Columbus Campus Dining Plans
Ohio State offers a range of dining plans to meet the needs of students for convenient, nutritious food.
The deadline for all meal plan changes for Spring 2025 is January 17, 2025.
If you reside ON campus and would like to change your Spring 2025 meal plan, please submit your request HERE: https://dining.osu.edu/secure/mealplanchanges/.
Note: Changes can take 2-3 days to process.
For all changes: the balance of weekly visits/exchanges on your new plan will be reduced by the number of visits/exchanges already used at the time of your dining plan change. If you choose to update your plan with fewer weekly visits/exchanges, the cost for those usage overages will be billed to your University account.
Please note that a change to a dining plan at a higher rate will result in a bill to your University Statement of Account.
To help you learn about our plans and make the best decision for your tastes and preferences, we offer this easy-to-use six step process. All along the way, feel free to contact us with questions at dining@osu.edu.
Note: The rate you pay is determined through the Ohio State Tuition Guarantee.
For more information or help determining your cohort, see Ohio Tuition Guarantee Frequently Asked Questions.
Dining Rates for TG25 Cohort
Dining rates are associated with each cohort in the Ohio State Tuition Guarantee. If you are an in-state student eligible for the Tuition Guarantee, dining rates will remain consistent for four years. The cost of each plan will vary depending on your residency and the academic year you enter Ohio State.
The dining rates on this page are for students in the Tuition Guarantee for the 2024-2025 Cohort (TG25).
For more information on the Guarantee, see Ohio State Tuition Guarantee, Frequently Asked Questions page or BuckeyeLink.
The 6-Step Process
1. Review Plan Components
2. Look over the Plans
3. Compare Plans
| Icon | Component | Traditions | Scarlet 14 | Gray 10 | Declining Balance | Carmen 1 | Carmen 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly Traditional Visit | Access every hour | 14 | 10 | ||||
| Traditional Visit Exchange | |||||||
| Dining Dollars | $100 | $200 | $200 | $1,630 | $330 | $646 | |
| BuckID Cash | Option to add | $150 | $150 | Option to add | Option to add | Option to add | |
| Optional Plus Plan | |||||||
| Available to all Columbus campus students | Second year or higher only |
Off-campus residents only |
Off-campus residents only |
||||
| Price per Semester | $2,304 | $2,811 | $2,360 | $2,508 | $508 | $994 |
6. Pick a Plan
ON CAMPUS RESIDENTS: You will select your plan when you complete your housing contract
OFF CAMPUS RESIDENTS: Follow this link to select your plan. Pick Your Meal Plan Now
Dining rates for each student meeting tuition guarantee eligibility are determined by your cohort under the Ohio State Tuition Guarantee. For more information on Guarantee, and for help determining your cohort, see Ohio Tuition Guarantee Frequently Asked Questions or contact Dining Services at (614) 292-8380.
Faqs
Which dining plan should I choose?
You should choose the dining plan that best matches how you prefer to eat. For example, if you like two to three main meals a day with some snacking in between, our traditions plan offers the best value.
Can I change my mind?
Yes. You can change your plan through the second Friday after classes start each semester. You can also change your plan from semester to semester. You can make changes online. To add the Traditions Plus plan please make this change online.
What are Dining Dollars?
Dining Dollars are yours to use at any Student Life Dining Services location. They are included in every dining plan to give you additional flexibility to eat what and where you want. You’ll receive a 35% discount for all food purchases at all campus retail locations and a 10% discount at campus C-Stores. Your Dining Dollars roll over every semester as long as you are enrolled.
What is the difference between BuckID Cash and Dining Dollars?
Dining Dollars are just for purchases at any Student Life Dining Services location. BuckID Cash can be used at any of the hundreds of on or off campus merchants that accept BuckID.
Where can I eat using the dining plans?
You can eat almost anywhere. Some of our plans allow for a number of Visits to our Traditions Dining locations, and Dining Dollars are accepted at any of our nearly 30 Student Life Dining Services locations across campus. Two of our plans also have the option to exchange any Visit for an $8 purchase at one of our retail locations or $5 at our C-Stores.
What are “Traditions Dining” locations?
Ohio State has three “Traditions” dining locations, conveniently located on each residential area of campus. Traditions at Kennedy, Traditions at Morrill and Traditions at Scott each offers students an opportunity to enjoy a full range of options. You can visit a Traditions location from early morning through late night.
What is the Visit Exchange?
You can exchange any Visit for an $8 purchase at any of our retail locations or $5 at our C-Stores.
Do Dining Dollars roll over?
Yes. You can keep your Dining Dollars while you are enrolled.
Why do some students pay a different price for the same meal plan?
Under the Ohio State University Tuition Guarantee, the dining plan rates for each student meeting tuition guarantee eligibility for a cohort remain consistent for four years. The cost of each plan will vary depending on the academic year you enter Ohio State.
If I skip a Visit, can I make it up the next week?
Per week visits to our Traditions locations reset each week on Saturday at 3 a.m. and do not roll over into the next week. If you know you will not use a Visit, you should plan to redeem it in advance through a Visit Exchange at a retail or C-Store location.
Will I be able to use BuckID Cash at the dining locations on campus?
Yes, our dining plan model was developed to provide maximum flexibility, so BuckID Cash is accepted at all dining locations.
Can I use multiple forms of payment for my meals?
Yes, our dining plans were developed to help students make the most economical choices, so you will be able to use any combination of forms of payment at each transaction.
How do I add Dining Dollars to my account?
You may add Dining Dollars to your account if you have an active meal plan. To add Dining Dollars using a credit card, visit the BuckID website. To add Dining Dollars by charging your student statement of account, email dining@osu.edu.
What is an administrative fee?
Embedded in each of our plans is an administrative fee that helps cover non-food expenses needed to operate the dining operation including supplies, maintenance, utilities and staffing.
What happens if I find a transaction error in my account?
If you find an error on a transaction, contact Student Life Dining Services within three days so we can investigate the issue and make any corrections needed. You can contact us by visiting 450 Lincoln Tower, emailing dining@osu.edu or calling 614-292-8380. When sending information in writing, please be sure to include the following information:
- Student’s name and university e-mail address.
- Description of the transaction in question, and explain as clearly as possible the discrepancy.
- The dollar amount of the transaction.
What if I have more questions?
Feel free to visit dining.osu.edu or contact them at 614-292-8380.