harvard dermatology program pay for someone to come stay in a hotel in Boston when they have people beating down the doors to get a spot? On the other had, if you are regional branch U of the Midwest family practice program, you are going to do whatever you possibly can to recruit qualified applicants.