Tuition Fees: How Much Does College Tuition Cost in the Philippines

Higher education and obtaining a university degree is greatly valued in the Philippines. No matter the cost of education, parents will do everything they can to ensure that their children receive a good education.

University education is important, especially for individuals who wish to enter the workforce and build successful careers or start a lucrative business venture. Being educated at the best schools and universities in the Philippines is one way to ensure a bright future for aspirational individuals. Education is also key to improving one’s standing in life because it opens new doors and opportunities for more growth.

University Education in the Philippines

Parents and students have the option of going to a private school or to public universities for college education. There are several private institutions that have an excellent track record of high-performing graduates, and there are also many state universities that produce excellent graduates.

The final decision most students consider when choosing a university is the availability of the degree program they want, and the cost of tuition fees for their program of choice.

Private vs. Public Education

A private school education is known to cost more per semester compared to public institutions. Often, private universities have better facilities for students, as well as access to the latest technologies that will aid in the education of its students. Classes might also be offered in a small group, making it more conducive for focus and attentiveness.

However, students from lower socio-economic backgrounds may still have a chance at obtaining a private education through scholarships. Many universities offer partial or full scholarships to qualified applicants. Going this route may give rise to stiff competition, as colleges only offer a limited number of slots for scholarship grantees. And even then, students will have to maintain good grades and follow additional rules in order to keep their scholarships.

A public university education, on the other hand, can be much more accessible in terms of cost. Tuition fees for state institutions are significantly lower than private schools. The quality of education will still be on par with private universities, given that the professors and instructors from both types of institutions have the same credentials and level of qualifications. However, students may be limited in choosing a degree program available, and the facilities may not be of the same quality as in private institutions.

Tuition Costs for Different Universities in the Philippines

If you or your child wish to get a headstart in preparing for university, then knowing the average cost of a college education across different universities is one of the first things you need to do. Listed below are some information about the cost of education in the top universities of the Philippines.

University of Santo Tomas

Founded in 1611, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) is the oldest university in Asia. UST is also known as the only Pontifical University in Asia. The Unversity of Santo Tomas admission rating is high, as they offer a wide variety of degree programs across their nine colleges. Notable courses include journalism, architecture, marketing, and physical therapy. They also offer an excellent medicine and law program for aspiring doctors and lawyers.

Average Annual Tuition Costs: 60,000 to 140,000 PHP

UST tuition fee varies per degree program, so parents will have to await instruction from student affairs and faculty regarding final computation of payments.

University of the Philippines

The University of the Philippines is one of the country’s largest network of state-run universities. The UP System has campuses and colleges across different regions of the country, giving qualified individuals access to top-quality education at lower costs. Each campus has specialized areas of education. Notable examples are the Manila campus, which offers medical-related degrees, Los Baños which offers advanced degrees in agriculture and forestry, and Diliman which offers several arts and humanities degrees not offered in other UP campuses.

Average Annual Tuition Costs: Free to 60,000 PHP

As a state university, the University of the Philippines offers tuition subsidies for those qualified. The percentage of subsidies granted is based on family income, and qualified individuals can enjoy free tuition or even receive a monthly stipend.

National University Manila

National University is located in Sampaloc, Manila. Established in 1900, this institution is the country’s first non-sectarian co-ed university. They were also the first to replace Spanish with English as the mode of instruction for their classes. Popular course options in this school include education, engineering, business management, and journalism.

Average Annual Tuition Costs: 36,000  to 48,000 PHP

Ateneo de Manila University

Ateneo de Manila is one of the oldest and brightest educational institutions in the country. Aside from college education, the school also offers pre-school, elementary, high-school, and post-graduate education. They offer degrees in political science, liberal arts, business management, engineering, and law, among other offerings.

Average Annual Tuition Costs: 92,000  to 200, 000 PHP

As a school offering private tuition, the cost of an Ateneo education is high. But the school also offers generous scholarships to qualified individuals who apply and get accepted.

De La Salle University

Education at De La Salle University is a little different, with each academic year comprised of three terms instead of the typical two semesters. DLSU offers various programs, including arts, management, international studies, business, and law.

Average Annual cost of tuition: 200,000 to 250,000 PHP

Tuition: Other Things to Consider

As slots in academic programs are often limited, it is best to be sure of your decisions before you apply. When it comes to tuition, some schools will charge a non-refundable application fee in order for you to take an entrance exam.

Once you get in after achieving a good cut-off score, you may also want to consider how schools schedule payment collections. Contact the office of admissions and discuss whether they require full tuition upfront, or if they allow monthly installments. This way, you will be well-informed regarding the amount you need in terms of payment. As also how you can pay, whether they only allow you to pay cash, or if they accept cards, bank transfers, and check payments. Be sure to follow accurate instruction to ensure you paid correctly.

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