This article sets out to discuss an analysis of different methods of assessing risks in relation to universities. The study focuses on a review of qualitative and quantitative methods of assessing risks, and an analysis has been made of the possibilities of using these methods for the purpose of assessing different types of risks in the higher education system. With respect to a number of methods, computational mathematical models for use in risk assessment have been developed. Based on expert evaluation of socioeconomic risks inherent in the university, assessment of risks has been made from the point of view of the likelihood of their materialization and the level of possible losses.