Getting into one of the five stable and prestigious universities with a score of 450-550, with a very high percentage of graduates directly entering state-owned enterprises

In recent years, filling out college applications has become more like a real-life survival game. With economic downturn pressures looming, employment has become a topic that parents and students can’t avoid. Who doesn’t want their child to have a stable job after graduation? Especially now, in the current environment, everyone prefers a job that allows them to sleep peacefully at night. Those once-dismissed “niche” schools and majors have become popular among ordinary families because they connect directly with central and state-owned enterprises, railways, water conservancy, and oil companies—solid, reliable institutions.

Looking at Shanxi University of Engineering and Technology, there’s a sense of regret when mentioning it. Previously affiliated with Taiyuan University of Technology and benefiting from the prestige of the 211 Project, many students aimed for its reputation. But after becoming an independent institution, its name lost luster, and enrollment dropped sharply. However, employment data doesn’t lie: over 60% of the 2024 graduates entered state-owned enterprises, a figure that even many 985 universities can’t match. For majors like electrical engineering and intelligent manufacturing, students from Shanxi with 487 points, Jiangxi with 506, Guangxi with 452—these scores are enough to get in. Children from ordinary families, not top scorers, can still secure a stable job through it. Who says losing the halo means losing the future? Sometimes, humility is true strength.

The story of North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power is also quite interesting. Originally based in Beijing, it later moved to Zhengzhou. It was directly under the Ministry of Water Resources, with a strong government background. Now under Henan’s administration and classified as a double non-institution (not a Double First-Class university), its employment network remains intact. Over 40% of the 2024 undergraduates entered state-owned enterprises, plus public institutions, making the “iron rice bowl” easily accessible. Majors like water conservancy and automation have scores like 542 in Shanxi, 531 in Jilin, 533 in Guangxi, 517 in Shaanxi—scores that are accessible, with majors aligned to careers. Imagine participating in major river management projects after graduation—such a sense of achievement can’t be bought with money. Beyond stability, there’s also a sense of patriotism involved.

Lanzhou Jiaotong University is probably a favorite among railway enthusiasts. Originally under the Ministry of Railways, it hosts annual recruitment events for railway bureaus, China Railway, and China Rolling Stock Corporation. Over 60% of graduates go directly to central enterprises like China Railway Group, almost tailor-made. In the 2025 admissions, scores like 547 in Jilin Railway Engineering, 548 in Guangxi, 526 in Shaanxi Mechanical and Electronic Engineering, 549 in Guizhou Automation—students with below 550 points can still get into good majors. Railway jobs involve exposure to the elements, but benefits are stable, and retirement is worry-free. Many joke that joining the railway is like marrying a reliable spouse—argue all you want, but life goes on smoothly.

Finally, Qinghai University, as the only 211 in Qinghai, is often dismissed as “too remote” or “too isolated.” But the value of a 211 degree is undeniable, and employment data proves the bias wrong. Nearly 70% of the 2024 graduates entered state-owned enterprises or government and public institutions—stable jobs. Scores like 488 in Electrical Engineering (Inner Mongolia), 535 in Heilongjiang, 538 in Process Equipment in Hunan, 547 in Automation in Guangxi, 538 in Metallurgy in Guizhou, 527 in Process Equipment in Shaanxi—these scores, exchanged for a 211 diploma and a stable job, are well worth it. So what if the location is far? Once the job is stable and the wallet is full, talking about poetry and distant dreams can come later.

These schools share a common point: their majors are highly aligned with key industries, and graduates are directly integrated into national backbone systems. Oil, railways, water conservancy, energy—these sectors are closely guarded by the state. Compared to popular majors that are fiercely competitive, these paths are quieter but solid. Parents often ask whether their children should aim for prestigious schools or seek stability. The answer is never about school ranking but whether graduates can stand firm after graduation.

Of course, choosing a school should also consider the child’s interests and physical condition. Petroleum and chemical engineering suit those who can endure lab work; railways suit those comfortable with travel; water and electricity majors are ideal for those passionate about engineering. Picking the right one means four years of accumulation; choosing poorly, even a top school won’t help. Which path does your child prefer? To take risks and aim high, or to play it safe? Ultimately, the college entrance exam is just the starting point; a stable job is the real goal.

Hopefully, these schools can offer some guidance to confused students and parents. With the 2026 college entrance exam approaching, may every hardworking child find their own sense of stability. After all, life is never easy, and having a reliable job is the greatest comfort.