Tuition Fee Guide: 2019 Cost Of College Education In The Philippines

14 min read By eCompareMo on May 24, 2019

The best way to invest in your child’s higher education is to prepare in advance. Knowing the cost of tuition in various schools and universities in the country will help you provide your child with a quality schooling—one of the best gifts any parent can give.

According to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), there was an average increase of 6.96%, or equivalent to P86.68 per unit, while the increase for other school fees reached an average of 6.9%, or around P243 as of the academic year 2017-2018.

With these annual tuition hikes, it’s understandable that you’re feeling anxious about sending your kids to a good school without totally depleting your finances.

Listed below are the amounts you need to set aside if you’re planning to send your child to top colleges and universities in the Philippines. We’ve also included a quick guide to state colleges and schools that offer free tuition all year round.

How much tuition fees in top Philippine universities cost in 2019

1. University of the Philippines (UP)

Annual cost of tuition: P3,800 to P55,000

The country’s national university is a premier institution of higher learning composed of eight constituent universities and one autonomous college. These are spread throughout 17 campuses in the archipelago.

2. De La Salle University (DLSU)

Annual cost of tuition: P200,000 to P230,000

A Catholic co-educational institution, DLSU is a hub for higher education training renowned for academic excellence, prolific relevant research, and involved community service. It is home to local and international students seeking quality education for a brighter future ahead.

3. Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU)

Annual cost of tuition: P180,000 to P200,000

Ateneo proudly offers programs in the fields of arts, humanities, business, law, social sciences, philosophy, theology, medicine and public health, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, engineering, environmental science, diplomacy, and government.

They are also known for their post-graduate courses in business and public management, their law school and their new medical school.

4. University of Santo Tomas (UST)

Annual cost of tuition: P120,000 to P150,000

One of Asia’s oldest existing universities, UST has always played a prominent and prestigious part in Philippine education. Not only does this institution boast of several firsts when it come to the realms of education, it also has administrators and faculty members who are holding leadership positions in the Philippines’ policy-making bodies and professional organizations, helping influence policies for the betterment of the society in general.

5. Mapua University (MU)

Annual cost of tuition : P160,000 to P200,000

Within the walls of the heritage site of Intramuros lies this seat of technological education excellence. An educational institution founded on the vision of emphasizing the importance of science and technology for the improvement of the country’s economy and the quality of life of its citizens. Mapua is a pioneer in technical courses in the country, especially in Civil Engineering and Architecture.

(Read: 4 Top Philippine Universities Make It To The 2019 QS World University Rankings)

6. Far Eastern University (FEU)

Annual cost of tuition: P110,000 to P140,000

Far Eastern University has long been regarded as one of the top universities in the Philippines and aims to be the university of choice in Asia. FEU produces graduates who are globally competitive and those who exhibit the core values of fortitude, excellence, and uprightness.

7. Adamson University (AdU)

Annual cost of tuition: P90,000 to P130,000

Adamson University has endured the tests of history and emerged academically richer and stronger. Its mission is to provide affordable quality education. Now beyond its Diamond Jubilee, it confidently and ably plays its role as an agent of personal as well as social transformation centers in the country.

8. National University (NU)

Annual cost of tuition: P62,000 to P101,000

National University is a dynamic private institution committed to delivering relevant and accessible quality education. It is proud to provide innovative yet affordable degree programs for the benefit of young Filipinos.

9. University of the East (UE)

Annual cost of tuition: P90,000 to P200,000

Now on its 71st year, UE is a formidable academic institution in the service of youth, country and God, making sure that each student’s tomorrow will indeed begin in the east. An institution granted with an “Autonomous Status” by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), UE known to provide excellent quality education, especially in dentistry and engineering.

10. Siliman University (SU)

Annual cost of tuition: P70,000 to P180,000

A private research university in the Negros province, Siliman University is the first American university in the Philippines and the entire Asian continent. It gained one the highest certifications that can be granted to an educational institution the “Institutional Accreditation” and is one of the five universities in the Philippines to do so.

In addition to, SU also has the highest number of accredited programs in the country, 20 of which are on Level IV accreditation status, the highest level that can be granted to individual programs.

(Read: DLSU Joins UP In 2019 World University Rankings)

11. Enderun Colleges

Annual cost of tuition: P250,000 to P330,000

Enderun Colleges provides a career-ready environment with its industry-specific programs, highly experienced faculty, and intensive internship placements. The college prepares its students to become professionals who cultivate independent thinking and practice effective leadership in the global workplace.

