In China, public university students generally spend 16,600 to 43,500 RMB a year for tuition, housing and daily life. For students struggling with tuition fees, the government has built a full support system: freshmen use the Green Channel to start school first; interest-free national student loans cover school fees; need-based grants and merit scholarships offer free financial aid; schools provide various on-campus work-study jobs to earn pocket money. Needy students may also apply for tuition reduction or choose government-sponsored free-degree majors.