UMass Committee Approves 7.5 Percent Fee Hike

A committee of the University of Massachusetts trustees has approved a 7.5 percent increase in student fees for the next academic year. It would boost the average bill for an in-state undergraduate by more than $800.

The Committee on Administration and Finance approved the fee on Wednesday as a way to help close a $54 million budget gap.

The fee increase goes before the full board on June 8.

Committee Chairman Victor Woolridge said the board was left with "little choice" other than increasing fees if the university is to maintain quality across its four undergraduate campuses in Amherst, Boston, Dartmouth and Lowell.

The increase was proposed by President Jack Wilson and developed in collaboration with the campus chancellors. Wilson called the increase a "balanced and responsible course."