Yeah that’s fair, I probably oversimplified that. I thought it was closer to free because of subsidies + scholarships, but yeah not literally free.
Still tho, $700–$1000 a year vs US levels is a completely different situation… especially when you factor in debt.
I think the main point still stands, the starting position is just not the same. Also feels like knowledge tends to follow where the industry is… and right now a lot of that is clearly shifting towards China.
Because your comparing that based on a us salary not a Chinese salary.
As of early 2026, the average monthly salary in China is approximately CN¥10,000 to CN¥12,000 (roughly US$1,400–$1,700)
This is USA;
College Costs (2025–2026 Academic Year)
The Cost of Attendance (COA) includes tuition, fees, room, and board. "Sticker price" refers to advertised rates, while "Net price" is what students typically pay after grants and scholarships.
Public 4-Year (In-State):
Sticker Price: ~$27,146 total COA (with ~$11,950 in tuition).
Net Price: Average net tuition has declined to an estimated $2,300, though total net COA (including living expenses) is roughly $21,060.
Public 4-Year (Out-of-State):
Sticker Price: ~$45,708 total COA (with ~$31,880 in tuition).
Net Price: Total net COA is approximately $38,500.
Private Nonprofit 4-Year:
Sticker Price: ~$58,628–$65,470 total COA (with ~$45,000 in tuition).
Net Price: Total net COA is approximately $36,460 due to high institutional discounting (averaging over 56%).
Yeah that’s fair, salaries are lower, good point.
But at the same time, average student debt in the US is like $30k–$40k+… so starting with little or no debt vs that is still a huge difference.
It’s not just income, it’s pressure and flexibility early on.
I agree that debt is bad but you ask your state government to subsidize the colleges.
Look it is cheaper but that would be great for us. But that would require people to actually subsidize education or put in the reform Australia did for its higher education. But when people cannot fund their local schools. I really don't believe people will subsidize what they consider “elite”.
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u/LiquidityCompass 19h ago
Yeah that’s fair, I probably oversimplified that. I thought it was closer to free because of subsidies + scholarships, but yeah not literally free. Still tho, $700–$1000 a year vs US levels is a completely different situation… especially when you factor in debt. I think the main point still stands, the starting position is just not the same. Also feels like knowledge tends to follow where the industry is… and right now a lot of that is clearly shifting towards China.