In the traditional view, U.S. colleges and universities are devoted to teaching and research, offering a superior diversity of programs, institutional types and missions, revenue sources, and styles of governance. In recent years, public and private sector observers have commented on higher education as part of the nation's infrastructure. Though this view is useful, it is also important to view higher education as a service to be exported. The elements for success already exist, but there is no overall strategy for keeping the competitive advantage. Higher education as an industry is discussed, noting U.S. colleges and universities enroll 12 million students, employ 700,000 faculty and staff, manage $115 billion in physical facilities and equipment, raise $6 billion annually in private support, and spend nearly $100 billion per year. It is a challenge for them to enhance the nation's economic performance without losing their academic balance. A systematic approach to opportunities for export is recommended. A strategy for considering higher education as a service to export is presented, and a case study of Ramapo College of New Jersey is provided. It is important to build on existing strengths to develop cooperative networks and realize the potential of higher education as a service to export. (SM)