Closeup of a pepperoni pizza from the DI Hub

Meal Plans

First- and second-year residential students are required to have a meal plan. We encourage upper-class and commuter students to continue dining with us through the convenience and value of a meal plan!

Follow our 6-Step Process for choosing the meal plan that's right for you!

Starting Fall 2026

We are committed to continually improving your dining experience, and based on student feedback, we have some exciting updates to share!

What’s Changing?

Starting August 17, 2026, we are removing the "per-day" and "meal-period" constraints of the Meal Exchange benefit to give you full control over your plan. In addition, we are increasing the number of destinations and menu varieties available after 9 p.m. Finally, we carefully curated meal plans with increased Declining Balance and value-priced retail options, so you can stretch your dining dollars further while staying connected to campus dining.

How Meal Exchange Will Work:

You can redeem up to 16 of your meal swipes per week at participating retail locations, adding variety and convenience to your dining experience. There are no restrictions on when or how quickly you can use them. The meal exchange-eligible swipes will reset every Sunday and do not roll over week to week. If your meal plan has a set total of meal swipes, only the amount of meal exchange-eligible swipes you use each week counts towards your total. Learn more in the FAQ below.

What are the New Late-Night Options?

Grill 72 at the Rathskeller is planned to be open until 11 p.m., with additions to late-night only menu options on Meal Exchange. Eastway Market is planning to be open until midnight and is the only destination for a create-your-own sandwich.

Learn About Meal Plan Updates for Fall 2026 and Frequently Asked Questions

Step 1: Review Meal Plan Features

Meal Swipes

Declining Balance

Guest Meals

Meal Exchange

Downtown Dining Dollars

Meal swipes give students access into the two all-you-care-to-eat dining halls. Students simply swipe their FLASHcard to enter Eastway Dining or DI Dining and they are good to go! Students with unlimited meal plans may enter without the need to count their meal swipes! Students with Block meal plans will have a set number of swipes per semester. Meal swipes may only be used by the specific meal plan holder.

Declining balance are the dollars included with a meal plan. Grab Starbucks, a meal in The HUB or some quick snacks in any campus market! These dollars go directly onto your FLASHcard and can only be used at on-campus dining retail locations. Declining balance dollars roll over from semester to semester, until the student graduates or leaves Kent State University.

Guest meals offer flexibility to treat friends or family to a meal in Eastway Dining or DI Dining: Eat-In! Many of the meal plan options comes with a specific number of guest meals each semester that are loaded directly on your FLASHcard. Guest meals can be used for any additional individuals the meal plan holder would like to use them on.

Meal Exchange is a current benefit of the meal plan that gives you the flexibility to use a meal swipe at participating retail locations across campus. Meal Exchange offers an entrée, a side, and a drink per swipe. It’s a perk designed to add variety and convenience, not replace the dining halls.

You can redeem up to 16 of your meal swipes per week at participating retail locations. There are no restrictions on when or how quickly you can use them. The meal exchange-eligible swipes will reset every Sunday and do not roll over week to week. If your meal plan has a set total of meal swipes, only the amount of meal exchange-eligible swipes you use each week counts towards your total. Most students find the best way to maximize their meal plan by:

Using dining halls as your primary dining option for all-you-care-to-eat meals.
Using Meal Exchange for convenience, variety, or busy days on campus.
Using declining balance to supplement meals or purchase items not included with Meal Exchange

Together, these options are designed to give you flexibility while maximizing the value of their meal plan.

PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS:

Meal Exchange menus are available on kiosks at the following locations: Metropolitan Deli at Eastway, Rosie’s Diner & Market, Hippie Chick’n, Homeslice, Grill ’72, and Recharge. Meal Exchange menu at the George T. Simon III Café can be found at the location.

Downtown Dining Dollars are loaded onto your FLASHcard with the purchase of an applicable meal plan. These funds can be used at participating restaurants around the city of Kent or on the Grubhub app! Downtown Dining Dollars are non-refundable.

