The University System of Maryland (USM) is a public higher education system in the state of Maryland, consisting of 12 institutions. It includes well-known universities such as University of Maryland, College Park and Towson University, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Established in 1988, the USM aims to provide accessible education, promote research, and support economic development in Maryland. The system serves over 150,000 students and focuses on enhancing educational quality and collaboration among its institutions to meet the needs of the community and workforce.