Declining Balance
Not on a meal plan? No problem. Declining balance is available to non-residential students, faculty, staff and administrators. This is a great way to save - students pay no sales tax and get a bonus with every purchase of $100 or more. It's convenient and allows off campus students to carry less cash around.
Declining Balance Facts and Figures
What is declining balance?
Declining balance is an account on the Vassar VCard which is available to students living outside of the nine residence halls. Like the meal plans, it is a debit account. The difference is, you can put in as much or little as you please.
Declining balance is also available to all Vassar employees.
Where can I spend declining balance?
Declining balance is accepted at all Campus Dining Facilities. You may use this account at ACDC, the Retreat, the Express, the Kiosk, the Atrium Cafe, Cafe 105 and the Cafe in the Aula.
Are there any restrictions?
Unlike Meal Plan accounts, declining balance is not subject to restrictions on where and what time you are able to use it. Declining balance is accepted during the restricted noon hour at the Retreat and, as stated earlier, can be used at any Vassar Campus Dining location.
Student declining balance accounts roll over from fall to spring terms, but must be used up by Commencement Day in May. Like meal plan accounts, any balance remaining after Commencement Day will be void.
How much money do I save?
Students pay no sales tax and get a bonus of 7.75% when opening an account of $100 or more. On a purchase of $100, students receive $107.75 in declining balance, and then save again with each purchase by not paying tax. You can't beat it!
How do I open an account?
Stop by the Card Office in ACDC.
For more information about declining balance, email the Card office or call the Card Office at #CARD.