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Introduction to the Public Higher Education System

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

Public higher education serves approximately 260,000 students annually and in 2006 alone awarded more than 30,000 degrees and certificates. Find more information about the campuses on the Facts and Statistics page.

The public higher education programs participate in several systemwide programs, including Commonwealth Honors Programs, Joint Admissions, the Tuition Advantage Program, and Transfer Compacts. Find more information about collaborations like these on the Systemwide Programs page.