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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.  Purchase the fall plan before Septembr 30 and the spring plan before February 28.

  • 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

Meal Plan Comparison Chart

Question LionCash+ Commuter Meal Plan
Is there a base cost? No No
Where are the meal plan costs? Based on amount deposited Level 1: $500
Level 2: $1,000
What are the spendable dining dollars? 100% of amount deposited Level 1: $500
Level 2: $1,000
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*
Where can the meal plan be used? On-campus dining locations
Off-campus businesses		 On-campus dining locations
Is there a discount on purchases? Yes
  • 10% discount at the on-campus all-you-care-to-eat dining commons
  • 10% discount on prepared items at on-campus retail dining locations.
  • Discounts at other participating LionCash+ businesses
 Yes
  • 10% discount at the on-campus all-you-care-to-eat dining commons
  • 10% discount on prepared items at on-campus retail dining locations.
Can additional funds be added to the meal plan throughout the semester if needed? Yes No
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
Can the meal plan be charged to the Bursar account? No Yes
 
When can the meal plan be purchased? Year Round

For Fall 2017: By             September 30, 2017
For Spring 2018: By           February 28, 2018
Who is eligible to purchase the plan? Any Penn State student Enrolled off-campus students
How do I purchase the plan? www.idcard.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