In 1953, seeking to improve the quality of higher education in Morelos and in response to an increased demand, the governor and the Institute presented the 31st State Legislature with a proposal to transform the IES into a university.

In 1958, under interim rector Francisco Cabrera de la Rosa, the school began to seek the construction of its own campus.

On November 22, 1967, with the university now settled in its new campus to the north of Cuernavaca, it gained autonomy and changed its name to the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos.

Facing increasing demand in some of its core programs, the Southern Regional Professional Institute (IPRES) was founded in Jojutla, offering law, administration and accounting degrees.

Higher education facilities are located in Cuernavaca, Jojutla, Cuautla, Ayala/Xalostoc, Jonacatepec, Puente de Ixtla, and Mazatepec.