Perhaps, but in China the dim children of rich parents do not take their own SAT, GSAT and GMAT tests and some do not even attend their classes.  The old cliche "they all look alike" must have some truth in it as surrogate education is a bludgeoning industry.  Many intelligent Chinese make a comfortable living earning by being paid to "earn" degrees for other students. 
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In a society where who you know and party connection trump education and intelligence a diploma is wall decor and can be purchased like any other furnishing. 
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All that being said a degree from UH simply does not have the élan of even "sub standard mainland colleges and universities."  Perhaps that why so many UH Manoa grads with "advanced degrees" are adjuncts and lecturers at that very same school years after matriculation.