Huazhong University of Science and Technology Wuchang Branch has been renamed Wuchang Shouyi College, not a 985 college. It was once an independent college founded by Huazhong University of Science and Technology and a private university.

At present, only Northeastern University Qinhuangdao Branch has a 985-level branch school in China, but some enterprises do not recognize its 985 status because of its branch school status. The former Harbin Institute of Technology Weihai Branch and Shandong University Weihai Branch have all become campuses, and their nature has changed.

Most independent colleges are private, and a few are public, such as City College of Zhejiang University (from private to public) and Ningbo Institute of Technology of Zhejiang University (fully invested by Ningbo Municipal Government).