The University System of Maryland (USM) is Maryland's public higher education system, consisting of 11 degree-granting universities, two regional higher education centers and one environmental research institution. With approximately 170,000 students and 38,000 graduates each year, USM is the most significant producer of talented workers and educated citizens in Maryland. USM institutions, faculty, students and graduates attract billions of federal and privately funded research dollars to the state that support thousands of jobs. They also create hundreds of new companies. Combined, these activities enable USM to support one of America’s most vibrant economies.