Independent college is an independent college at the undergraduate level organized by ordinary undergraduate colleges according to the Ministry of Education's "Several Opinions on Standardizing and Strengthening the Management of Independent Colleges with New Mechanisms and Models". It is a major breakthrough in the innovation and mode reform of colleges and universities, and a new mechanism and mode higher education institution at the undergraduate level formed by the combination of high-quality school-running resources and high-quality social capital in ordinary colleges and universities. They have independent legal personality, independent campus buildings, independent teaching and financial management, independent enrollment and independent issuance of undergraduate diplomas.

Three characteristics of independent colleges: "Excellence", "independence" and "people"

Teacher Feng told reporters in an interview that independent colleges have three characteristics: First, they are "excellent". This mainly comes from two aspects: one is the existing high-quality educational resources and management mode of ordinary colleges and universities; The other is social forces. Their abundant funds, resources and enthusiasm for running a school will, more importantly, bring the advantages and vitality of the private mechanism. The organic combination of these two superior resources is a good combination point for the development of private higher education. The second is to implement a new school-running mechanism and model, focusing on the word "independence". Independent colleges have independent campuses and basic school facilities, independent teaching organization and management, independent enrollment, independent issuance of academic certificates, independent financial accounting, independent legal personality and independent civil liability. The third is the characteristics of "people", that is, the private mechanism. Implement the president responsibility system under the leadership of the board of directors.

The diploma of an independent college is recognized by the state.