中国高等教育入学率突破60%，上大学还值不值？

Core Points - China's gross enrollment rate for higher education has reached 60.8%, marking a significant increase from 30% in 2012, indicating a shift towards a more inclusive education system [1][3][7] - During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China has produced 55 million graduates, averaging 11 million graduates annually, with projections of 12.22 million graduates by 2025 [2][6] - The total number of higher education institutions in China is 3,119, with 48.46 million students currently enrolled [4][8] Enrollment Growth - The gross enrollment rate has more than doubled over the past decade, from 30% in 2012 to 60.8% in 2023, achieving the target set for the 14th Five-Year Plan two years ahead of schedule [6][7] - The expansion of enrollment has transformed higher education from elite to universal access, with a rapid increase in the number of students [8][11] Educational Structure - China's higher education system includes three levels: regular undergraduate, vocational undergraduate, and higher vocational colleges, with the gross enrollment rate exceeding 60% largely due to the expansion of vocational institutions [11] - The competition for admission to quality universities is intensifying, with a significant gap between the demand for quality education and the available supply [12][13] Regional Disparities - There are significant regional disparities in the distribution of quality higher education resources, with about 70% of top universities located in eastern coastal regions, leading to a lack of resources in central and western regions [13][14] - The government aims to optimize the layout of higher education and enhance the quality of institutions to build a strong education system by 2035 [13][14] Economic Impact - The increase in enrollment rates is expected to enhance the overall educational attainment of the population, contributing to economic growth [16][17] - The macroeconomic return on education in China is significantly higher than the return on physical capital investment, indicating the long-term benefits of educational investment [16][17]