More reason for cash-starved college students, especially those in the UMass system, to cultivate the taste for ramen. WBZ reports, "The university's trustees finance panel approved a 3.1 percent increase in fees Wednesday."

The hike applies to all UMass campuses, including UMass-Boston. However, UMass-Amherst will see the greatest rise in fees.

A press release from the school points out that, compared to the private schools, public education is still a bargain:

Last year, the average cost of attending a private Massachusetts university was $40,677, according to a report published in the Chronicle of Higher Education. When room and board is factored in, the in-state undergraduate cost of attending the University's residential campuses in 2008-2009 would be: Amherst, $18,346; Dartmouth, $18,286, and Lowell, $16,525.

Meanwhile, former MLB commissioner Francis "Fay" Vincent is giving $7 million to Williams College.