When it comes to college life, having access to good food is essential for academic success and overall well-being. Creighton University offers a robust dining program that has earned recognition as one of the top 50 college dining experiences in the nation. Understanding the various meal plan options can help students make informed choices that best suit their needs and preferences.

Creighton University’s dining services are designed to provide students with flexible, nutritious, and diverse food options across campus. The university recognizes that food not only fuels academic performance but also serves as a social cornerstone of campus life. As they state, “We believe food feeds the soul, so expect to have lots of moments here making friends over a meal.”

The meal plan system at Creighton has evolved to accommodate different living situations, dietary preferences, and schedules. With a variety of options ranging from unlimited access to more flexible arrangements, Creighton ensures that every student can find a plan that fits their lifestyle. The university’s commitment to quality dining is evident in its national ranking and the continuous improvements made to dining facilities and menu options.

For new students, particularly freshmen and sophomores who are required to have a meal plan, understanding these options is crucial for budgeting and planning their college experience. Let’s explore the comprehensive meal plan system that makes Creighton University stand out in campus dining.

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Meal Plan Options

Understanding the different meal plans available is essential for making an informed decision about your dining experience at Creighton University. Each plan is designed with different student needs in mind, from those who eat almost every meal on campus to those who prefer more flexibility.

Traditional Resident Plans

Creighton University offers four primary meal plans for students living in residence halls. These plans vary in the number of weekly meals and Dining Dollars, allowing students to choose based on their eating habits and preferences.

Plan Name	Meals Per Week	Dining Dollars Per Semester	Guest Passes	Cost Per Semester	Annual Cost
All-Access	Unlimited	$150	5	$3,080	$6,160
14 Meal Plan	14	$540	5	$3,080	$6,160
10 Meal Plan	10	$900	5	$3,080	$6,160
Apartment 7	7	$630	5	$2,115	$4,230

All-Access Plan

The All-Access Plan provides unlimited entry to the dining halls throughout their operating hours. This is ideal for students who:

• Eat most of their meals on campus
• Have busy schedules and need flexibility in meal times
• Prefer smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day
• Want the convenience of never having to worry about running out of meal swipes

With $150 in Dining Dollars per semester, this plan provides some flexibility for specialty coffee, grab-and-go items, or dining at campus retail locations when you want a change from the dining halls.

14 Meal Plan

The 14 Meal Plan offers a balance between structure and flexibility. With 14 meals per week and $540 in Dining Dollars, this plan works well for students who:

• Typically eat two meals per day in the dining halls
• Occasionally eat off-campus or prepare some meals in their residence
• Want more Dining Dollars for retail locations like Starbucks or Wareham Court
• Have consistent eating schedules

The higher Dining Dollar amount compared to the All-Access Plan gives students more flexibility to enjoy specialty dining options across campus.

10 Meal Plan

With 10 meals per week and the highest Dining Dollar allocation at $900 per semester, this plan is designed for students who:

• Prefer to eat only one or two meals per day in the dining halls
• Want maximum flexibility with Dining Dollars
• Frequently eat at retail dining locations
• May skip breakfast or prefer to have simple breakfast items in their room

The substantial Dining Dollar amount allows students to enjoy more variety at specialty dining locations while still having access to the main dining halls for regular meals.

Apartment 7 Meal Plan

Available only to students living in apartment-style residence halls, this plan includes 7 meals per week and $630 in Dining Dollars. It’s perfect for students who:

• Have kitchen facilities in their apartments and enjoy cooking
• Want some access to dining halls for convenience
• Prefer a lower-cost option
• Value flexibility in their dining choices

This plan recognizes that students in apartments have more options for meal preparation while still providing access to campus dining when desired.

Commuter Plans

For students living off-campus, Creighton University offers two flexible meal plans that provide access to campus dining without the commitment of a full resident plan.

Plan Name	Meals Per Semester	Dining Dollars Per Semester	Cost Per Semester	Annual Cost
Flex-85	85	$405	$1,480	$2,960
Flex-65	65	$360	$1,170	$2,340

Flex-85

With 85 meals per semester and $405 in Dining Dollars, this plan is ideal for commuter students who:

• Spend most weekdays on campus
• Want to enjoy about 5-6 meals per week in the dining halls
• Need the convenience of on-campus dining between classes
• Value the social aspect of eating with friends on campus

Flex-65

Offering 65 meals per semester and $360 in Dining Dollars, this plan works well for commuter students who:

• Are on campus 3-4 days per week
• Prefer to bring food from home some days
• Want occasional access to dining halls
• Need a more economical option

Both commuter plans can be purchased at any point during the semester, and students may purchase another flex meal plan after all meals have been used, providing additional flexibility throughout the academic year.

