ABOUT THE STATE SYSTEM OF HIGHER EDUCATION
The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education was created in 1941 by a vote of the people that amended the state's constitution to provide for such a system.
With a current enrollment of more than 232,000 students, the state system is comprised of 25 colleges and universities – including two research universities, 11 regional universities and 12 community colleges – and 11 constituent agencies and one higher education center. The State System is coordinated by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, and each institution is governed by a board of regents.
The State Regents prescribe academic standards of higher education, determine functions and courses of study at state colleges and universities, grant degrees, and approve each public college's and university's allocations, as well as tuition and fees within the limits set by the Oklahoma Legislature.
The State Regents also manage scholarships and special programs. In addition, in cooperation with the Office of State Finance, the State Regents operate OneNet, the state's information and telecommunications network for education and government. The Regents also operate the Oklahoma Guaranteed Student Loan Program, which guarantees loans made to students by the private sector.
While the State Regents are the coordinating board of control for all institutions in the State System of Higher Education, governing boards of regents and boards of trustees are responsible for the operation and management of each State System institution or higher education program.
For more information about the State System of Higher Education, contact the Communications Department at communicationsdepartment@osrhe.edu or 405.225.9100.
