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…

Public higher education faces a crisis in the twenty-first century. While a college education has never been more vital to individual and societal success, state governments have increasingly withdrawn their support for public colleges and universities. National trends suggest that reductions in state funding for public higher education will not…

Founded in 1855 as the Farmer's High School, the Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) began as a small college in Centre County providing agricultural education to young men from regional farm families. Penn State became a land-grant university in 1863 following passage of the Morrill Act. Today, Penn State enrolls more than 83,000 students…

Pennsylvania's 10-year-old system of 14 state-owned universities has focused on increasing the stature and character of individual institutions, limited centralization, and fostered cohesion and cooperation rather than competition, particularly in difficult economic conditions. (MSE)

For degree-granting colleges and universities in Pennsylvania, information is provided on accreditation, highest degree awarded, calendar system, student body (coeducational or single-sex), location, telephone, and chief executive officer. This information is provided for 211 institutions, including 14 state colleges and universities; four…