Gov. Deval Patrick signed a $34 billion state budget on Friday, including more than $1 billion in higher education spending. That's nearly a 16 percent increase over last year.
Patrick approved the full $479 million appropriation for the University of Massachusetts, which means the system will freeze tuition and fees for students in the new academic year.
The budget also ties taxpayer dollars to outcomes at the state’s 15 community colleges.
Commissioner of Higher Education Richard Freeland has said the budget is a strong affirmation that schools need to get better results – to close achievement gaps and improve graduation rates.
