Rose State College, established in 1970, a public, open admissions, associate degree-granting institution, provides avenues for successful life-long learning through programs and services for a diverse community. In December 1973, the College became a member of the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education, after an approval from the board of trustees of the College. Its campus, which now includes twenty-one buildings on approximately 116 acres, has grown from an initial enrollment of 1,700 in 1970 to a regular fall enrollment of approximately 8,200.