Faculty/Staff Plan

Creighton University recognizes that faculty and staff also benefit from convenient on-campus dining options. The faculty/staff plan includes:

Plan Name	Meals	Cost	Features
Faculty/Staff 20	20	$190	Can be purchased multiple times throughout the year

This plan allows faculty and staff to enjoy campus dining facilities without committing to a larger meal plan. It’s perfect for those who occasionally want to grab lunch on campus or join students for meals.

Dining Locations on Campus

One of the greatest advantages of having a meal plan at Creighton University is access to a variety of dining locations across campus. Each venue offers its own unique atmosphere and menu options, ensuring students never get bored with their dining choices.

Main Dining Halls

Brandeis Dining Hall

Located in the heart of campus, Brandeis is Creighton’s primary dining facility and offers the most comprehensive dining experience:

• Menu Variety: Homestyle, vegetarian, made-to-order, and allergen-friendly options
• Stations: Deli, grill, salad bar, soup station, and breakfast options
• Special Features: Theme nights, holiday specials, and chef’s tables
• Hours:
  • Monday-Friday: Breakfast (7-9:30am), Lunch (11am-2pm), Dinner (5-8pm)
  • Weekends: Brunch (10am-2pm), Dinner (5-8pm)

Brandeis is known for its welcoming atmosphere and is often the social hub for many students. The variety of food stations ensures that even the pickiest eaters can find something they enjoy. The dining hall regularly rotates menu items to keep options fresh and exciting throughout the semester.

Harper Dining Hall

Located in the Harper Center, this dining hall focuses on healthier options:

• Menu Focus: Performance plate menu including fresh vegetables, salad options, fruits, carbohydrates, and lean proteins
• Special Features: Smoothie and yogurt bar, build-your-own options
• Hours:
  • Monday-Thursday: 11am-8pm
  • Friday: 11am-2pm
  • Weekends: Closed

Harper is particularly popular among student-athletes and health-conscious individuals. The performance plate concept ensures balanced nutrition, while the smoothie bar provides delicious, nutritious options for those on the go.

Additional Dining Options

Wareham Court

Located in the Skutt Student Center, Wareham Court offers a food-court style dining experience:

Restaurant	Cuisine Type	Popular Items
Qdoba	Mexican	Burritos, bowls, queso
Firehouse Subs	Sandwiches	Hot specialty subs
Mein Bowl	Asian	Stir-fry, noodle bowls
Hissho Sushi	Japanese	Fresh-made sushi

Wareham Court is perfect for students looking for a change from dining hall food or who want quick service between classes. The variety of cuisines ensures there’s something for everyone, and meal swipes can be used for combo meals at these locations.

Starbucks

Creighton University features two full-service Starbucks locations:

• Skutt Student Center: Central location, often busy between classes
• Harper Center: Quieter atmosphere, popular study spot

Both locations offer the complete Starbucks menu, including seasonal specialties, and accept Dining Dollars and JayBuck$. These locations are perfect for grabbing a coffee before an early class or settling in for a study session.

McGloin Market

Located on the lower level of McGloin Hall, this market-style location offers:

• Godfather’s Pizza: Personal pizzas and slices
• Simply-To-Go meals: Pre-packaged sandwiches, salads, and snacks
• Eat Fit Go meals: Healthy pre-portioned meals
• Convenience items: Snacks, beverages, frozen meals, and essentials

McGloin Market is particularly convenient for late-night studying or for students who need a quick meal between activities. The market’s extended hours make it a popular option when other dining facilities are closed.

Meal Plan Management

Managing your meal plan effectively is key to getting the most value and ensuring you have access to meals when you need them. Creighton University provides several tools and policies to help students make the most of their dining experience.

Enrollment Process

Signing up for a meal plan at Creighton University follows a straightforward process:

1. Automatic Enrollment: All on-campus residents are automatically enrolled in a meal plan based on their housing assignment
2. Plan Selection/Changes: Students can change their meal plan via the NEST (Student Self Service) web page
3. Change Period: Changes must be made within the first week of every semester
4. Late Changes: If you miss the deadline, contact [email protected] for assistance
5. Off-Campus Students: Can add a Commuter Plan at any point in the semester through the NEST

This process allows students to adjust their meal plans based on their experiences and changing needs. First-year students often find that their eating habits change as they adjust to college life, so the ability to modify plans between semesters is particularly valuable.

