Higher education planning in Mexico is discussed, with attention to: conceptual characteristics of Mexico's higher education planning system; relationships among the national, regional, state, and institutional planning levels; and design and operation of the Comprehensive Program for the Development of Higher Education. Responsibilities of national coordinating bodies, regional council, state commissions, and institutional planning units are identified. Since the establishment of a national planning system in 1978, different sectors and governmental bodies have cooperated in the design of educational policy. General planning guidelines were developed, and national and state goals were articulated. Planning efforts concentrated on functions of teaching, research extension, and administrative support. The Comprehensive Program for the Development of Higher Education was the result of 1 year of meetings and assessments among the different planning levels. A technical advisory board, as well as four specialized technical groups, were created. Problems in higher education were identified, and remedial strategies were proposed. (SW)