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Introduction to the Public Higher Education System

The system comprises 29 campuses divided into three segments: 15 community colleges, nine state universities and the five University campuses. Each of the state universities and community colleges has its own Board of Trustees, as does the University of Massachusetts system. Links to individual campuses' websites and a map of the campus locations are available on the Public Higher Education campuses page.

The Massachusetts public higher education system serves over 260,000 students annually and in the 2008–2009 academic year alone awarded more than 33,000 degrees and certificates. Find more information about the campuses on the Facts and Statistics page.

The public higher education institutions participate in several systemwide programs, including MassTransfer, the Commonwealth Dual Enrollment Program, and the Commonwealth Honors Program. Find more information about collaborations like these on the Systemwide Programs page.