The task of developing and validating planning criteria for evaluating statewide master planning was studied. Through a review of literature on statewide planning in higher education, statewide planning purposes were identified, and criteria for evaluating statewide planning process, product, and outcomes were established. The criteria were reviewed by a group of 75 legislators, executive branch staff, public higher education lay board and commission members, public and private college officials, and faculty in Tennessee and some out-of-state experts familiar with statewide planning. A questionnaire on planning criteria was constructed and administered to constituents of state plans for their subjective evaluation. Fifty-six persons representing eight constituent groups, including public and private universities and community colleges, participated. There was an overall consensus on the criteria, and there was only one planning purpose (issues identification) on which there was a significant difference of opinion. Some evaluators felt that the planning purpose goes beyond the identification of issues, and that issues identification was only a means to achieve the larger purpose. Public college administrators/presidents and legislators viewed the state coordinating staff as providing primary leadership in most planning processes, while private college officials desired a large role in most planning processes. Views on goal-setting, funding, role and mission statements, and other areas are considered. A bibliography and sample questionnaires are appended. (SW)