Enrollment rising at UMass campuses

AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) - Enrollment at the University of Massachusetts has hit a record high this fall.

Nearly 71,000 students attend the five UMass campuses around the state, which have seen a 16 percent enrollment increase over the past 5 years. Two UMass Amherst students told 22News the academic programs are competitive, and you can't beat the price.

“I got into other private schools but you can't afford them,” said sophomore Erica Solat. “It's just so much money. I'm here at a state school and I don't regret anything. I love it here.”

Sophomore Ross McNamara added, “I know a lot of kids I went to high school with who originally went to private schools, but ended up going to state schools like this or other ones across the state.”

In-state undergraduate students pay around $12,500 for tuition and other fees.