This paper aims to assess the engagement perception of higher education students and the quality perception of the respective institutions in Portugal in comparison with the main critical success factors defined as quality criteria for the accreditation.

The methodology is based in a sample of 1190 students of the higher education in Portugal. This research is based in education studies considering the influence of student academic engagement in a total of three dimensions on the students' perception of the quality of the higher education. In terms of data analysis and discussion, this study used the Classical Multiple Linear Regression Model methodology to assess which variables significantly influence quality, from the student perspective.

As for main results, it is possible to understand the positive and significant correlation between variables of relevance that influence quality from the perspective of students, in the definition of the main critical success factors of higher education institutions.

Keywords: Higher education, engagement, educational quality, college students.