Meehan proposes tuition freeze at UMass
University of Massachusetts President Martin Meehan wants to freeze undergraduate tuition for the upcoming academic year as students and families struggle under the financial strain of COVID-19.
Meehan’s proposal will aid nearly 50,000 undergrads. He will formally recommend the freeze to the UMass Board of Trustees next month.
“During this time of stress and uncertainty for our students and their families, we need to keep our high-quality programs and the benefits of a UMass degree as accessible and affordable as possible,” Meehan said in a statement. “In addition to keeping tuition at current levels, we are taking steps to ensure that those students facing the steepest financial challenges will not see their dream of earning a UMass degree cut short.”
UMass campuses have set up emergency funds for students and are distributing CARES Act funding for technology, housing, child care and transportation. The campuses also reimbursed $65 million in room and board fees after health concerns closed residence halls.
The potential tuition freeze comes as colleges already grappling with financial hits are facing the potential for declining enrollment — and accompanying revenue loss — this fall as they decide whether to reopen campuses.
“We need to keep the path to opportunity and economic recovery open and accessible,” Trustees Chairman Robert Manning said, “I commend Marty for proposing this tuition freeze.”