Purpose: The primary purpose of this study is to determine the status of human capital planning in higher education institutions in Jordan. Design/methodology/approach: A random sample of 120 faculty members (in administrative positions) responded to a human capital planning (HCP) survey. The survey consisted of a pool of 38 items distributed over five dimensions (i.e. planning, analyzing, organizing, directing, and monitoring). Findings: The results of the study indicate that based on participants' perceptions, the higher education institutions under study have a strong level of HCP. Examples of HCP include identifying sources of relevant employment and workforce data, establishing competency models, training internal talent, updating and ensuring the accuracy of all job descriptions, and establishing organizational learning practices that encourage employees to engage in lifelong learning. The results also indicate that there are no significant differences in assessing the status of human capital planning based on the gender of participants and their university affiliation. However, significant differences were detected based on type of position only on the planning and monitoring dimensions in favor of department chairs. Originality/value: A number of theoretical and practical recommendations are suggested for the field of study. (Contains 4 tables.)