12. University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P)

Annual cost of tuition: P230,000 to P330,000

The University of Asia and the Pacific is a private, not-for-profit institution of higher learning. All programs of study at UA&P are grounded in liberal education, to produce students who are well-rounded as well as masters in the specific specialization.

The formation of UA&P students is facilitated by an environment conducive to learning, qualified and dedicated teachers, a superior faculty-to-student ratio, and well-maintained facilities.

13. De La Salle College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB)

Annual cost of tuition: P180,000 to P250,000

An institution who uses a “learner-centered instruction” to offer degree and non-degree programs in arts, design, management, service industries, computer applications in business, and other special fields of studies.

DLS-CSB is the first college in the Philippines to offer degrees in animation, consular and diplomatic affairs, digital filmmaking, export management, fashion design and merchandising, multimedia arts, music production, photography, and information technology major in game design and development.

14. San Beda University

Annual cost of tuition: P150,000 to P160,000

San Beda University is a Catholic educational institution committed to the Christian formation of the Bedan Community as its service to the Church, the Philippine society, and the world.

Providing relevant curriculum programs aligned with their vision and mission, this college performs a big role in building a culture of innovative research for knowledge advancement transforming lives through holistic student development and global educational cooperation.

15. Miriam College (MC)

Annual cost of tuition: P130,000 to P160,000

A premier women’s Catholic educational institution, Miriam College continues to uphold excellent educational standards through regular curriculum and program enhancement, formation of strategic international and local links, maintenance of a competent faculty base, and intensified teaching and learning in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) to prepare students, especially girls and young women, in these fields of the future. Alongside these, the institution supports specialized centers engaged in research, community outreach, and advocacy to develop competent and principled students.

(Read: Which Universities Have Produced The Most Filipino Billionaires?)

16. Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU)

Annual cost of tuition: P80,000 to P120,000

Many disciplines are taught in the university, with International relations (diplomacy, international trade), business, communication and International Hospitality (hotel and restaurant management, tourism) consistently being the university’s flagship courses.

An internationally accredited university dedicated to innovation and excellence in the service of God and Country, LPU prides itself with its long and rich tradition of Academic excellence.

17. Centro Escolar University (CEU)

Annual cost of tuition: P80,000 to P180,000

Centro Escolar University is a private, non-sectarian higher education institution highly recognized for its programs in the health sciences as well as its undergraduate and graduate programs in Education, Business Administration, Accountancy, Hospitality Management, Computer Science, Information Technology, Cosmetic Science, Social Work, and Mass Communication.

This university has Full Autonomy Status from CHED, is Institutional Accreditation certified by the Federation of Accrediting Associations of the Philippines, a Philippine Quality Award by the Philippine Government, an ISO 9001:2008 System Certification and the Papal Award Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice (For the Church and the Pope).

Tuition fees in colleges & state universities

1. Philippine Normal University

Estimated total per year: P4,500 to P24,000 (full program)

2. Technological University of the Philippines

Estimated total per year: P12,000 to P56,000 (full program)

3. Pamantasang Lungsod ng Maynila

Estimated total per year: P1,500 to P110,000 (full program)

4. University of Makati

Estimated total per year: P2,000 to P61,000 (full program)

5. University of Caloocan

Estimated total per year: P1,000 to P6,000

6. Universidad de Manila

Estimated total per year: No tuition fees. Exclusive for Manila residents only.

7. Taguig City University

Estimated total per year: The school has no tuition fee, miscellaneous fee or any other fees. For Masters: P600 to P7,200 per year

8. Pamantasang Lungsod ng Marikina

Estimated total per year: P8,000 to P48,000 (full program)

9. Pamantasang Lunsgod ng Muntinlupa

Estimated total per year: P6,000 to P14,000

10. Technological University of the Philippines – Taguig

Estimated total per year: P12,000 to P22,000

(Read: How To Save Up For Your Child’s College Education)

11. Philippine State College of Aeronautics

Estimated total per year: P3,600 to P11,000

12. Pamantasang Lungsod ng Pasay

Estimated total per year: P6,000 to P12,000

13. Quezon City Polytechnic University

Estimated total per year: P16,000 to P18,000

14. City of Malabon University

Estimated total per year: P6,000 to P42,000 (full program)

15. Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig

Estimated total per year: P6,000

16. Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela

Estimated total per year: P5,000 – P12,000

17. Navotas Polytechnic College

Estimated total per year: P3,600

18. Valenzuela City Polytechnic College

Estimated total per year: P4,000 – P6,000

19. Polytechnic University of The Philippines – Open University

Estimated total per year: P8,000 – P14,000 (for masteral)

20. Pateros Technological College

Estimated total per year: P10,000

21. Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Parañaque City

Estimated total per year: P6,000

(Read: LIST: State Universities And Colleges Included In the Free Tuition Act)

Colleges offering free tuition

The free tuition law signed last March 2018 covers a total of 112 state universities and colleges, and 78 local universities and colleges nationwide. The Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, which the Congress ratified in May 2018 and transmitted to the Office of the President on July 2018, gives full tuition subsidy for students in State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), local universities and colleges, and state-run technical-vocational schools.

According to the Department of Budget and Management’s (DBM) list, however, there are 8 SUCs in Metro Manila, 49 in the rest of Luzon, 26 in Visayas, and 31 in Mindanao. The list of SUCs totals 114, as there are three entries for Mindanao State University (MSU)-including the MSU Iligan Institute of Technology and the MSU Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) released on March 2018 an additional list of 78 local universities and colleges (LUCs) established by local government units who were eligible to provide free higher education.

The LUCs are given two years to comply with all other institutional and program requirements under the law. Failure to do so will result in their exclusion from the succeeding year’s list.

Here is a list of both local and state universities and colleges covered by the law:

