MEAL PLANS
College life can be challenging, but dining should be effortless. That's why all students living on campus are required to participate in a meal plan.
Your meal plan and dining options are important parts of your college experience. Carthage offers several meal plan options for residential and commuter students. Our goal is to match each and every student with the perfect meal plan that meets and exceeds your expectations.
2025-2026 Meal Plan Options
plan options
Select a meal plan to view more details.
Residential Plans
Premium Plan
$3,100
Unlimited Meal Swipes + $180 in Birdie Bucks + 4 Guest Passes + 3 Meal Exchanges per day
Standard Plan
$2,400
14 Meal Swipes per week + $300 in Birdie Bucks + 4 Guest Passes + 1 Meal Exchange per day
Flex 1 Plan
$2,400
10 Meal Swipes per week + $675 in Birdie Bucks + 4 Guest Passes + 1 Meal Exchange per day
Flex 2 Plan
$2,400
7 Meal Swipes per week + $1,030 in Birdie Bucks + 4 Guest Passes + 1 Meal Exchange per day
Commuter Plans
Plan A - $250
25 meal block plan
Plan B - $450
50 meal block plan
Faculty & Staff Meal Plan
Faculty and staff meal plans can be purchased in a block of 10 meals for $77.00 (plus tax). Faculty are allowed one daily Meal Exchange. Faculty and staff can also add Birdie Bucks to their cards to use at any campus dining location or the bookstore.
J Term Plans
During J-Term, residential students who are on campus can choose to purchase an optional meal plan. Students will select J-Term meal plans during J-Term/Spring registration in November.
10-Block Plan — 10 Meal Swipes for $90
25-Block Plan — 25 Meal Swipes for $225
50-Block Plan — 50 Meal Swipes for $450
If residential students run out of swipes, they can purchase another plan.
Unused Birdie Bucks from the Fall semester remain active and available to use.
At the conclusion of J-Term, unused meals will expire, and students will resume their normal meal plan.
Commuter meal plans remain active during J-Term; no additional purchase in necessary.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQ Section Header
What is the right Meal Plan for me?
Carthage is proud to offer several meal plan options that match the diversity and lifestyle of our residential student community. First-year students are required to select either the Standard or the Premium Plans, so they can experience all of what Campus Dining has to offer without the risk of running out of meal swipes.
Sophomore, junior, and senior residential students are eligible to select from a wider variety of plans to match their lifestyle and dining needs.
Commuter students are eligible to purchase meal block plans at any time during the semester and can purchase meal blocks as needed throughout the academic year.
Residential graduate students do not have meal plans included in their housing fees. If you are interested in enrolling in a residential meal plan, please contact the Campus Dining team at dining@carthage.edu to learn more about the available options.
Can residential students opt out of a meal plan?
All residential students are required to purchase a meal plan.
What if I want to change my meal plan?
Students select their meal plans during fall registration for the entire academic year. Students can switch their meal plans during the second week of the fall semester. Meal plan switches are not allowed outside of the designated time frame. Students wanting to switch plans should keep their eye on The Bridge (the campus e-newsletter) for directions on switching their meal plans during the designated week in the fall semester.
Where can I see my Meal Swipe and Birdie Bucks balances?
The GET app is a mobile and desktop application where students can log in to see their meal swipe and Birdie Bucks balances in real-time. If students spend the entirety of the Birdie Bucks issued with their meal plans, they can use the Get APP to purchase additional Birdie Bucks.
What if I have a diagnosed food allergy?
Carthage recognizes that we need to meet the needs of students with food allergies. Utilizing specific recipes entirely free of the top eight allergens and gluten, Inspired Eats is a concept in the Caf for students with special dietary needs. Additionally, the Caf offers gluten-free and vegetarian options upon request. Campbell Student Union restaurants also offer select allergen-free options as part of their regular menu.
On Campus Residents Plans
Plan A
21 Meal Swipes per week
+ $200 Meal Points per semester
21 meal swipes (all-you-care-to-eat or idealMEAL) per week plus $200 meal points to use for guest meals, retail locations and our market.
Required Plan for all residential First Years and Sophomores, also available to all Junior, Seniors and Commuters.
$3,495 per semester
Plan B
21 Meal Swipes per week
+ $200 Meal Points per semester
21 meal swipes (all-you-care-to-eat or idealMEAL) per week plus $200 meal points to use for guest meals, retail locations and our market.
Required Plan for all residential First Years and Sophomores, also available to all Junior, Seniors and Commuters.
$3,495 per semester
14 Meal Swipes per week
+ $200 Meal Points per semester
14 meal swipes (all-you-care-to-eat or idealMEAL) per week plus $200 meal points to use for guest meals, retail locations and our market.
Available to all Juniors, Seniors & Commuters. 2025-26 Rising Sophomores may also purchase this plan this year.
$3,095 per semester
Commuter Plans
Plan A
21 Meal Swipes per week
+ $200 Meal Points per semester
21 meal swipes (all-you-care-to-eat or idealMEAL) per week plus $200 meal points to use for guest meals, retail locations and our market.
Required Plan for all residential First Years and Sophomores, also available to all Junior, Seniors and Commuters.
$3,495 per semester
Plan B
21 Meal Swipes per week
+ $200 Meal Points per semester
21 meal swipes (all-you-care-to-eat or idealMEAL) per week plus $200 meal points to use for guest meals, retail locations and our market.
Required Plan for all residential First Years and Sophomores, also available to all Junior, Seniors and Commuters.
$3,495 per semester
14 Meal Swipes per week
+ $200 Meal Points per semester
14 meal swipes (all-you-care-to-eat or idealMEAL) per week plus $200 meal points to use for guest meals, retail locations and our market.
Available to all Juniors, Seniors & Commuters. 2025-26 Rising Sophomores may also purchase this plan this year.
$3,095 per semester
Staff Dining Services
Our staff members are an essential part of the Loyola community. Enjoy a variety of dining options, from quick lunches to catered events, designed just for you.