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The high cost of education

(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-04-07 10:27

According to a recent survey education may become less important in the eyes of the public, says an article in China Youth Daily. The following is an excerpt:

The survey by Horizon Research Consultancy Group showed that four out of 10 respondents believed the quality of education in the country is not worth the money. Only 16 percent believed they were getting value for money in primary and secondary education.

The majority said university education was too expensive and not worth the cost.

A research paper in 2006 showed that the cost of education was too much for most families, and the situation remains the same today. So, what is wrong with our education system?

First, the opportunities for a good education are slim. Fees charged by the popular schools are too high. Those who have to attend the cheaper schools find it difficult to get a job on graduation. The reason for this is the unequal distribution of educational resources.

Second, China does not have a mature employment market. There are not enough jobs for people graduating from colleges every year. The old planned economy still influences today's job market. The lack of jobs forces people to stay in educational institutions longer than necessary.

These highly educated people feel the investment in education is not worthwhile if they are forced to stay in colleges longer than necessary while waiting for a job.

Third, the tough employment market has lowered the income expectations of college graduates. They are forced to seek jobs that do not require their high qualifications.

In addition, the growth of their salaries does not match CPI growth, forcing many to think their investment in education is not worth it.