UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Housing and Food Services (HFS) is launching updated dining plans for the 2027-28 academic year, making it easier for students and families to choose the right plan, understand its value, and enjoy greater flexibility. For the current year, 2026-27, plans will not be affected by these changes.
HFS has conducted focus groups and surveys over the last 10 months with students, families and staff to understand how it could improve the dining plan experience. That feedback led to changes such as new names and updated language, improved budgeting tools, and additional support for campus partner conversations.
The new plans are as follows:
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Signature Plan: Formerly the Campus Meal Plan, this is the ideal plan for any student who eats regularly on campus and is included as part of the HFS contract. Rather than three static levels, it will now feature a default level with the ability to adjust dining dollars throughout the semester based on dining habits.
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Classic Plan: Formerly the Commuter Meal Plan, this plan is designed for students in apartments, either on or off campus, who enjoy the convenience of dining on campus. It can be purchased at three levels ($250, $500 or $1,000).
“We are excited to roll out the updated dining plan over the next year,” said Jim Meinecke, senior director of Food Services. “The adjusted options are designed to make dining convenient and flexible, with access to meals, snacks and beverages across Penn State locations.”
Much of the current dining plan will remain intact. Plans will continue to feature the same cost structure: a dining program fee (formerly called base cost), a declining balance of spendable dollars and the current discounts that students and guests enjoy. New signage at dining locations will make value easy to understand, identifying locations as “Best Value,” “Better Value” or “Premium Brand.” LionCash, which can be compared to a “prepaid card” or “overdraft protection,” also will continue to be accepted if Signature or Classic Plan funds are running low.
Over the next year, Housing and Food Services will work closely with students and families to prepare for the transition and help them make informed choices before the new plan takes effect in 2027-28.
“The refreshed dining plan builds on the strengths of Penn State's dining program while introducing enhancements that make the experience simpler, more flexible, and easier to navigate,” Meinecke said. “Shaped by the voices of students, families and staff, the updates position Housing and Food Services to better serve future generations of Penn Staters and help them make the most of their campus experience.”
Dining rates for the 2027-28 academic year were approved by the Penn State Board of Trustees in July 2026
For more information, visit liveon.psu.edu/dining-plans.