A conceptual framework and practical approach are presented focusing on the possibility of making an evaluation of tertiary educational institutions by means of different levels, categories, and criteria of analysis. The paper is a preliminary reference design of evaluation whose theoretical approach is summarized with a more extensive methodological discussion. The levels of analysis include academic units in an institution, unit compatibility within the whole, and study of the whole versus plans and programs. To evaluate units, the examined methodology is meant to allow: (1) identification of units and subunits to be evaluated, choice of evaluators, and preparation of evaluation instruments; (2) information collection on components of the whole; (3) descriptions and weighting of variable behavior; (4) participation of appropriate institution members; (5) participation of outside specialists adequate to guarantee objectivity and technical solvency; (6) application of statistical methods to integrate the data into the qualitative analysis presupposed by the methodology; (7) familiarization with evaluation as a part of the act of education; and (8) reduction of evaluation costs by increasing the practicality of the proposed system. Specific operations are suggested. (CM)