Why Affordable Meal Plans Matter for Online Students
College is an amazing journey, but it sometimes feels like a double-edged sword. On the upside, you get to dive into subjects you love, earn that degree, and set yourself up for a great career. At the same time, college brings in heavy workloads, those late-night study sessions, and, let’s not forget, the financial stress. With rising tuition and not much income coming in, it can definitely be a financial rollercoaster.
Student loan debt has skyrocketed by 116% over the past decade, hitting $1.5 trillion. With so much borrowing, students must take budgeting seriously and reap the benefits college is supposed to provide.
One of the biggest obstacles for college students is budgeting for food. Food is necessary in our lives, but getting it during college can be harsh on your budget. After all, you’d still have to pay for hefty tuition, school fees, and other educational costs like textbooks and class materials.
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Did you know that 23% of undergraduate students are food insecure? As inflation rates continue to rise, that number is likely to grow. Many students struggle to afford basic meals, which can impact their health, focus, and overall academic performance.
One way colleges and universities can support their student’s learning experience is by offering affordable meal plans. Studies have shown that when students have better access to affordable meal plans, their grades improve. Those meal swipes are linked to higher graduation rates.
However, most affordable meal plans are only available to on-campus students, even though online students also need to eat. The good news is that some online colleges have started recognizing this need and offering affordable meal plans for remote learners.
You might be wondering how online colleges can offer affordable meal plans when their students are all over the country—or even the world. Keep on reading to learn more about how online colleges with meal plans operate.
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What Are Meal Plans at Online Colleges?
One of the biggest worries of an online student with hectic work and study schedules is figuring out how to handle their meals. Grocery shopping, meal prep, and cleaning can take longer than expected. It’s definitely more time-consuming than just swinging by the dining hall between classes or after a long night of studying.
You might find yourself asking questions like: Will I have enough time to cook for myself? Should I balance takeout with home cooking? Your budget—monetarily and time-wise—can really limit what you can eat.
Fortunately, colleges and universities have come up with solutions. Many of them are now offering cheap meal plans for college students, both on and off campus.
But how do colleges offer meal plans for online students?
These low-cost college meal options typically involve giving online students a subscription or a set number of meals. Students can use them at local dining spots or even through meal delivery services.
However, off-campus meal plans can vary significantly from one college to another.
Some schools partner with local restaurants or grocery stores, providing students with access to discounted meals or even meal kits. Others might offer vouchers for popular meal delivery services.
Disclaimer: Meal plans for college students are designed to accommodate a variety of lifestyles and dietary needs, but it’s important to note that they might not cover every meal you desire. Additionally, some meal plans for online students may have requirements regarding where you live.
Top Online Colleges Offering Affordable Meal Plans
University of North Carolina
At UNC Charlotte Online, there are so many options for learners at any stage of life. Whether you want to finish your bachelor’s degree, pursue a master’s, earn a graduate certificate, or get your teacher’s license, they’ve got you covered.
Not only does UNC Charlotte provide great educational options, but they also understand the importance of nutrition for student success. Off-campus students can avail of meal plans for $300 to $790 per semester, making it easy to save on food in college.
University of Central Florida
UCF has made a name for itself in online education, and a big part of that success is how satisfied its students are. UCF prioritizes maintaining high academic standards but with tuition rates lower than the national average.
UCF offers one of the best value off-campus meal plans. It’s designed for students living off campus but still love the convenience of eating on campus. The Create Your Own Meal Plan lets you pick your meals and Dining Dollars, allowing you to enjoy what you like. You can use meal swipes at places like Knightro’s and ’63 South, and your Dining Dollars work at all UCF Dining spots.
Plus, the Dining Dollar plan gives you $800 each semester to spend anywhere on campus. It’s a perfect way to stay fueled while balancing life off campus!
University of Florida
The University of Florida has long been recognized as a top school for students seeking flexibility and affordability. In fact, it’s one of the most recognizable schools for online education. Beyond offering affordable tuition rates for on-campus and online degrees, UF also offers affordable meal plans for its students.
Off-campus students can expect to pay between $230 and $790 per semester, depending on their chosen meal plan. This is pretty reasonable when you think about the convenience it offers. Beyond access to on-campus dining, students can also receive flex dollars for use at local convenience stores and cafes.
