The State System of Higher Education's Mission Statement is taken from "The Mission and the Strategic Direction Statements for the State System of Higher Education" and was adopted by the board of governors on October 16, 1984. 

The State System of Higher Education in Pennsylvania is determined to accomplish the following:

1. To strengthen the commonwealth through its on-going commitment to excellence in education at the lowest possible cost to students in a broad range of baccalaureate and selected graduate programs consistent with student aspirations and regional, state, national and international needs.

2. To provide undergraduate and graduate instruction for students to and beyond the master's degree in liberal arts, sciences, the professions and other applied fields, including the teaching profession, with opportunities for research, artistic effort, scholarly achievement and personal growth consistent with the legislated mission of the system and graduate instruction at the doctoral level as provided by Act 188 of 1982.

3. To provide upper division opportunities for students who obtain the first two years of postsecondary education at other institutions.

4. To provide associate degree programs, including preprofessional transfer preparation, essential to serve unmet educational needs in particular geographical areas.

5. To provide continuing education and community and public services in accord with the needs and aspirations of citizens and the social, cultural, economic and technical needs of the commonwealth.

6. To meet specialized, statewide educational needs and provide public services to the commonwealth, responding as a system or in cooperation with other Pennsylvania colleges and universities.

7. To serve as regional social, intellectual and cultural centers.

8. To participate in and help provide leadership for the economic revitalization and development of the common wealth.