Kean University is always finding innovative ways to create easier options for students on and off campus, such as Kean currencies. For new and returning students it is essential to understand how each of these currencies can be applied and where they are accepted.

But first, what Kean currencies are available now? There are four types of currencies that are available for student usage on and off campus such as Flex Dollars, Cougar Dollars, Kean Bucks and Cougar Cash.

In order for students to understand how these currencies work, they should know the places that accept Flex Dollars, Cougar Dollars, Kean Bucks and Cougar Cash. 

The eateries and places on and off campus that accept Flex Dollars include:

• The Residence Dining Hall - Flex Dollars, Cougar Dollars, Kean Bucks and Cougar Cash
• The Miron Student Center Food Court - Flex Dollars, Cougar Dollars, Kean Bucks and Cougar Cash
• The Cougar’s Den - Flex Dollars, Cougar Dollars, Kean Bucks and Cougar Cash
• Starbucks (Center for Academic Success) -  Flex Dollars, Cougar Dollars and Kean Bucks
• Starbucks (University Library) -  Flex Dollars, Cougar Dollars, Kean Bucks and Cougar Cash 
• Smashburger - Flex Dollars, Cougar Dollars, Kean Bucks and Cougar Cash
• Auntie Anne’s - Flex Dollars, Cougar Dollars, Kean Bucks and Cougar Cash
• Jersey Mike’s Subs - Flex Dollars, Cougar Dollars, Kean Bucks and Cougar Cash
• Outtakes - Flex Dollars, Cougar Dollars, Kean Bucks and Cougar Cash
• Barnes and Noble Cafe - Flex Dollars, Kean Bucks and Cougar Cash
• Barnes and Noble Campus bookstore - Flex Dollars and Kean Bucks
• Au Bon Pain - Flex Dollars, Kean Bucks and Cougar Cash
• Northside Cafe - Flex Dollars and Kean Bucks 
• Applebee’s - Flex Dollars and Cougar Cash 
• Bonchon Chicken - Flex Dollars and Cougar Cash
• Koki Buffet - Flex Dollars and Cougar Cash
• Rock’ N Joe Coffee Bar - Flex Dollars and Cougar Cash
• Tropicana Diner - Flex Dollars and Cougar Cash

Aside from the places students can use their Kean currencies, students should also know how they can obtain them. 

Flex Dollars are a form of the flex plan which is available to students, faculty and staff and allows them to add funds to their Kean University ID card. They also can be purchased at any time in any amount over $50. 

For students who like to hold on to their money, Flex Dollars roll over from semester to semester and any unused portions are fully refundable. With Flex Dollars students can purchase food, books or other items at any on campus location such as textbooks, earphones, Kean apparel and more. 

Cougar Dollars is mainly for residential students and is obtained through a campus meal plan, with the assistance of a Student ID card. Once the student has an established meal plan, the Cougar Dollars are issued onto there Student ID card. 

With the Unlimited Meal Plan $100, Cougar Dollars are given to residential students. Cougar Dollars are non-refundable and will roll over from fall to spring semester but will expire at the end of the Spring semester.   

Although this is for residential students, commuters can also be issued through KeanWISE with a meal plan. Unlike the flex plan, Cougar Dollars are mainly used for food on campus and certain off-campus eateries.

Kean Bucks are rewarded to students who are enrolled in Friday and Saturday classes. They can only be earned during the fall and spring semesters, where students receive $50 per credit hour for Friday classes that start after 3:30 p.m. or Saturday before noon. Students can also be granted $100 per credit hour for Saturday classes after noon.

Kean Bucks expire one year after the date they are issued to a student. Kean Bucks also have no cash value and cannot be used towards bills, tuition or fees. 

Cougar Cash is the newest currency out of the four and allows students to purchase food in three meal plans:

• Unlimited Meal Plan MK-100 which is $1,915 per semester
• Block Meal Plan KB-96 which is $1,371 per semester
• $1,500 Declining Balance Plan per semester

Students are allowed the ability to choose a meal plan that will best suit them and will last them throughout the semester.

For more information, students can visit the Kean website.