Group 1 - Ningbo Dongfang University of Technology is a new research-oriented university supported by the Ningbo Yurenrong Education Foundation and has received national support [2][3] - Since its establishment in June 2020, the university has attracted 16 academicians and 52 national-level talents, and has enrolled 243 doctoral students over three cohorts [3] - The university has been approved for five provincial-level research platforms and has accumulated research funding of 2.37 billion yuan [3] Group 2 - The university's tuition fee is set at 96,000 yuan per student per year, which is considered high compared to other top-tier universities, but it offers a four-year scholarship for its first undergraduate cohort [4][5] - The pricing strategy reflects a blend of educational quality and commercial acumen, aiming to attract students while leaving room for future tuition increases [5] - Similar private research-oriented universities are emerging in Fujian and Zhejiang provinces, indicating a trend influenced by regional economic development [5] Group 3 - In contrast to the increasing number of private universities, many have ceased enrollment in the past decade due to various challenges, including financial difficulties and regulatory issues [6][7] - Public universities have experienced fewer enrollment halts, primarily related to specific programs rather than overall admissions, often linked to employment rates [7][8] - The funding for public universities mainly comes from government allocations, while private universities rely heavily on tuition fees, making them more susceptible to market fluctuations [8] Group 4 - The enrollment scale of higher education in China has grown from 7.3 million in 2015 to an expected 10.68 million in 2024, driven by a relatively stable birth rate during that period [9][10] - However, a significant decline in newborns began in 2019, with numbers dropping below 15 million, which will impact future enrollment figures [10][11] - Projections suggest that by 2040, the number of students entering higher education could fall to between 5 million and 6 million, leading to a potential surplus of university seats [13][15] Group 5 - If the trend of declining birth rates continues, many universities may face closure or significant reductions in enrollment, necessitating a focus on market-relevant programs to attract students [16][19] - The oversupply of degrees has transformed higher education from a buyer's market to a seller's market, complicating the competition for student enrollment [16][17] - The strategy of offering free tuition for the first cohort at Ningbo Dongfang University is aimed at establishing a strong brand and attracting quality students from the outset [18]