The second-tier universities in Gansu, China, are institutions that rank above the regional universities but below the top-tier national universities. These universities are known for their strong regional influence and often have a good balance of academic quality and affordability. Some of the notable second-tier universities in Gansu include Lanzhou University of Technology, Gansu University of Finance and Economics, and Gansu Agricultural University.

The ranking of these universities is based on various factors such as academic reputation, research output, and educational quality. According to the 2020 China University Ranking by the Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Lanzhou University of Technology is considered one of the top second-tier universities in Gansu. The university has a strong engineering program and is known for its research in renewable energy and environmental science. Gansu University of Finance and Economics, on the other hand, is recognized for its business and economics programs, while Gansu Agricultural University is known for its agricultural sciences and related fields.

The reason these universities are classified as second-tier is due to their overall performance in various educational and research metrics. For instance, Lanzhou University of Technology has a high student-to-faculty ratio, indicating a strong commitment to student engagement and support. Additionally, the university has a significant number of research projects and publications, which contribute to its ranking. Gansu University of Finance and Economics has been recognized for its academic excellence in business and economics, with a strong focus on practical training and industry connections. Gansu Agricultural University, with its focus on agriculture and related sciences, has made significant contributions to the region's agricultural development.

Data from the Ministry of Education in China supports the ranking of these universities. According to the 2019 Higher Education Statistical Yearbook, Gansu University of Finance and Economics has a total of 15,000 students and 1,000 faculty members, with a significant number of research projects and publications. Similarly, Lanzhou University of Technology has over 20,000 students and 1,500 faculty members, with a strong emphasis on engineering and technology research. These figures highlight the scale and impact of these institutions within the Gansu province and beyond.

In conclusion, the second-tier universities in Gansu, such as Lanzhou University of Technology, Gansu University of Finance and Economics, and Gansu Agricultural University, are recognized for their academic excellence, research contributions, and regional influence. Their rankings are based on a combination of factors, including student-to-faculty ratios, research output, and educational quality, as supported by data from the Ministry of Education and other educational institutions.