<P> There are currently 55 colleges and universities, defined as accredited, degree - granting, postsecondary institutions, in the state of Maryland . </P> <P> The state's public universities are part of the University System of Maryland, with the exception of United States Naval Academy, St. Mary's College and Morgan State University, which are public, but are not part of the university system . The characteristics of each institution varies from small, intimate, liberal arts colleges such as Washington College and McDaniel College to large, public, research universities such as the University of Maryland, College Park . The oldest school in the state is St. John's College, formerly King William School, founded in 1696, and the third oldest college or university in the United States . The newest school is University System of Maryland at Hagerstown, founded in 2008 . </P>

How many colleges are in the state of maryland