What changes have taken place in the equalization of opportunities for entering higher education in China since the 1990s? The results of empirical analyses of nationwide urban and rural data conducted in the first part of this article indicate that, if the internal stratification within institutions of higher education is not considered, significant increases will take place in the opportunities for higher education among both urban and rural residents. The second part of this article conducts meta-analyses of relevant existing empirical studies in China and concludes that if the stratification within institutions of higher education is taken into account, the best higher education resources will accrue to cohorts with superior economic backgrounds and higher social status. (Contains 1 table, 3 figures and 5 notes.)