College planning in Latin America is discussed, with attention to underdevelopment, political instability, and the economic crisis of the 1980s. Alternative planning approaches used in U.S. higher education institutions are considered. Latin America refers to 18 Spanish-speaking republics of the Western Hemisphere, along with Brazil and Haiti. The autonomy of universities is addressed, along with the fact that higher education is basically supported by public funds. Most Latin American public institutions have either no tuition or a symbolic fee, and 25% of private universities are partially supported by the government. Trends that concern higher education are: population growth and unemployment, efforts to reduce national deficits, inflation, readjustment of the exchange rate, and dependency on government funds. Two planning tasks are identified for Latin American universities: institutional development and creation of a coordinated national plan. The following planning approaches are discussed: Ackoff's planning typology, Keller's academic strategy, and three models of strategic management described by Ellen Chaffee. A five-page reference list is provided. (SW)