UC Merced Meal Plans
Every residential plan at UC Merced Dining provides unlimited access to the Pavilion and Yablokoff-Wallace Dining Centers — where students enjoy fresh, nutritious meals served daily in a community-focused dining environment.
General Information
A student will never go hungry with a UC Merced meal plan.
At UC Merced, Dining Services is committed to fighting food insecurity on campus. With our all-you-care-to-eat model, residents can dine three times a day, seven days a week. That means unlimited servings. Go back for seconds, thirds or more! Whether you're grabbing a quick bite between classes or enjoying a full meal, your meal plan covers every entry into the Pavilion and Yablokoff Wallace Dining Centers. Please note that meal plans and swipes are non-transferable and valid only for the assigned student.
Located in the heart of one of the most fertile agricultural regions in the world, our chefs strive to provide customers with locally sourced, sustainable meals whenever possible. We’re also happy to work with residents to accommodate any special dietary requests. Please contact Student Accessibility Services for health-related medical needs and allergen considerations. Please contact dining@ucmerced.edu for religious prohibitions or other nutritional requirements.
Students living on campus are required to purchase a meal plan. Meal plans are only valid for the plan holder and are not transferable. Exemptions from purchasing a meal plan for students living on campus are granted only under extraordinary circumstances. Please click here for information about appealing a dining contract.
About Meal Plan Rates
All on-campus residents must have a meal plan. Each plan provides unlimited all-you-care-to-eat meals with access to both dining centers.
- Unlimited swipes available all day during open hours.
- Plans include guest passes per semester for visiting friends or family.
- Cat Dollars can be used at the Lantern Café, Bobcat Snack Stop, and Food Trucks.
- Unused swipes and guest passes do not roll over and are non-transferable.
2025–2026 Meal Plan Pricing
| Meal Plan | Total / Semester | Cat Dollars / Semester | Guest Passes / Semester | Total / Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unlimited 85$ | $2,815 | $85 | 3 | $5,630 |
| Unlimited 250$ | $2,980 | $250 | 3 | $5,960 |
| Unlimited 400$ | $3,130 | $400 | 3 | $6,260 |
| Unlimited 500$ | $3,230 | $500 | 3 | $6,460 |
| Unlimited 600$ | $3,330 | $600 | 3 | $6,660 |
*Prices subject to revision. Unlimited access refers to dining hall entry during open hours.
For information on previous rates, please click here.
For 2025 Summer Session Rates, please click here
Cat Dollars
Cat Dollars can be purchased and loaded anytime to your CatCard. They can be used at select campus cafés, food trucks, vending machines, and more.
- Roll over year to year.
- Do not expire while enrolled.
- Refunded only upon separation from the university.
Guest Dining
Guests without a meal plan can dine at the Pavilion or Yablokoff-Wallace Dining Centers by paying at the door using cash, credit, or Cat Dollars.
Prices: Breakfast $11.95 | Lunch $12.88 | Dinner $13.95
