From the Readers

Higher education losing charm

(China Daily)
Updated: 2011-06-13 08:54

The number of students taking the national college entrance exam has been declining. It has dropped from 10.5 million in 2008 to 9.3 million this year.

On one hand, the number of college-going students in China has dropped because many have opted to study aboard. On the other, higher education is becoming less attractive because many people think university education is no longer a good "investment".

A graduate from an ordinary college with mediocre grades may have difficulty in finding a job that pays more than one which doesn't require a college diploma.

The declining trend of college enrollment may not be a bad thing for society. If college diplomas cannot help students become competitive in the job market, it's understandable that they opt for channels other than higher education to secure their future.

But I am worried about the rate of college graduation in rural areas, which is still comparatively low. Many excellent students in the countryside who are eager to pursue higher education drop out because of high tuition fees. I think the authorities should take measures to change the situation, otherwise society will lose a lot of potential talents.

Lu Sheng, via e-mail

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(China Daily 06/13/2011 page9)