Based on the modified C - D production function,using the panel data of 31 provinces in China from 2004 to 2018,this paper calculates the contribution rate of higher education to regional economic growth,and makes a comparative analysis in time and space. The results show that the higher the level of higher education and economic development,the greater the contribution rate of higher education to economic growth,and the contribution rate increases with time. It is suggested that China should continue to expand the scale of higher education,appropriately tilt the increment of higher education to the weak areas of economy and higher education, and all localities should choose the coordinated development strategy of higher education and economy according to their own condi- tions.