University of Michigan
Ranked #19 in Best Global Universities, UM is one of the most competitive yet relatively affordable schools offering online degrees. If you’re looking for an online degree, UM can also accommodate your needs.
UM’s meal plans are typically aimed at students living on campus. Yet, they still offer off-campus meal plans. Interestingly, they also offer meal plans for campus visitors. The university, however, does not publicize its meal plan pricing for off-campus students. Meanwhile, on-campus meal plans cost around $1,250 per term for the unlimited basic meal plan.
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University-Commerce, with over 7,500 undergraduate students online, is a standout in online education, with more than two dozen online degree programs. Beyond affordable tuition rates, TAMU is one of the few public colleges that allows some out-of-state students to qualify for in-state tuition.
TAMU’s meal plans are among the most budget-friendly meal plans for students, costing $410 per month. The College Station campus offers numerous food and drink options for all tastes and dietary needs. You can enjoy everything from buffets to sandwich shops and fast food.
How Meal Plans Can Be Part of Your Financial Aid
A lot of parents and students think that when they receive financial aid, it’s solely to cover those hefty tuition fees. However, many financial aid plans actually cover a range of educational expenses like college food savings.
For example, if you take out federal loans, you can use that money not just for tuition but also for meal plans or to cover your grocery bills so you can eat well while you study. Moreover, 529 college savings plans can also be used for food expenses.
Yet, not all forms of financial aid cover meal plans. Some scholarships and grants are specifically designated just for tuition costs.
Some schools may offer Meal Plan Assistance Programs. These programs are designed to help students who might be struggling to afford meal plans. They can provide financial support or even discounts on meal options, making eating well while focusing on your studies much easier. Ask your financial aid office or campus services about any available programs.
Here’s a step-by-step on how to apply for meal plan assistance:
- Fill Out the FAFSA: Accomplish the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form. This is crucial in determining your eligibility for financial aid.
- Review Your Financial Aid Package: Once you submit your FAFSA, your school will evaluate it and send you a financial aid package. Take a close look at this package; it will outline all the types of aid you’re eligible for.
- Check for Meal Plan Coverage: Check if any loans, grants, or scholarships in your package can be used for your meal plan. If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to reach out to your financial aid office—they’re there to help!
- Communicate with Your Financial Aid Office: Inform them that you want to use your aid for your meal plan, and ask for guidance on the process.
- Enroll in Your Meal Plan: Once confirmed, choose and enroll in your desired meal plan during registration.
- Monitor Your Account: After enrolling, check your student account to ensure that the financial aid is applied to your meal plan costs.
Tips for Saving on Food as an Online Student
While meal plans and financial aid are important, you can’t always rely on them. Our spending habits often sneak up on us, making it hard to stick to a budget. Here are a few tips on how to create a budget for affordable food for online students:
- Look for Dining Deals: Watch for dining hall specials—like discounted meals or fun-themed nights. These can help you save some cash while enjoying a variety of food.
- Always Make a List: Before you head to the store, whip up a shopping list of what you actually need. Trust me, wandering will just lead to impulse buys and probably some food you won’t even use.
- Be a Smart Shopper: Shopping wisely is key! Look for sales, use coupons, and don’t forget about store brands. Buying non-perishable items in bulk can also save you money.
- Meal Prep: Set aside a couple of hours on the weekend to cook in bulk. This makes your week easier and helps you save.
- Seek Out Free Food Events: Check for campus events that offer free food. It’s a fun way to save money and meet new people!
- Drink More Water: Seriously, water is not just better for you than all those sugary drinks—it’s also free! By swapping out soda, juice, or sports drinks for water, you’ll save a ton of cash.
Conclusion: Maximizing Your Savings on Food While Studying Online
College involves a lot of expenses, from tuition and fees to entertainment and food. Being wise and strategic when handling money is important, especially if you’re taking on student loans. Find ways to save money on everything!
Apply for financial aid, look for affordable meal plans, use student discounts, take advantage of coupons, and more. Frugal living is the key to maximizing the benefits college’s supported to bring.