The changes of the times not only affect the external environment,but also reshape the philosophical basis of higher ed- ucation. Starting from John S. Brubacher,epistemology of exploring knowledge for knowledge itself,political philosophy of exploring knowledge for public will and pragmatism epistemology of exploring knowledge based on practical needshave laid an important historical foundation for the legitimacy philosophy of universal higher education.These three theories all take expertise as a logical starting point and are guided by particular rationality. The criticism of postmodernism on the three philosophies of rationality of western higher educa- tion legitimacy philosophy further opens up the discussion space of universal higher education legitimacy philosophy. In various debates, China,through the enlightenment of Marxism and in accordance with the context of particular national conditions,history,culture and social system,has moved from pragmatic political philosophy of utilizing existing knowledge to promote social development to the public good philosophy for the common good,which provides Chinese wisdom and Chinese scheme for the high-quality development of univer- sal access higher education and concluding the education contract in community society.