3年花费60万，大学生的第一个「奢侈品」竟然是它

Core Viewpoint - The rising tuition fees for graduate programs are becoming a significant deterrent for prospective students, leading to a decline in the number of applicants for graduate studies [4][11][60]. Group 1: Tuition Fee Increases - A C9 university announced a tuition increase for its Master's program in Social Work to 80,000 yuan, a nearly 70% rise from the previous year's 48,000 yuan [6][7]. - The overall cost of pursuing a Master's degree is expected to exceed 100,000 yuan when considering living expenses, with some programs costing over 800,000 yuan [8][21]. - Many universities are extending the duration of professional Master's programs from 2 years to 3 years, further increasing the financial burden on students [8][21]. Group 2: Declining Interest in Graduate Studies - The "exam fever" for graduate studies has cooled over the past two years, with predictions of continued declines in application numbers for the 2026 entrance exams [8][52]. - The phenomenon of "degree inflation" is leading to a devaluation of graduate degrees, as higher education does not guarantee better job prospects [53][59]. Group 3: Financial Burden and Living Costs - The total expenses for a three-year graduate program can reach around 600,000 yuan, including rent and living costs, with many students relying on family support [24][26]. - Some universities have stopped providing accommodation for professional Master's students, forcing them to seek expensive off-campus housing [21][26]. Group 4: Employment Concerns - Graduates from less popular programs, such as Social Work, face challenges in the job market, with salaries often ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 yuan per month [36][39]. - The perception of graduate degrees as a means to secure better employment is being questioned, as many graduates struggle to find jobs that match their qualifications [53][59]. Group 5: Future Outlook - Experts suggest that the surge in graduate enrollment may not return to previous levels, indicating a shift towards more rational decision-making among prospective students [59][60]. - The increasing costs associated with graduate education are prompting students to critically evaluate the value of their degrees and the potential return on investment [60][61].