The State University of New York's 64 geographically dispersed campuses bring educational opportunity within commuting distance of virtually all New Yorkers and comprise the nation's largest comprehensive system of public higher education.The State University of New York's 64 campuses are divided into four categories, based on educational mission, the kinds of academic opportunities available, and degrees offered. They are: Community Colleges, Technology Colleges, Comprehensive Colleges, Research & University Centers. SUNY offers students a wide diversity of educational options: short-term vocational/technical courses, certificate programs, associate degree programs, baccalaureate degree programs, graduate degrees and post-doctoral studies. The University offers access to almost every field of academic or professional study somewhere within the system---some 7,669 degree and certificate programs overall. With a total enrollment of more than 427,000, students are pursuing traditional study in classrooms and laboratories or are working at home, at their own pace, through such innovative institutions as the SUNY Learning Network and Empire State College. SUNY students are predominantly New York State residents, representing every one of the state's 62 counties. SUNY students also come from every other state in the United States, the District of Columbia, from four U.S. territories, and 168 foreign countries. SUNY is committed to bringing its students the very best and brightest scholars, scientists, artists and professionals. SUNY campuses boast nationally and internationally recognized faculty in all the major disciplines. Their efforts are regularly recognized in numerous prestigious awards and honors.