A. National Capital Region

1. Eulogio ‘Amang’ Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology

2. Marikina Polytechnic College

3. Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

4. Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa

5. Philippine Normal University

6. Philippine State College of Aeronautics

7. Polytechnic University of the Philippines

8. Rizal Technological University

9. Technological University of the Philippines

10. University of the Philippines System

B. Region I – Ilocos Region

1. Binalatongan Community College

2. Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University

3. Ilocos Sur Community College

4. Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College

5. Mariano Marcos State University

6. North Luzon Philippines State College

7. Pangasinan State University

8. University of Eastern Pangasinan

9. University of Northern Philippines

10. Urdaneta City University

C. Cordillera Administrative Region

1. Abra State Institute of Science and Technology

2. Apayao State College

3. Benguet State University

4. Ifugao State University

5. Kalinga State University

6. Mountain Province State University

D. Region II – Cagayan Valley

1. Batanes State College

2. Cagayan State University

3. Isabela State University

4. Nueva Vizcaya State University

5. Quirino State University

E. Region III – Central Luzon

1. Aurora State College of Technology

2. Baliuag Polytechnic College

3. Bulacan Agricultural State College

4. Bataan Peninsula State University

5. Bulacan Polytechnic College

6. Bulacan State University

7. Central Luzon State University

8. City College of Angeles

9. City College of San Fernando, Pampanga

10. Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University

11. Eduardo L. Joson Memorial College

12. Guagua Community College

13. Kolehiyo ng Guiguinto

14. Kolehiyo ng Subic

15. Limay Polytechnic College

16. Mabalacat College

17. Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology

18. Norzagaray College

19. Pambayang Dalubhasaan ng Marilao

20. Pampanga State Agricultural University

21. Polytechnic College of Botolan

22. Polytechnic College of the City of Meycauayan

23. Philippine Merchant Marine Academy

24. Ramon Magsaysay Technological University

25. Tarlac College of Agriculture

26. Tarlac State University

F. Region IV-A – CALABARZON

1. Antipolo Institute of Technology (AiTech)

2. Balian Community College

3. Batangas State University

4. Cavite State University

5. City College of Calamba

6. City College of Tagaytay (CCT)

7. Colegio ng Lungsod ng Batangas

8. Colegio de Montalban

9. Dalubhasaan ng Lungsod ng Lucena

10. Dalubhasaan ng Lungsod ng San Pablo

11. Kolehiyo ng Lungsod ng Lipa

12. Laguna State Polytechnic University (Laguna State Polytechnic College)

13. Laguna University

14. Pamantasan ng Cabuyao (PNC)

15. Pambayang Kolehiyo ng Mauban

16. San Mateo Municipal College

17. Southern Luzon State University

18. Tanauan City College (TCC)

19. Trece Martires City College

20. University of Rizal System

G. Region IV-B – MIMAROPA

1. Baco Community College

2. Marinduque State College

3. MIMAROPA City College of Calapan

4. Mindoro State College of Agriculture and Technology

5. Occidental Mindoro State College

6. Palawan State University

7. Romblon State University

8. Western Philippines University

H. Region V – Bicol Region

1. Aroroy Municipal College (AMC)

2. Baao Community College

3. Bicol University

4. Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology

5. Calabanga Community College

6. Camarines Norte State College

7. Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges

8. Caramoan Community College

9. Catanduanes State University

10. Central Bicol State University of Agriculture

11. City College of Naga

12. Community College of Manito

13. Daraga Community College

14. Donsol Community College (DCC)

15. Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology

16. Governor Mariano E. Villafuerte Community Colleges

17. Libon Community College

18. Ligao Community College

19. Oas Community College

20. Partido State University

21. Polangui Community College

22. Rapu-Rapu Community College

23. San Jose Community College

24. San Pascual Polytechnic College (SPPC)

25. Sorsogon Community College

26. Sorsogon State College

(Read: The Top Schools In The Philippines According To Employer Priority)

I. Region VI – Western Visayas

1. Aklan State University

2. Bago City College

3. Capiz State University

4. Carlos C. Hilado Memorial State College

5. Central Philippines State University

6. Guimaras State College

7. Iloilo City Community College (ICCC)

8. Iloilo Science and Technology University

9. Iloilo State College of Fisheries

10. Libacao College of Science and Technology

11. Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College

12. Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology

13. Passi City College

14. University of Antique

15. West Visayas State University

J. Region VII – Central Visayas

1. Bohol Island State University

2. Buenavista Community college

3. Carcar City College

4. Cebu Normal University

5. Cebu Technological University

6. Negros Oriental State University

7. Sibonga Community College

8. Siquijor State College

9. Trinidad Municipal College

K. Region VIII – Eastern Visayas

1. Eastern Samar State University

2. Eastern Visayas State University

3. Leyte Normal University

4. Maasin City College

5. Naval State University

6. Northwest Samar State University

7. Palompom Polytechnic State University

8. Samar State University

9. Southern Leyte State University

10. University of Eastern Philippines

11. Visayas State University

L. Region IX – Zamboanga Peninsula

1. J.H Cerilles State College

2. Jose Rizal Memorial State University

3. Western Mindanao State University

4. Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College

5. Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Government College (ZdSPGC)

6. Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology

M. Region X – Northern Mindanao

1. Bukidnon State University

2. Camiguin Polytechnic State College

3. Central Mindanao University

4. Gov. Alfonso D. Tan College

5. Initao College

6. Magsaysay College

7. MSU – Iligan Institute of Technology

8. Northern Bukidnon Community College

9. Northwestern Mindanao State College of Science and Technology

10. Opol Community College

11. Pangantucan Bukidnon Community College (PBCC)

12. Tagoloan Community College

13. University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines – Cagayan De Oro Campus

14. University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines – Claveria Campus

(Read: 5 Back-To-School Moneysaving Tips To Help You Minimize Your Expenses)

N. Region XI – Davao Region

1. Compostela Valley State College

2. Davao Del Norte State College

3. Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology

4. Governor Generoso College of Arts, Sciences and Technology (GGCAST)

5. Kapalong College of Agriculture, Sciences and Technology (KCAST)

6. Kolehiyo ng Pantukan (KNP)

7. Monkayo College of Arts, Sciences and Technology

8. Southern Philippines Agri-Business and Marine and Aquatic School of Technology

9. University of Southern Philippines

O. Region XII – Main SOCCSKSARGEN

1. Adiong Memorial Polytechnic State College

2. Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao

3. Basilan State College

4. Cotabato State University

5. Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology

6. Glan Institute of Technology

7. Makilala Insitute of Science and Technology

8. Mindanao State University

9. MSU-Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography

10. Sulu State College

11. Sultan Kudarat State University

12. Tawi-Tawi Regional Agricultural College

13. University of Southern Mindanao

P. Region XIII – Caraga Administrative Region

1. Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology

2. Caraga State University (Northern Mindanao State Institute of Science and Technology)

3. Hinatuan Southern College

4. Surigao del Sur State University

5. Surigao State College of Technology