^aXiamen University, Fujian, 361005 Peoples Republic of China. E-mail: xiezx@jingxian.xmu.edu.cn or rthuang@jingxian.xmu.edu.cn

Abstract

This article examines the strategy of growth in mainland China's post-secondary education from a quantitative perspective. Drawing on the theory of Wave Cycle & Amplitude and other data, a model describing the historical process of expansion in China's post-secondary education is outlined, and the fixed cycle, amplitude and trend of this model are computed. An analysis of the relationship between China's post-secondary education and economic growth is also carried out, and a macro-regulation model, which represents a certain range within which post-secondary education in China should be kept, is constructed. Based on the analysis of trends over the past five decades, a prediction of the growth trend for post-secondary education for the next 20 years is made.