2023-24 Meal Plan Rates
This section allows for a quick scan of all of Columbia’s costs for on-campus meal plans. Meal plans are optional unless otherwise noted. Detailed meal plan information will be included in your Housing Contract Packet.
Mandatory Meal Plan
Residents assigned to traditional-style semi-suites in the University Center are required to purchase meal plans, as these units do not include kitchens.
| University Center / 525 S. State St. | Meal plan cost per term |
|---|---|
| Semi-suite and deluxe semi-suite | $2,346 |
What’s included in MANDATORY meal plan:
- 15 meals per week during the Fall and Spring semesters
- $375 in “flex” dollars per semester
- "Flex" dollars can be spent at the student’s discretion within the dining facility during the regular academic year
When MANDATORY meal plan is billed:
- Billed at the start of each semester
- Please note: the cost of the mandatory meal plan is in addition to the price of the room and is listed as Residence Life Meal Plan on the student's bill
Optional Meal Plan
Residents assigned to apartments may choose to apply for an optional, supplementary meal plan. Please understand that this plan is strictly supplementary as it allows an average of five meals per week while classes are in session. A limited number of plans are available for purchase each year, and they are made available on a first-come-first-served basis until all are sold.
| University Center / 525 S. State Street | Meal plan cost per year |
|---|---|
| Single occupancy in shared apartment | $2,191 |
| 30 E. Balbo Dr. | Meal plan cost per year |
|---|---|
| All apartments | $2,191 |
| The Dwight / 642 S. Clark St. | Meal plan cost per year |
|---|---|
| All apartments | $2,191 |
| The Arc / 37 W. Van Buren St. | Meal plan cost per year |
|---|---|
| All apartments | $2,191 |
What’s included in OPTIONAL meal plan:
- 150 meals for the academic year (both Fall and Spring semesters)
- $400 in "flex" dollars for the academic year
- "Flex" dollars can be spent at the student’s discretion within the dining facility during the regular academic year
When OPTIONAL meal plan is billed:
- Billed once, in the fall term for the academic year
