Abstract: Based on a comprehensive evaluation of higher education development of three economic regions in Liaoning Province， σ convergence， absolute β convergence and conditional β convergence of higher education development in each economic region were empirically examined with the panel data of 14 cities in Liaoning Province from 2005 to 2012. The results showed that although the higher education development improved greatly from 2005 and 2012， the development differences between regions did not display the characteristics of σ convergence; and in Liaoning Province as a whole， the coastal economic zone and the north-west economic region， there existed the characteristics of absolute β convergence and conditional β convergence of higher education development. However， the conditional factors impacting convergence were varied in different regions. Consequently， different policies and measures should be adopted in accordance with the local conditions so as to promote a balanced development of higher education in different regions.

Key words: Liaoning Province, higher education, evaluation of development level, regional convergence