Higher education everywhere is suffering from the need for expanded facilities at a time of financial stress. The Massachusetts State College System has instituted a Continuing Studies Program that offers an external degree following completion of the requirements. This document explores this program with reference to the economic needs of the Commonwealth in the 1970s and their impact on the system as a whole; backgrounds and current trends in the Massachusetts system; the current status of continuing studies in the system; and current developments in higher education and the effect on continuing education. It is felt that such a program through the use of electronic media, such as television, can further the goal of the State in educating its people without added financial problems. (HS)