Core Viewpoint - The rising tuition fees in Chinese universities are reshaping the perception of higher education as a reliable investment, especially for low-income families who may face significant debt burdens [4][30]. Group 1: Tuition Fee Increases - A notable increase in tuition fees has been observed across various provinces in China since 2023, with some institutions raising fees by over 50% [7][8]. - Specific examples include East China University of Science and Technology raising fees to 7,700 yuan, and Taiyuan University of Technology increasing engineering fees from 6,000 yuan to 8,970 yuan [9][10]. - The trend is expected to continue, with over 100 universities already implementing fee hikes, leading to a new standard approaching the 10,000 yuan threshold [8][16]. Group 2: Factors Behind Fee Increases - The rising costs are attributed to increased expenses related to faculty salaries and laboratory equipment, alongside a shift towards market-driven pricing [12][15]. - The expansion of higher education has outpaced initial funding models, leading to a "more students, less money" scenario, compelling universities to raise tuition as a form of self-rescue [26][30]. Group 3: Financial Sources for Universities - Universities primarily rely on tuition fees, government funding, social donations, and income from school-run enterprises, with many public institutions heavily dependent on government support [22][23]. - However, government funding for higher education has decreased, with a reported reduction of 4.6 billion yuan in 2024 compared to the previous year [23][24]. Group 4: Changing Perceptions of Higher Education - The perception of higher education as a guaranteed pathway to stable employment and higher income is shifting, with an increasing number of graduates facing lower starting salaries and a competitive job market [30][34]. - The phenomenon of "degree inflation" is evident, as lower-level degrees are becoming more favorable in certain job markets, leading to a reassessment of the value of a university degree [34][37]. Group 5: Impact on Families - Families are increasingly weighing the costs of higher education against potential returns, with many considering the financial burden of tuition and living expenses [30][35]. - The rise in tuition fees has led to a significant increase in student loans, with 955.18 billion yuan in loans issued in the past year, marking a 36.51% increase [40][41].