Which Texas Tech dining plan fits the way you eat?
In a traditional residence hall, choose between Matador and Red & Black. For 2026–27, Red & Black adds 265 Dining Bucks per semester. If you commute, check the Tech ID discount before buying a prepaid balance.
In this guide
Compare the two residence hall plans
For Fall 2026–Spring 2027, Texas Tech lists Matador at $3,970 per resident for the nine-month plan, with 1,100 Dining Bucks in fall and 1,100 in spring. Red & Black is $4,500 per resident for the same term, with 1,365 Dining Bucks in each semester. Both rates include Dining Operations Cost before applicable tax and both plans offer a 25% discount at Hospitality Services locations.
Both plans use two semester bills, 60% in fall and 40% in spring. The spendable balance is divided evenly between semesters. Unused fall Dining Bucks carry into spring and expire at the end of the spring semester.
Decide whether to preload money as a commuter
Hospitality Services offers commuter students a 15% discount at its locations when they tap their Tech ID, including students without a prepaid plan. Compare that checkout option with putting money into a commuter Dining Bucks account.
A commuter account is for off-campus students who are actively enrolled. The prepaid balance is nonrefundable and nontransferable and expires at spring commencement, or summer commencement if you are enrolled for summer.
Check your contract and plan change deadline
First-year housing applicants select a plan in the housing application. The academic calendar lists February 10, 2027 as the last day to change the Spring 2027 on-campus plan level. Use the plan office’s current form and check your housing agreement for any room-specific terms.
Start with the places you can reach between class and home, then check whether they operate at the times you normally eat.
Sources
- TTU Hospitality Services dining plans and rates · Checked
- TTU first-year dining FAQ · Checked
- TTU 2026–27 official academic calendar · Checked