Pro Tips:

Meal swipes and guest meals will expire at the end of the semester.
Declining balance dollars will rollover from semester to semester until the student leaves Kent State University.
Spend your money wisely - Eat on campus and buy groceries on campus with your Meal Plan at any of our on-campus markets.
Check your balance often - Meal Plan balances are shown at the bottom of every receipt.
You can add money to your Meal Plan anytime during the academic year with a Visa® or Mastercard®.

Add Money to Your Meal Plan

Step 2: Look Over the Plans

First- and Second-Year Residential Meal Plans:

Upper Class and Commuter Meal Plans:

GRAD Plan (Graduate Students Only)

The GRAD Plan is a declining balance plan that extends each dollar further with special discounts. The amount of declining balance you add is entirely up to you! Declining balance never expires and can be used at all dining locations!

20% off door price at Eastway and DI Dining
Discount for children at Eastway and DI Dining
- Children 0 - 5 years old eat free.
- Children 6 - 10 years old receive 50% off the door price.
All discounts apply to special events in Eastway & DI Dining

How to Sign Up

Graduate Students should sign up for a meal plan by visiting the FLASHCard Office (Lower Level, Kent Student Center). There is a $25.00 minimum to activate a plan.

Coming soon: You will be able to conveniently sign up and reload your plan in FlashLine!

Summer Break Meal Plans:

For more information about signing up for a meal plan during summer break, please contact University Culinary Services at 330-672-2541 or culinary@kent.edu.

Faculty & Staff Meal Plan:

FAST Plan

FAST Plan - The Faculty And Staff Tailored Plan

We know your schedule is busy. That's why we have a meal plan designed with you in mind. The FAST Plan will help you save money and make your life easier!

The FAST Plan is a declining balance plan that extends each dollar further.
Declining balance can be used at all dining locations.
The FAST Plan secures you a 20% discount on meals at the Eastway and DI Dining locations!
The FAST Plan includes a discount for children at Eastway and DI Dining!
- Children 0 - 5 years old eat free.
- Children 6 - 10 years old receive 50% off the door price.
Employees on The FAST Plan will be eligible for discount opportunities and be amongst the first to hear news about Culinary events!
The value you add is entirely up to you! Declining balance never expires.

How to Sign Up

Faculty and staff members can sign up for a meal plan using payroll deduction or by visiting FLASHCard Office. There is a $25.00 minimum to activate a plan and/or to take advantage of current promotions. For payroll deduction, sign up in FlashLine, under Additional Employee Resources. Select the Employee Meal Plan, fill out the form and you're ready to go!

Please note: Faculty and staff must present their FLASHcard to utilize their FAST Plan.

Step 3: Compare Plans

Meal Swipes	Declining Balance	Guest Meals	Meal Exchange	Downtown Dining Dollars	Student Availability	Semester Availability
Unlimited	$500	15	Yes	$100	All KSU Students	Fall and Spring Only
Unlimited	$100	10	Yes	$0	All KSU Students	Fall and Spring Only
175	$400	10	Yes	$0	All KSU Students	Fall and Spring Only
100	$300	10	Yes	$0	Upper Class and Commuter Students Only	Fall and Spring Only
50	$100	5	Yes	$0	Upper Class and Commuter Students Only	Fall and Spring Only
0	$200-$2,000 (increments of $200)	0	No	$0	Upper Class and Commuter Students Only	All Semesters

Step 4: Things To Consider

How many meals per day do you eat?
Do you prefer sit down meals or grab and go options?
Are you and early riser or late-night snacker?
First year residential students are encouraged to add an unlimited meal swipes plan their first year living in the residence halls.
Upper class residential and commuter students - how often do you plan to eat meals on campus? Grab a snack or coffee between classes?
Declining Balance can be used at all 20+ on-campus dining locations.

Step 5: Still Have Questions?

