The aim of this research is to study the impact of academic management on the quality of higher education institutions. To this end, a qualitative methodology based on a study of four Chilean universities with differing years of accreditation is used. Thus, through the collection of documentary evidence, interviews, questionnaires, observation and participation, a set of findings is identified which literally replicate themselves in high quality institutions and are not present in low quality institutions. The research results show that the academic management varies significantly in resources, processes, quality assurance and results, according to the quality level of each university.