Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by private universities in China, which were once highly profitable but are now struggling with enrollment and financial stability due to changing market conditions and perceptions of education quality [2][9]. Group 1: Enrollment Challenges - After the 2023 college entrance examination, many private universities in various regions are experiencing significant difficulties in enrollment, with some institutions failing to fill their quotas [3][6]. - In Guangdong, 14 out of 23 private undergraduate institutions did not meet their enrollment targets, while in Yunnan, there were unprecedented multiple calls for additional applications [6][40]. - The trend of declining enrollment is evident across the country, with some institutions reporting zero applicants during the first round of admissions [41]. Group 2: Historical Profitability - Over the past decade, private universities were considered "profit kings" in the capital market, with some institutions reporting net profits exceeding 1.43 billion RMB and gross profit margins as high as 73% [7][22]. - For instance, 中教控股 (Zhongjiao Holdings) has maintained a gross profit margin above 50% for six consecutive years since its listing [8][28]. - The business model of private universities was characterized by stable revenue from tuition fees, low operational costs, and high student retention rates, leading to substantial profitability [15][22]. Group 3: Market Dynamics and Policy Changes - The revision of the "Private Education Promotion Law" in 2016 allowed private universities to operate as legitimate businesses, leading to a surge in the establishment of such institutions [10][14]. - The number of students enrolled in private universities increased from 6.16 million in 2016 to over 10.52 million in 2024, reflecting a growth rate of over 70% [14]. - However, the changing job market and the devaluation of undergraduate degrees have led parents to reconsider the value of high tuition fees for private education [44][45]. Group 4: Financial Struggles and Tuition Increases - Recent reports indicate that some private universities are facing severe financial difficulties, with instances of salary suspensions and debt accumulation [34][36]. - To cope with declining enrollment, many institutions are resorting to raising tuition fees, with increases ranging from 15% to 50% announced for 2025 [50]. - This tuition hike is met with resistance from parents, who are increasingly unwilling to pay high fees for what they perceive as low-quality education [51][52].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significant decline in enrollment for private universities in China, which were previously seen as highly profitable ventures, indicating a shift in the educational landscape and market dynamics [5][9]. Enrollment Challenges - After this year's college entrance examination, many private universities are facing unprecedented difficulties in recruitment, with 14 out of 23 private universities in Guangdong failing to fill their quotas [6][7]. - In Yunnan, there were six rounds of additional recruitment, and in Guangxi, some institutions even allowed students to enroll with a theoretical score of zero [7]. Historical Profitability - Over the past decade, private universities were considered "profit kings" in the capital market, with examples like Shanxi's Tongcai Education achieving a net profit of 143 million in 2020 and a net profit margin of 53% [7]. - Middle Education Holdings has maintained a gross profit margin above 50% for six consecutive years since its listing, with a gross margin of 55.4% in 2024 [8][18]. Business Model - The business model of private universities is characterized by stable revenue from students who pay tuition fees for four years, with low churn rates and controllable costs [15][20]. - The average teaching cost per student for Middle Education Holdings and Hope Education was only 5,400 yuan and 4,900 yuan, respectively, while their revenue per student was significantly higher [18]. Expansion and Capitalization - Private universities have aggressively expanded through acquisitions and campus expansions, with Middle Education Holdings acquiring 10 schools for 9.58 billion yuan from 2018 to 2021 [24]. - The company has also expanded its operations internationally, including in Australia and the UK, to increase revenue streams [25]. Recent Decline - The profitability of private universities has come under threat as enrollment numbers decline, with some institutions facing severe financial difficulties, including salary freezes and court-ordered account freezes [30][31]. - The trend of declining enrollment is widespread, with many private universities in regions like Shanghai and Guangdong experiencing significant shortfalls [35]. Changing Perceptions - As the job market becomes more competitive and the value of a bachelor's degree diminishes, parents are increasingly reluctant to pay high tuition fees for private education, questioning the quality of education provided [38][39]. - Many private universities are responding to enrollment challenges by raising tuition fees, with increases ranging from 15% to 50% announced for 2025 [43]. Conclusion - The article concludes that the era of easy profits for private universities in China is over, as market dynamics shift and the demand for private education declines [45].