A week after the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees approved a three percent tuition hike, UMass President Marty Meehan says the university is looking to cut costs and increase efficiency.

In-state tuition at all four campuses - Lowell, Dartmouth, Amherst, and Boston - is slated to go up $416 next fall.

Speaking to WGBH’s Greater Boston, Meehan predicted that without more state investment the public higher education system will be left with no alternative but consolidation at both community colleges and four-year state schools.

“I don’t see how we can avoid looking at ways for efficiencies and combining the community colleges, for example. The community colleges are really important because there’s open admissions. UMass – all of the campuses – have gotten more difficult to get into,” Meehan said. “We ought to consolidate.”

Meehan says UMass could reduce costs by expanding online programs, which he argues, would help students earn credentials and skills needed to get ahead in statewide industries that don’t necessarily require a four-year degree.

Watch: UMass President Marty Meehan speaks with WGBH's Jim Braude.

Earlier: Can Massachusetts Support Four Public Universities?