Private College And Universities In China

By Dr. Marciene Mattleman

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - To meet enormous demands for higher education, hundreds of private colleges and universities have opened in China. From 20 schools in 2007, there are now 630. Twenty-seven percent of 18-22 year olds, 30 million students, have enrolled.

These private schools emphasize practical skills over theory, teaching security guards to operate metal detectors and how to fix cars, while at a public university they might learn how to design them. Hotel management is one of 25 majors at the Oriental Institute of Technology.

The private schools typically charge $1500, rather than $750, the cost at a public institution and the programs are considered lower quality. While they claim to be not for profit, according to the article in The Hechinger Report, some officials question those motives.

The best jobs are those in government; however, private college and university graduates have a hard time getting them. However, a degree is crucial for upward mobility and provides a shot at a better paycheck.