This article aimed to map the evaluation use, identify the affecting factors, and analyze how they are related in the context of the Brazilian graduate evaluation system, which involves more than 7,000 master's and doctoral programs. Interviews were conducted with a representative sample of Professors, Graduate Program Coordinators, and Research and Graduate Studies Pro-Rectors (Deans). The analysis of conceptual, instrumental, and symbolic use examples revealed nine subcategories of evaluation use (Management, Publication Quality, Program, Evaluation, Social Insertion, Internationalization, Teaching, Graduate Studies, and Promotion). A new source was identified besides process and findings use: guidelines use. The examples of conceptual use presented in almost all subcategories indicate an increase in evaluation capacity building, which is essential for evaluation policy. Factors related to Evaluator, Context, and Stakeholders affected evaluation use more positively, while Evaluation had both stimulating and discouraging effects. The predominance of encouraging factors affecting evaluation use indicates the system's institutionalization and maturity.