Why is a declining balance meal plan better than spending cash?

  Funds placed in a meal plan are tax free in New York State, that is an automatic 8% savings
  Lost cash can not be replaced, but meal plan dollars can be transferred immediately to a new ID card if it is lost
  Designated funds to eat with for the entire semester; no need to wait for pay, checks, or deposits to replenish funds

Why buy more than the minimum plan?

  The average full time student eats 12 meals per week plus snacks
  Based on a 14.5 week semester, the $500 plan offers less than $35.00 per week; that is less than $3.00 per meal without snacks or guests

Why buy a larger meal plan now when funds can be added on throughout the semester?

  Incentive Bonuses - Gain additional $25-$50 in funds for buying a larger plan now. Incremental deposits will only receive the 8% discount and tax savings
  Convenience - charge a meal plan to the student account, and avoid having to make cash or check deposits later

Do students frequently have balances left to forfeit at the end of Spring semester?

  Most students budget well and have little if any funds left at the end of a semester
  The few remaining balances are usually not more than 4%, which is less than the tax savings
  Approximately 30% of all students add an average of $125 to their starting meal plan balance
  Some students add as much as a $500 per semester