If your son is used to only eating 2 meals per day at home and may be coming home on many weekends, he would only need the 12 meal plan and the flex dollars could be used for snacks. I realize from the “bang for your buck” standpoint it seems like the other plans offer more, but if he really doesn’t need 3 meals and has the flex dollars for snacks, it could save you (him) money by not needing to pay out of pocket for snacks. That being said, I’d want to know what kind of snacks are available and what they cost.
My D is not in college yet, but a few tour guides from different colleges have made it seem like many students only have time for snacks and a quick bite here and there on many days. My D and I are already talking about what her weekly budget will need to be and where that $ is coming from. I like the idea of the flex dollars for that reason, but 150 doesn’t sound like a lot.
In the end, you are the only one that knows what his eating habits are. For us, my D is not a breakfast eater and would not eat 3 meals a day just because they are available to her. I can see her eating 2 meals a day and spending $$$ on smoothies and snacks. So, the flex $ plan would save us money. (Just wanted to explain how some people may view that plan as the better deal!)
Best of luck to your son!