The formation of high-quality training of university graduates is an institutional function of digitalization of higher education

Background. The problems of ensuring high quality of higher education in the context of its digitalization are caused by the need to form an optimal model of higher education in modern Russian society, allowing university graduates to achieve high social statuses. The purpose of the article is to investigate the factors influencing the formation of high quality higher education as an institutional function in the context of its digitalization, and to determine the possibilities of regulating the process of digitalization of higher education to improve its quality. Materials and methods. A questionnaire survey of teachers of Penza State University and a secondary analysis of the results of the assessment of the quality of higher education, based on the materials of Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University and Saratov State University. A SWOT analysis scheme was used to determine the possible effects of digitalization on ensuring the quality of higher education. Results. The quality indicators of higher education were studied based on the results of an independent assessment and survey of teachers and students in three different universities of the Volga region (in the cities of Penza, Kazan, Saratov). Three important groups of factors at different levels of quality assurance of higher education are characterized: material and technical support: computer and digital literacy, and motivation. It is determined that these groups of factors can create different levels of digital inequality, which will serve as the basis for further social stratification of society. Conclusions. Based on the SWOT analysis, the prospects and problems affecting the quality of higher education are identified. Practical activities have been identified to reduce social risk factors and apply factors to improve the quality of higher education in the context of digitalization, in order for graduates to achieve high social statuses. Some practical directions for improving the quality of higher education in the context of digitalization are named.