Re: New UMass Boston student housing project
There is a positive correlation between on-campus housing and student retention. Students that live on campus on average perform better academically, become more invested in the campus community, and are more inclined to give back to the school once they graduate. Another added benefit is that on campus housing enables schools to be more selective as student caliber improves. This was the case for Northeastern.
However, UMass Boston is an exceptional example. As a public university, I think the perception is that it should remain within grasp to students of all abilities, not fewer. I'm very curious to see if/how a more mature, traditional campus atmosphere affects UMass Boston.