The growing necessity for robust security and trust in systems has prompted the widespread adoption of blockchain technology in student information management systems (SIMS). While existing literature has concentrated on the development of blockchain-based student information management systems (BC-SIMS), a notable gap remains in the evaluation of these systems. This study addresses this gap by employing a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approach. Recognizing the inherent uncertainties in BC-SIMS evaluation due to inadequate information, the study introduces the Probabilistic Reliable Linguistic Term Sets (PRLTSs) theory to address these problems. As a result, the Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking according to the Compromise Solution (MARCOS) method is extended into the Probabilistic Reliable Linguistic environment, resulting in the Probabilistic Reliable Linguistic-Measurement of Alternatives and Ranking according to the Compromise Solution (PRL-MARCOS) method. This method supports the evaluation and selection decisions on BC-SIMS in higher education institutions. The study further designs the Probabilistic Reliable Linguistic-Coefficient of Variation (PRL-CV) method to determine the relative importance of selection criteria. Twenty selection criteria for BC-SIMS are identified through a literature review, and an illustrative case study is employed to assess the practicality and validity of the proposed PRL-CV-MARCOS approach in a higher educational institution. Experimental results highlight cost reduction (0.0778), interoperability (0.0717), security (0.0628), service improvement (0.0557) and responsiveness (0.0538) as the top five criteria for BC-SIMS selection, with BC-SIMS P5 identified as the optimal solution for managing student information. Finally, a comprehensive comparative and sensitivity analysis verifies the stability and effectiveness of the proposed decision support model.