In this article the authors examine the risks arising in the modern Russian system of higher education, the implementation of which is the consequence of reform. The analysis of risk, the methods of their hedging and minimizing according to the structure outlined in the State Program for Development of Education in Russia in 2013–2020 GG Identified, implementation risks which may result in the most negative consequences in terms of meeting the main criteria of evaluation of the education system, namely, the quality of educational services. The authors suggested risks that a negative outcome for the educational institution, call threats and risks, the implications of which are manifested in the positive, favorable changes as a possible, because of the effect of the reforms in the education system can be both positive and negative-tion, depending on exactly what the risks are realized – carrying a negative or positive consequences. Also in the paper a classification of risks (threats) and risks (opportunities), investigated the appropriate classification of the risks.