This paper has as main purpose to analyze the challenges facing higher education in achieving the goals outlined in the Agenda for Sustainable Development 2030 (UN, 2015). To this effect a joint study (qualitative and quantitative), with a first meta-analytic cutting phase in which different studies worldwide on the role of higher education in the construction of Sustainable Development were analyzed developed. In the second phase, the Attitudinal Assessment Sustainable Development Scale to a sample of 400 college students from different programs and areas of knowledge was applied. The results show differences in the levels of ownership and involvement of students against the valuation that provide training to its articulated their potential in achieving the 17 goals of sustainable development impact. It is concluded from the study findings on the need to strengthen the coordination of research processes, development, innovation and social appropriation of knowledge that students have about their role in building a sustainable society to meet the challenges contemporary outlined in the Agenda (2030) for Sustainable Development (UN, 2015).

Keywords: Sustainable Development, Higher Education, United Nations, Attitudinal Assessment.