General information is presented concerning residential continuing education centers affiliated with public institutions of higher education. Attention was directed to those universities considered self-contained with full-service facilities, including conference facilities, housing accommodations, and food services. Based on the latest documents available, it was found that there are 40 non-residential centers and 68 residential centers in operation. Of the total 108 centers, 5 were listed as operated by the U.S. Civil Service Commission Bureau of Training. It was difficult to identify those universities with self-contained facilities. Data are also presented concerning fiscal operations, use of centers by adult groups, and regulations governing centers. Telephone interviews with administrators in the field indicated that the active support of the chief executive officer coupled with a close and friendly association with benefactors were contributing factors in gaining initial financing. Interviews and empirical information indicated continuing education centers were generally successful financially. When housing accommodations were added, there was an expectation of breaking even and in some cases an anticipation of profit. It was in the area of food services that losses were reported except where profits from the sale of alcoholic beverages could take up part of the slack; profits from housing were frequently used to offset losses incurred by food services. There was no consensus concerning classifications or groups of adult learners utilizing continuing education centers. Information is presented on the origin of residential continuing education centers for 14 universities and colleges. (SW)