Maroon Dollars FAQ

Click here to purchase Maroon Dollars online!

What are Maroon Dollars?

Maroon Dollars allow students, faculty, and staff to use their University IDs like a debit card at any dining hall and most cafés and markets on campus. Each time you make a purchase with Maroon Dollars, money will be subtracted from your personal account. One Maroon Dollar has the buying power of $1.

Maroon Dollars also come with bonuses: a purchase of $100 Maroon Dollars or more will include a 5 percent bonus.  A purchase of $250 Maroon Dollars or more will include a 7.5 percent bonus.

Who can buy Maroon Dollars?

All registered students (College, graduate and professional schools), University-affiliated faculty, and staff are eligible to buy Maroon Dollars. Most of the University meal plans also include Maroon Dollars.

Where can I use Maroon Dollars?

Maroon Dollars can be used to purchase meals at the three residential dining commons (Bartlett, Cathey, and Pierce) and also to purchase food and other items from the following retail locations:

*Maroon Dollars are not accepted at the Laboratory Schools, the Booth School of Business, Harper Center, the University of Chicago Medical Center or the Divinity School Student Organization Café.

When will my Maroon Dollars expire?

Unused Maroon Dollars will roll over from quarter to quarter during an academic year, but will expire on Convocation Saturday of Spring Quarter. Any remaining balance is non-refundable.

Students who take a leave of absence or withdraw from the University will lose access to their Maroon Dollars account; any remaining balance is non-refundable.

Is there a minimum/maximum purchase of Maroon Dollars?

There is a minimum purchase of $25 for each addition to your Maroon Dollars account, and a maximum yearly purchase of $5,000.

How can I charge my Maroon Dollar purchase to tuition?

These purchases must be made in person at the UChicago Dining Office (Bartlett Hall, Room 111 on the first floor) or the Office of Undergraduate Student Housing (Edelstone Hall, second floor).  The Dining Office is open Monday-Friday, 8:30am-6:00pm.  The Housing Office is open Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm.  Maroon Dollars purchased online cannot be charged to your tuition bill.

I bought more Maroon Dollars recently, but they still don’t show up when I make a purchase.  Why not?

Students with meal plans have two separate Maroon Dollar accounts: one is attached to the meal plan, and one contains all additional Maroon Dollar purchases.  Once your first account is depleted of all funds, your second account will become active.

For example, if you still have $10 left over from a previous or current meal plan, you will need to spend $10 or more in order to see your new Maroon Dollars when you make a purchase.  You can also check online to confirm your current balance.

I bought Maroon Dollars recently, but all I see when I spend them is my bonus amount.  What gives?

Purchased Maroon Dollars and bonus dollar amounts are in separate accounts.  Once your bonus dollars are spent, your purchases will begin deducting from the original amount that you purchased.  For instance, if you purchased $250 Maroon Dollars, you will only see $18.75 at first.  If you are still concerned about your Maroon Dollars account, feel free to contact us at dining@uchicago.edu or 773-702-1600.  And remember, you can always check your balance online here.

I have a Maroon Dollars account, but my transaction will not go through.  What’s the problem?

Please make sure that the address you entered for the transaction matches the billing address associated with the credit card.

If you continue to experience problems, please contact the Dining Office at 773-702-1600 or dining@uchicago.edu. 

On my transaction history, what does ‘GUI Location’ mean?

The GUI Location tells you where your transaction was handled, depending on whether you purchased Maroon Dollars online or in person.

Why can’t I see my transaction history from previous quarters?

On your transaction history, please select “All Plans” to see these records.If you have any further questions, please contact the Dining Office at 773-702-1600 or dining@uchicago.edu.