College is expensive enough without spending $12 to $20 every time you’re hungry.
The good news is that eating better doesn’t have to mean buying expensive organic groceries, specialty protein snacks, or complicated ingredients.
Some of the best cheap healthy meals for college students are made with basic foods like eggs, oats, rice, beans, potatoes, frozen vegetables, tortillas, pasta, and peanut butter.
Many of the meals below can cost around $1 to $3 per serving, depending on where you shop, the brands you buy, and local food prices.
Better yet, most of the ingredients can be used in several different meals so you’re less likely to waste food.
Healthier Cents Tip: Prices below are estimates. Grocery prices vary by store and location, so use them as a budgeting guide rather than an exact price.
Quick Look: Cheap College Meals Under $3
| Meal | Estimated Cost Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Peanut butter banana oatmeal | $0.75–$1.25 |
| Eggs and toast | $1.00–$1.75 |
| Rice and black bean bowl | $1.00–$1.75 |
| Egg and bean breakfast burrito | $1.25–$2.00 |
| Baked potato with beans | $1.25–$2.00 |
| Vegetable fried rice | $1.25–$2.00 |
| Bean and cheese quesadilla | $1.25–$2.00 |
| Chickpea rice bowl | $1.25–$2.00 |
| Tuna and rice bowl | $1.50–$2.50 |
| Chicken and rice bowl | $2.00–$3.00 |
Now let’s look at 25 inexpensive meals you can actually make.
