Institutional evaluation in higher education: contemporary models, quality criteria, and emerging trends.

Abstract

Institutional evaluation has become one of the principal mechanisms for strengthening quality, transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in higher education institutions. The aim of this study was to analyze the available scientific evidence on contemporary models of institutional evaluation, the criteria used to assess university performance, and the major emerging trends that characterize current quality assurance systems. A literature review was conducted through the analysis of scientific articles, books, and specialized reports retrieved from internationally recognized academic databases. The collected information was organized and analyzed thematically, considering dimensions related to university governance, quality assurance, teaching, research, student experience, digital transformation, financial sustainability, internationalization, and social impact. The findings reveal a transition from evaluation models focused exclusively on administrative and bibliometric indicators toward multidimensional approaches that integrate quantitative and qualitative criteria, multicriteria methodologies, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and participatory evaluation processes. Furthermore, there is a growing emphasis on strategic planning, institutional innovation, equity, evidence-based decision-making, and the strengthening of a shared quality culture involving all university stakeholders. It is concluded that institutional evaluation has evolved from a control-oriented function into a strategic management process that promotes organizational learning, fosters academic excellence, and strengthens universities' capacity to respond effectively to the challenges of the twenty-first century.