Horizontal and vertical diversity in Russian higher education

This article is aimed at developing analysis of institutional diversity in the Russian higher education system. This research offers conceptual framework for evaluating university diversity in two possible analysis vectors: horizontal and vertical. Value of the article is in the novelty of the approach which allows for answering key questions concerning higher education structure: evaluate hierarchy and enhance identification of university classes. From the point of view of practical outcomes it is important to clarify university activity types which would give more specific definition to their development priorities and construct multifactor evaluation methods. The article analyzed: (a) system hierarchy by means of entrance exams average score and university efficacy monitoring results; (b) university differentiation in terms of training and specialization.