Regional Campus Dining Plans
The deadline to make Spring Semester 2025 dining plan changes is January 17, 2025.
Changes can be requested HERE https://dining.osu.edu/secure/mealplanchanges/
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.
Please use the drop-down menu to see detailed information on the dining plan options available to you.
Note: The rate you pay is determined through the Ohio State Tuition Guarantee. Use the drop-down menu to choose your cohort. Non-resident or international students should select the “‘I am either an out-of-state student or a student who started prior to 2020” tab.
For more information or help determining your cohort, see Ohio Tuition Guarantee Frequently Asked Questions or contact Student Life University Housing at 614-292-8266.
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 2023-2024 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 | Carmen 1 | Carmen 2 | Declining Balance | McConnell Hall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining Dollars | $330 | $646 | $1,630 | $1,067 | |
| BuckID Cash | Option to add | Option to add | Option to add | Option to add | |
| Available to all regional students | Available only to Newark Campus residents of McConnell Residence Hall |
||||
| Price per Semester | $508 | $994 | $2,508 | $1,642 |
6. Pick a Plan
ON CAMPUS RESIDENTS: You will select your plan when you complete your housing contract.
OFF CAMPUS RESIDENTS: Call Dining Services at (614) 292-8380.
Dining rates for each student meeting tuition guarantee eligibility are determined by your cohort under the Ohio State Tuition Guarantee. For more information on the 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.
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 on any campus. Dining Dollars are accepted at any of our more than 30 Student Life Dining Services locations across all campuses.
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.
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.