Abstract:

Private higher education institutions’ (PHEI) growth and categorisation in Mexico has been well documented in the past decades. However, little research has been carried out in order to assess the contributions of these universities to national higher education. In order to identify the main contributions of Mexican PHEI –specifically of those with quality certifications- this paper carries out a documentary analysis regarding socioeconomic indicators, college extension courses and activities, integral education, research, internationalisation and innovation.

Given the fact that complexity and diversity are features of PHEIs, it is not possible to assess Mexican PHEIs as a homogeneous group. Different institutions fulfil different social functions. Even so, there are two contributions that any PHEIs regardless of their type or classification: they increase enrolment of students in higher education and they offer a wider diversity of educational programmes. PHEIs cover the demand for higher education that public institutions alone are not able to serve.

In Mexico all PHEIs has to comply with national legislation in order to offer higher education services in order to ensure quality education. In addition to the fulfilment of the compulsory normative, many PHEIs opt to carry out quality evaluations, certifications and accreditations promoting the continuous improvement of their institutions and as a way to gain legitimacy and differentiate themselves from other PHEIs. Silas classifies institutions with at least to quality accreditations as high-profile institutions. This paper focuses on the contributions of such high-profile PHEIs.

When a university credits its quality, it has a positive impact on students, staff, alumni, and, evidently on society because quality accreditations in Mexico covers not only educational outcomes quality, but also the impact to society in factors such as socioeconomic indicators, college extension courses and activities, integral education, research, internationalisation and innovation.

Keywords:

Private higher education, contributions, Mexico.