State University Systems look to increase success as part of accountability to stakeholders, while at the same time competing for a decreasing college age population and declining annual state appropriations. Research has been limited on State University Systems and the examination of the institutional characteristics and their ability to assist in predicting enrollment and success indicators. This study focused on examining institutional characteristics of the fourteen institutions within the State System of Higher Education in the state of Pennsylvania, under many of the same constraints, to determine which institutional characteristics were related to the leading student success indicators and enrollment over a tumultuous decade, including the aftermath of the Great Recession, the peak of enrollment history of all fourteen institutions, and a period of decline. Research questions explored variables commonly reported to stakeholders, useful for strategic decision making for the future. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]