民办本科有的反超985，有的降分四次招不满，预警信号突出

Core Viewpoint - The private undergraduate education sector in China is experiencing a significant divide, with some institutions attracting high-scoring students while others struggle to fill their enrollment quotas despite lowering admission scores multiple times [1][3][5]. Enrollment Challenges - Many private universities are facing unprecedented difficulties in enrollment, with some institutions reporting thousands of unfilled spots even after multiple rounds of lowering admission scores [1][5]. - For instance, a private university in southern China had over 2,000 unfilled spots after the 2025 undergraduate admissions concluded, despite attempts to attract students through score reductions [1][3]. - In northern provinces, some universities had to conduct up to four rounds of enrollment appeals, still leaving around 3,000 undergraduate spots unfilled [1][5]. Factors Contributing to Enrollment Difficulties - The number of private undergraduate institutions is high, with 388 private universities and 23 vocational colleges as of June 2025, accounting for 31.4% of the total [8][12]. - Enrollment is uneven across regions, with significant disparities in the number of high school graduates, leading to a mismatch in supply and demand for private universities [12]. - Economic conditions in different regions also affect enrollment, with more affluent areas attracting more students compared to less developed regions [12]. Financial Considerations - Tuition fees at private universities are generally high, often exceeding 20,000 yuan per year, which can deter students from enrolling [14][15]. - The financial burden on families is compounded by high accommodation and living costs, making private education less accessible for many [15]. Institutional Strength and Recognition - Many private universities lack the historical depth and institutional strength of public universities, which affects their appeal to prospective students [15]. - The social recognition of private institutions is generally lower, leading students and parents to prefer public universities when possible [15]. Potential Solutions and Future Outlook - To address enrollment challenges, private universities need to enhance their internal capabilities, particularly in improving graduate employability [15][16]. - Establishing partnerships with businesses for targeted training and recruitment could help align educational outcomes with job market needs [16]. - Despite current challenges, there remains a significant demand for higher education, and private universities can still fill their quotas by adjusting admission standards and expanding recruitment efforts across provinces [19][20].