Students grabbing lunch on campus this semester are noticing more than just new menu items; they’re seeing higher prices.
BG Dining’s prices have been raised for students to eat at the Oaks, the Carillon and the Bowen-Thompson Student Union. To get into the Oaks and Carillon, it requires one meal swipe. As of October 2025, it costs $15 if a student or adult doesn’t have a meal swipe.
Compared to a BG Falcon Media article from February 2024, it was between $10-$13 for a meal at the dining halls.
Prices at some dining locations on campus have risen and Laurel Sloan, a junior majoring in public relations, is not happy.
“It’s frustrating because it feels like we’re paying more but getting less in return. I think if prices are going to keep increasing, there should be noticeable improvements in quality or more affordable options for students who don’t have meal plans,” Sloan said.
Kenlee Monnin, a senior majoring in Marketing, is indifferent about the prices increasing.
“I do not have a meal plan here, so I live off-campus, so I’m usually getting groceries or going out,” Monnin said.
Jon Zachrich, director of marketing, communications and technology at BGSU Dining, ensures that the quality of the food is the same.
“Quality is always our top priority. The small price increase ensures that we continue to use the best ingredients and maintain the standards that our students expect,” Zachrich said.
Comparatively, prices at local grocery stores such as Meijer might be priced lower than on-campus markets.
20 oz. pop drinks at the union are $2.59 each, while at Meijer’s 12 packs of canned soda are $6.99. Similar items at the union and Meijer’s, such as a bacon, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich, for example, are both priced at $7.29.
Some prices on campus have only slightly increased. Based on past reporting from February 2024, salads in the on-campus market were $7.49. As of October 2025, it costs $8.19 for a Cajun Chicken Salad in the market. Similar pre-packaged salads at Meijer’s are $3.59.
Zachrich is making sure that the food they provide for students is at a fair price.
“Prices are adjusted with rising national costs for food, labor and transportation. Our team works hard to keep prices fair and competitive with other universities while still maintaining the high quality and service that BGSU students expect,” Zachrich said.
Sloan expressed that dining services don’t consider students who live off-campus and who are buying meals while they are on campus.
“It feels like dining service doesn’t really consider how much that affects students who are trying to make ends meet. Most of us are juggling classes, jobs and tight budgets, so paying $12 or more for a meal on campus adds up fast,” Sloan said.
Certain food prices that contain dairy and meat because of inflation with franchise companies.
“Only some items changed. Increases mainly affected ingredients like meat, dairy and produce that saw big supplier cost jumps. The price change on franchise companies on campus is mandated by those companies and follows the nationwide increase,” Zachrich said.
