Ordinary institutions of higher learning refer to ordinary undergraduate institutions, also known as ordinary institutions of higher learning, which provide undergraduate education and related bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree education under the general education planning system.

The following are some characteristics and definitions of ordinary colleges and universities:

1. Degree awarding: Ordinary colleges and universities have the authority to independently award bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. Bachelor's degree usually needs to complete undergraduate education, and master's and doctoral degrees need to complete postgraduate education.

2. Wide coverage of disciplines: ordinary colleges and universities usually offer a wide range of disciplines and majors, such as literature, science, engineering, medicine, art and economics. Its purpose is to provide students with diversified learning choices and meet the social needs for the cultivation of various majors.

3. Educational achievements and scientific research: Colleges and universities pay attention to the promotion of educational achievements and scientific research. Teaching staff and students have made new achievements in the process of education and research, which has promoted the development of disciplines and social progress.

4. Academic freedom and independence: Universities have certain autonomy and independence in academic research and teaching. Faculty and staff enjoy greater freedom in academic research and teaching content, and give full play to their independent thinking and innovation ability.

5. Evaluation and certification of education quality: The education quality of ordinary colleges and universities will be evaluated and certified by the relevant education administrative departments of the state and regions. These evaluation and certification activities can provide reference for the quality of school education and provide important basis for students and parents to choose institutions.

Colleges and universities play an important role in education, providing students with opportunities for in-depth study and professional development. They bear the responsibility of training all kinds of professionals for the society and have made important contributions to the country's economic, scientific, technological, educational and cultural progress.

By July 2, 2023, there were 3,072 institutions of higher learning in China, including 2,820 ordinary institutions of higher learning, including 1275 undergraduate institutions and 1545 vocational colleges. There are 252 adult colleges and universities.