SWOT analysis, conducted to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of educational institutions, is an essential tool for identifying the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of these institutions. This study aims to evaluate the current state of local higher education institutions in Gaziantep by performing a SWOT analysis of universities in the city and identifying strategic areas for development. Gaziantep, strategically located in southeastern Turkey and rapidly developing, holds significant potential in the field of higher education. The universities in the city serve as the driving force for regional development with their academic and research capacities. This study presents a comprehensive SWOT analysis to thoroughly assess the current situation of universities in Gaziantep. The analysis includes internal factors such as academic infrastructure, research opportunities, student and faculty profiles, as well as external factors such as opportunities and threats at the local and national levels.