Don’t Implement Changes to the Upperclass Dining Plan
I was disappointed to read the University’s Sept. 29 announcement regarding upperclass dining plan changes effective September 2026. The changes do not make sense, and I recommend they not be implemented.
During the first two years, undergraduates on a University dining contract evaluate upperclass dining options. They include an eating club (around $10,350), University contract ($8,720 full to $3,380 partial), co-op (around $1,200 to $1,500), and independent ($0). According to a Daily Princetonian story drawing on data from past surveys of the senior class, based on those options, pricing, and where their friends may go, 63% choose an eating club, 20% independent, 10% University dining contract, and 6% co-op.
The University is now requiring eating club members to purchase a two-meals-per-week $900 University dining contract — when they already have a full meal plan. The University is eliminating the independent option — the second most popular choice. And most likely the University will not be able to accommodate those 20% independents who will now want to move to the least expensive co-op plan.
Please leave the options as is. Don’t require eating club members to purchase an additional University meal plan when they already have a full meal plan and don’t want it. Don’t increase the cost of a Princeton education unnecessarily. Don’t eliminate the options that have been popular with undergraduates for over five decades.
We let them vote, we let them fight wars — let’s let them choose their dining option.
I was disappointed to read the University’s Sept. 29 announcement regarding upperclass dining plan changes effective September 2026. The changes do not make sense, and I recommend they not be implemented.
During the first two years, undergraduates on a University dining contract evaluate upperclass dining options. They include an eating club (around $10,350), University contract ($8,720 full to $3,380 partial), co-op (around $1,200 to $1,500), and independent ($0). According to a Daily Princetonian story drawing on data from past surveys of the senior class, based on those options, pricing, and where their friends may go, 63% choose an eating club, 20% independent, 10% University dining contract, and 6% co-op.
The University is now requiring eating club members to purchase a two-meals-per-week $900 University dining contract — when they already have a full meal plan. The University is eliminating the independent option — the second most popular choice. And most likely the University will not be able to accommodate those 20% independents who will now want to move to the least expensive co-op plan.
Please leave the options as is. Don’t require eating club members to purchase an additional University meal plan when they already have a full meal plan and don’t want it. Don’t increase the cost of a Princeton education unnecessarily. Don’t eliminate the options that have been popular with undergraduates for over five decades.
We let them vote, we let them fight wars — let’s let them choose their dining option.