Check out our Meal Plan FAQs below for more information. You can also contact University Culinary Services at 330-672-2541 or culinary@kent.edu.

Am I required to purchase a meal plan?

Per University Policy, first-year and sophomore resident students are required to have a meal plan for the entire school year. First- and second-year students living on-campus are able to pick from one of the First-and Second-Year Residential Meal Plan options. Students will select a meal plan through the housing application.

Upper class and commuter students are not required to purchase a meal plan, but are welcome to do so through FlashLine. When you sign up through FlashLine, your Student Account will be charged and a bill will be sent to you at a later date. For any questions about signing up, please email flashcard@kent.edu.

What happens to my meal swipes, guest meals and declining balance dollars at the end of the semester?

At the end of each semester, any unused meal swipes and guest meals will expire.

Any unused declining balance dollars will rollover to the next semester. This unused declining balance dollars continues to rollover from semester to semester until the student graduates or is no longer enrolled at the university, at which time any remaining declining balance dollars will expire and be forfeited back to the university.

How does meal exchange work?

You can redeem up to 16 of your meal swipes per week at participating retail locations. There are no restrictions on when or how quickly you can use them. If your meal plan has a set total of meal swipes, only the amount of Meal Exchange-eligible swipes you use each week counts towards your total.

PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS:

Do my Meal Exchange swipes roll over? Meal Exchange swipes do not roll over week to week. Every Sunday, your balance will be reset to 16 swipes.

Can I use more than one meal exchange swipe in a single transaction? No. Meal Exchange swipes are limited to one swipe per transaction. This helps ensure consistent access for all students and allows locations to manage the Meal Exchange offerings fairly and efficiently.

Can Meal Exchange swipes be shared or used for someone else? No. The perk of Meal Exchange is for individual use only and cannot be shared or used for another person. This helps ensure fairness and consistent access for all meal plan holders.

What do I get with Meal Exchange? Meal Exchange offers an entrée, a side, and a drink per swipe.

Are Meal Exchange menu items the same every day, or do they change? Meal Exchange menu items vary by location and can change over time. This allows dining locations to offer variety, take advantage of featured items, and respond to student preferences.

Why are some locations excluded from Meal Exchange? Not all locations can participate due to operational, pricing, or menu constraints. Participating locations are selected to ensure Meal Exchange remains a sustainable and valuable benefit while offering students a consistent experience across campus.

Why can’t I get anything I want on the menu with a meal exchange swipe? Meal Exchange offerings are thoughtfully designed to help keep meal plans affordable for everyone. If every menu item were included, overall meal plan costs would need to increase. You can think of Meal Exchange like a combo meal; it’s bundled to give you a satisfying option while keeping things simple and cost-effective.

What if I want something that isn’t part of the Meal Exchange menu? No problem! You’re welcome to use your declining balance or a credit card for any items outside of the Meal Exchange offerings.

Can I add money to my meal plan if my declining balance starts to run low?

Yes, you are able to add value to your account at any time. You can add declining balance dollars to your FLASHcard through the FLASHcard website with a Mastercard, Visa or Discover. You can also purchase another meal plan within the same semester. To sign up for another meal plan, please visit the FLASHcard Office located on the first floor of the Kent Student Center or call 330-672-2273.

How do I sign up for a meal plan?

If you are a First- or Second-Year student, you will select a meal plan through the housing application.

If you are an Upper class or Commuter student, you can purchase a meal plan through your Student Dashboard in FlashLine. You can also contact the FLASHcard Office at 330-672-2273 or by email: flashcard@kent.edu.

If you are a faculty or staff member, you can now sign up for a meal plan using payroll deduction. Sign up in FlashLine, under Additional Employee Resources. Select employee meal plan, fill out the form and you're ready to go! You can also contact the FLASHcard Office at 330-672-2273 or by email: flashcard@kent.edu.

Am I able to change my meal plan after I have selected one?

