State college students brace for higher fees - Katherine Finnell, Enterprise News

Bridgewater State University senior Zelmia Harvey wasn’t happy to hear that fees at the school will be going up by about $500 in the fall. “Since my first year here, my bill has gone up about $5,000,” she said. Harvey, of Randolph, is among thousands of students across the region facing rising fees at state institutions of higher education. Bridgewater State University announced it is raising student fees by 8 percent, or about $500, for the 2011-2012 academic year. Massasoit Community College will decide whether to raise student fees at its Board of Trustees meeting on June 22. And the University of Massachusetts campuses may decide on a fee increase as their trustees also meet soon. Tuition at Bridgewater State has remained steady at $910 for several years, but student fees fluctuate according to the university’s budget. The state sets tuition rates, but the board of trustees decides on fees.