Maryland's state postsecondary education system is described, along with actions to address state needs, and institutional roles and missions. The types of institutions are distinguished and information is provided on enrollments for individual community colleges, state universities and colleges, and private institutions. Planning assumptions are also considered, with attention to the traditional college-aged population, the population older than the traditional college student, student program interests, the state's economy, access to educational resources, quality, and competition for funding. The following actions to address state needs are covered: enhancing the University of Maryland system, strengthening undergraduate education, improving partnerships with both the public schools and with business and industry, providing greater focus for campus activities, centers for excellence, graduate studies in Baltimore, implementation of the state's equal educational opportunity plan, increasing funding, and expanding accountability mechanisms. Mission statements are provided for community colleges and state colleges and universities concerning degrees offered, programs, enrollments, research, and public service, and specific information is provided on some of these areas for 14 institutions or branches. (SW)