If you decide to purchase a meal plan and wish to change your selection, you may do so by visiting your Student Dashboard in FlashLine or by contacting the FLASHcard Office. Students are not able to change their meal plan after the 2nd week of the semester.

A cancellation will be approved and a full refund will be processed if a student requests to cancel a meal plan by the Add/Drop period and there has been no usage of any part of the meal plan.
A cancellation will be approved and a full refund will be processed if a student requests to cancel a meal plan after the Add/Drop period, but within 2 business days of the purchase.

What if I need to cancel or request not to have a meal plan?

If you are required to be on a meal plan and want to request a food contract release, you will need to contact dietitians@kent.edu and complete the dining petition (PDF).

If the request for canceling the meal plan is by the end of the Add/Drop period and there has been no usage of any part of the meal plan, the cancellation will be approved and a full refund processed.
If the request occurs after the add/drop period and within 2 business days of the purchase, the cancellation will be approved and a full refund processed.

If you are an Upper Class or Commuter Student, you can cancel your Meal Plan before the second week of the semester by emailing flashcard@kent.edu.

Step 6: Pick a Plan

ON-CAMPUS STUDENTS: You will select your meal plan when you complete your housing application.
OFF-CAMPUS STUDENTS: You can select a meal plan through FlashLine.

Kent State University’s Tuition Guarantee Plan offers undergraduate students the certainty of room and meal plan charges! Students can find their meal plan rate by clicking on the tab below that aligns with their cohort. A cohort consists of students expected to graduate in the same academic year, including transfer students and those in designated academic programs.

For more information on Tuition Guarantee, and for help determining your cohort, contact the Flashcard Office at 330-672-2273 or flashcard@kent.edu.

2025 Cohort

The meal plan rates listed below are the 2025 cohort semester rates included in the Tuition Guarantee Plan. They are also the semester rates for non-cohort students for academic year 2025-2026.

First- and second-year residential meal plans:

The Gold Plan: $3,285
The Kent Plan: $2,985
The Blue Plan: $2,785
Flash 200 Block: $2,785

Upper class and commuter meal plans:

Flash 100 Block: $1,645
Flash Flex 50: $840
Summer 30 Block: $425
Flash DB 200: $200
Flash DB 400: $400
Flash DB 800: $800

2024 Cohort

The meal plan rates listed below are the 2024 cohort semester rates included in the Tuition Guarantee Plan. They are also the semester rates for non-cohort students for academic year 2024-2025.

First- and second-year residential meal plans:

The Gold Plan: $3,190
The Kent Plan: $2,915
The Blue Plan: $2,690
Flash 200 Block: $2,690

Upper class and commuter meal plans:

Flash 100 Block: $1,590
Flash Flex 50: $840
Summer 30 Block: $410
Flash DB 200: $200
Flash DB 400: $400
Flash DB 800: $800

Meal Plans

Starting Fall 2026

What’s Changing?

How Meal Exchange Will Work:

What are the New Late-Night Options?

Step 1: Review Meal Plan Features

PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS:

Step 2: Look Over the Plans

First- and Second-Year Residential Meal Plans:

Upper Class and Commuter Meal Plans:

How to Sign Up

Summer Break Meal Plans:

SUMMER BLOCK 30

Flash Max Plan

Faculty & Staff Meal Plan:

FAST Plan - The Faculty And Staff Tailored Plan

How to Sign Up

Step 3: Compare Plans

Meal Swipes

Declining Balance

Guest Meals

Meal Exchange

Downtown Dining Dollars

Student Availability

Semester Availability

Step 4: Things To Consider

Step 5: Still Have Questions?

PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS:

Step 6: Pick a Plan

First- and second-year residential meal plans:

Upper class and commuter meal plans:

First- and second-year residential meal plans:

Upper class and commuter meal plans:

First- and second-year residential meal plans:

Upper-class and commuter meal plans:

First- and second-year residential meal plans:

Upper-class and commuter meal plans:

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