UMass Tuition And Fees Going Up

The University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees has voted to raise tuition and the mandatory curriculum fee by up to 5 percent for in-state undergraduates _ the first in three years.

Students would pay an additional $552 to $580, depending on which of the system's five campuses they attend.  Students attending UMass Dartmouth would pay about $552 more.

University officials said they had no choice, given the level of funding the system is expected to receive for the fiscal year beginning July 1.

UMass officials had requested $578 million, saying it would let them freeze tuition for a third year.

The House and Senate have approved increases that fall short of that goal as the state struggles to close a $1.8 billion budget gap.

UMass President Robert Caret said he hopes to limit the hike depending on the final budget.  (Associated Press)