Nesting Dolls

Meal Plan Comparison

 
Question LionCash+ Commuter Meal Plan Campus Meal Plan
Is there a base cost? No No Yes
$1,480 per semester
(Fall 2021 - Spring 2022 rate)
What are the meal plan costs? Based on amount deposited Level 1: $250
Level 2: $500
Level 3: $1,000		 Level 1: $2,158/semester
Level 2: $2,516/semester
Level 3: $2,809/semester
(Amount includes base cost)
What are the spendable dining dollars? 100% of amount deposited Level 1: $250
Level 2: $500
Level 3: $1,000		 Level 1: $678
Level 2: $1,036
Level 3: $1,329
How many meals will the plan buy in the BUFFET AT THE dining commons?

*Approximation is based on the average cost of lunch and dinner in the Buffet to go		 $500 deposit:
3 meals/week
$1,000 deposit:
6 meals/week*		 Level 1: Grab an occasional meal or snack
Level 2: 3 meals/week
Level 3: 6 meals/week*		 Level 1: 9 meals/week
Level 2: 13 meals/week
Level 3: 16 meals/week*
How many meals will the plan buy in the retail operations?

*Approximation is based on the average check in the retail operations.		 $500 deposit:
5 meals/week
$1,000 deposit:
10 meals/week*		 Level 1: Grab an occasional meal or snack
Level 2: 5 meals/week
Level 3: 10 meals/week*		 Level 1: 4 meals/week
Level 2: 7 meals/week
Level 3: 10 meals/week*
Where can the meal plan be used? On-campus dining locations
Off-campus businesses
For full listing, visit:
LionCash+ Merchants		 On-campus dining locations On-campus dining locations
Is there a discount on purchases? Yes:
  • 10% discount at the on-campus Buffet locations
  • 10% discount on prepared items at on-campus retail dining locations, except national chains like Burger King, Starbucks, etc.
  • Discounts at other participating LionCash+ businesses
 Yes:
  • 10% discount at the on-campus Buffet locations
  • 10% discount on prepared items at on-campus retail dining locations, except for national chains like Burger King, Starbucks, etc.
 Yes:
  • 65% discount at the on-campus Buffet locations
  • 65% discount on prepared items at on-campus residential retail dining locations.
  • 10% discount on prepared items at on-campus retail dining locations, except for national chains like Burger King, Starbucks, etc., coffee shops (Edge) or convenience stores (Louie's Market East, Market Pollock, etc.)
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. Summer semester dining dollars carry over to fall semester if a meal plan is purchased for the fall. 
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 For Fall 2021:
March 1 - September 30 by
12 p.m.
For Spring 2022:
October 1 - February 28 by 12 p.m.		 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)		 No. Only students who officially withdraw from the University