Meal Plan Comparison
LionCash+
Recommended option for off-campus students who like to eat on campus and want the ability to use the plan at participating off-campus restaurants.
- Flexibility to use at any on-campus dining location, as well as many off-campus businesses
- Discounts at select on- and off-campus locations
- Convenience of cash-free purchasing with the Penn State id+ Card
Commuter Meal Plan
Recommended option for off-campus students who like to eat on campus, but need to charge the plan to the Bursar account (available for purchase before September 30 for fall and before February 28 for spring).
- Flexibility to use at any on-campus dining location
- Discounts at select on-campus dining locations
- Convenience of cash-free purchasing with the Penn State id+ Card
- Ability to charge the Bursar account; funds will be activated when the student is in registered status
Campus Meal Plan
Recommended option for off-campus students who eat 14 or more meals each week at the dining commons; required for students living on campus.
- Flexibility to use at any on-campus dining location
- Ultimate value at the all-you-care-to-eat dining commons and residential retail locations
- Convenience of cash-free purchasing with the Penn State id+ Card
- Ability to charge the Bursar account; funds will be activated when the student is in registered status
Meal Plan Comparison Chart: 2019-2020
| Question | LionCash+ | Commuter Meal Plan | Campus Meal Plan** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Is there a base cost? | No | No | Yes $1,415 per semester (2019-2020 rate) |
| Where are the meal plan costs? | Based on amount deposited | Level 1: $500 Level 2: $1,000 |
Level 1: $2,070/semester Level 2: $2,399/semester Level 3: $2,665/semester (Amount includes base cost) |
| What are the spendable dining dollars? | 100% of amount deposited | Level 1: $500 Level 2: $1,000 |
Level 1: $655 Level 2: $984 Level 3: $1,250 |
| How many prepared meals will the plan buy in the dining center? *Approximation is based on the average cost of lunch and dinner. |
$500 deposit: 3 meals/week $1,000 deposit: 6 meals/week* |
Level 1: 3 meals/week Level 2: 6 meals/week* |
Level 1: 9 meals/week Level 2: 13 meals/week Level 3: 16 meals/week* |
| Where can the meal plan be used? | On-campus dining locations Off-campus businesses |
On-campus dining locations | On-campus dining locations |
| Is there a discount on purchases? | Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
| Can additional funds be added to the meal plan throughout the semester if needed? | Yes | No | Yes |
| Do leftover funds carry over? | Yes | Leftover funds at the end of the fall semester will carry over to the spring; however, leftover funds at the end of the spring semester are forfeited | Leftover funds will only carry over at the end of the fall semester if a new meal plan is purchased for the spring semester. Leftover funds at the end of the spring semester are forfeited |
| Can the meal plan be charged to the Bursar account? | No | Yes Funds are not activated for use until the student is in registered status |
Yes Funds are not activated for use until the student is in registered status |
| When can the meal plan be purchased? | Year Round | Until September 30 for fall; until February 28 for spring | One semester prior |
| Who is eligible to purchase the plan? | Any Penn State student* *Students who are living on-campus must purchase a Campus Meal Plan with the Housing and Food Services contract; however, LionCash+ may be used in conjunction with the Campus Meal Plan for off-campus spending and for on-campus laundry, vending, and copier usage. |
Enrolled off-campus students | Students who are living on campus with a Housing and Food Services contract, as well as enrolled off-campus students and enrolled students living on-campus who are not required by contract to purchase the Campus Meal Plan |
| How do I purchase the plan? | www.idonline.psu.edu | www.eliving.psu.edu | www.eliving.psu.edu |
| Can the meal plan be cancelled or refunded? | Yes (Upon graduation or withdrawal from the University; or at the end of the spring semester) |
Only students who officially withdraw from the University | Only students who officially withdraw from the University |
**Three levels will be available for the 2019-2020 Campus Meal Plan; comparison table will be updated when rates are approved by the Board of Trustees in spring 2020.