The purpose was to understand how the ambidexterity degree (exploration + exploitation actions) can explain the variance of the number of students. As theoretical foundation, it was considered the arguments proposed by March (1991) and Tuschman and O’Reilly III (2004) about organizational ambidexterity (balance of incremental and radical innovation initiatives). About the methodology, a quantitative approach was used, and the sample counted with 79 executives of higher education institutions (HEI). For data analysis, descriptive statistics, chi-square, cluster analysis, correlation analysis and multiple linear regression were used. As outcome, the confirmation that ambidexterity can explain variance of the number of students in 20.6%. However, it was also observed that it cannot explain variation of the main index of teaching quality: General Course Index. Finally, there is a proposition of a maturity degree for ambidexterity, subdivided into four levels: I - Embryonic, II - Structured, III - Semi-developed and IV - Developed.