Understanding Payment Options

Creighton University offers two primary payment methods for campus dining:

Payment Type	Description	Expiration	Where to Use	How to Add Funds
Dining Dollars	Included with meal plans	End of semester	Campus dining locations only	Included in meal plan cost
JayBuck$	Optional debit account	Never expire	Campus dining, bookstore, printing, vending	Online through NEST

Dining Dollars

Dining Dollars function as a declining balance account that comes with your meal plan. Key features include:

• Only usable at campus dining locations
• Expire at the end of each semester (use them or lose them)
• Cannot be transferred between students
• Additional Dining Dollars can be purchased in $25 increments

JayBuck$

JayBuck$ offer more flexibility as a campus-wide payment option:

• Function like a debit card for various campus services
• Never expire as long as you’re enrolled
• Can be used at all dining locations plus bookstore, printing services, and vending machines
• Parents can add funds to student accounts online

Understanding the difference between these payment options helps students budget effectively and avoid losing unused Dining Dollars at the end of the semester.

Cost Analysis and Value Comparison

When evaluating meal plans, it’s important to consider the overall cost and value to determine which option provides the best return on investment for your specific needs.

Comprehensive Cost Breakdown

Plan Type	Semester Cost	Annual Cost	Cost Per Meal*	Dining Dollars	Total Value**
All-Access	$3,080	$6,160	~$8.50	$150	$3,230
14 Meal Plan	$3,080	$6,160	~$12.80	$540	$3,620
10 Meal Plan	$3,080	$6,160	~$17.90	$900	$3,980
Apartment 7	$2,115	$4,230	~$17.55	$630	$2,745
Flex-85	$1,480	$2,960	~$12.65	$405	$1,885
Flex-65	$1,170	$2,340	~$12.46	$360	$1,530

*Approximate cost per meal based on a 16-week semester
**Total value includes the semester cost plus Dining Dollars

This analysis reveals several important insights:

1. Equal Pricing Strategy: The three main resident meal plans (All-Access, 14, and 10) cost the same despite offering different numbers of meals. This means the university is balancing the value through Dining Dollars.
2. Value Tradeoffs: Plans with fewer meals include more Dining Dollars, giving students more flexibility but potentially at a higher cost per individual meal.
3. Long-Term Costs: The total cost for housing and dining over four years at Creighton is estimated to be approximately $65,194, making meal plan selection an important financial decision.

The equal pricing for the three main resident meal plans means students can choose the option that best fits their eating habits without cost being a factor. Those who eat most meals in dining halls might prefer the All-Access Plan, while those who want more flexibility might opt for the 10 Meal Plan with its higher Dining Dollars allocation.

Special Features and Accommodations

Creighton University has incorporated several special features into its dining program to ensure all students have access to nutritious, enjoyable meals regardless of dietary restrictions or preferences.

Sustainability Initiatives

Creighton’s dining services have implemented various sustainability practices:

• Trayless Dining: Reduces food waste by encouraging students to take only what they’ll eat
• Green Packaging: Eco-friendly containers for to-go meals
• Local Sourcing: Partnership with regional farmers to reduce carbon footprint
• Food Waste Reduction: Composting programs and donation of unused food
• Reusable Container Program: Discount when using reusable mugs or containers

These initiatives reflect Creighton’s Jesuit values and commitment to environmental stewardship, allowing students to participate in sustainable practices through their daily dining choices.

Dietary Accommodations

Creighton University recognizes the importance of accommodating various dietary needs:

Dietary Need	Accommodations
Food Allergies	Simple Servings station with allergen-free options
Gluten-Free	Dedicated gluten-free preparation areas and labeled options
Vegetarian/Vegan	Plant-based options at every meal, dedicated vegetarian station
Religious Restrictions	Halal and Kosher options available upon request
Medical Needs	Individual meal planning with campus nutritionist

The Simple Servings program is particularly noteworthy, offering meals prepared without the most common allergens: milk, eggs, soy, tree nuts, peanuts, shellfish, wheat, and gluten. This station provides peace of mind for students with severe allergies or celiac disease.

Students with specific dietary needs can work directly with the campus nutritionist to develop personalized meal plans and ensure their nutritional requirements are met within the campus dining system.

Conclusion

Creighton University’s meal plan system offers a range of options designed to meet the diverse needs of its campus community. From the comprehensive All-Access Plan to the flexible commuter options, there’s a plan for every situation and budget.

For incoming freshmen, it’s generally recommended to start with the 14 Meal Plan as a balanced option, then adjust as needed in following semesters. This allows students to gauge their meal preferences and habits during their first semester and make changes accordingly.

When selecting a meal plan, consider these factors:

• Your typical eating schedule (how many meals per day)
• Whether you prefer dining hall meals or retail options
• Your weekend habits (staying on campus or going out)
• Your budget and financial considerations
• Any dietary restrictions or preferences

Remember that meal plans are not just about sustenance but also about convenience, community, and creating memorable college experiences. The dining halls at Creighton serve as social hubs where students connect, study, and build friendships over meals.

By understanding the different options available and carefully considering your personal needs, you can select a meal plan that enhances your overall Creighton University experience and contributes to your success as a student.