Evidence- Based Policymaking（ EBPM ）is currently being promoted by the central government of Japan. The proponents insist that public policy should be based on hard evidence, rather than episodic nor soft measures. The development of rational decision making in the public sector originates from the principles of scientific management, PPBS, and recently NPM. Some scholars criticize this series of approaches, which have long since emerged, been trialed, implemented and failed. In this paper, we adopt a balanced approach to the proponents and critics of EBPM, from a political, economic, and social rational perspective. We propose that the educational policy governing higher education should not only drive economic growth, but must also support higher education as a democratic, cultural, and social institution. After offering a brief presentation of the character and methods of EBPM, we review the practices and lessons learned from EBPM, in leading nations such as the United States and United Kingdom. Finally, future issues for EBPM in higher education, especially in Japan, are discussed.