While education should be a right, it can be perceived as a privilege by most people. Most times, a prestigious university can guarantee its students quality education and a remarkable network of social connections. Although the total costs can be financially burdensome, the student life and culture of these universities produce outstanding individuals who will make their mark on the world.
Here is a list of the top universities and colleges with the highest tuition fees in 2023:
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San Beda University
Tuition: P145,000 – P155,000 per year
Formerly known as El Colegio de San Beda, the San Beda University was founded in 1901 by Benedictine monks. As one of the Philippines’ Catholic educational institutions, the former Rector-President Fr. Aloysius Maranan felt compelled to expand their Christian formation of the community in 2010. Therefore, the university worked to reinforce their teachings by instilling their students with values such as them being Fully Human and Wholly Filipino. Eventually, San Beda University gained its university status in 2018. The university now continues to prosper as their campus facilities continue to expand, furthering their reach to educate potential Bedans.
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Ateneo de Manila University
Tuition: P160,000 – P180,000 per year
The establishment of the Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) followed suit after the Spanish Jesuits built the Escuela Municipal de Manila, making it one of the oldest universities and private research institutes in the country. In 1959, their centennial year, the university was granted its autonomous status by CHED to guide their students through the motto: Lux in Domino, or “Light in the Lord.” Offering degrees in various fields of knowledge, ADMU is easily recognized as one of the top-ranked universities in the Philippines.
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University of Asia and the Pacific
Tuition: P180,000 – P190,000 per year
Grounded in providing liberal education, the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) hopes to concentrate on developing the intrinsic values of their students. In 1967, Dr. Jesus P. Estanislao and Dr. Bernardo M. Villegas inaugurated the Center for Research and Communication (CRC). This was supposed to be a non-profit think-tank that catered to private sector businesses. Several years later, the CRC became the UA&P as converted by CHED. As of today, the UA&P offers numerous renowned degrees such as Applied Mathematics, Human Capital Development, and Industrial Economics.
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Meridian International Business, Arts and Technology College
Tuition: P140,000 – P200,000 per year
The Meridian International Business, Arts and Technology College, or otherwise known as MINT College, was founded in 2010. The college aims to incorporate international standards to college education. Offering creatives-focused degrees, students can apply to their four-year programs in Music Business, Multimedia Arts, Entrepreneurship, Information Technology, and more. MINT College also offers the Achieve Program and the Continuing Education Program to cater to working students who wish to further develop their education and skills.
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iAcademy
Tuition: P165,000 – P225,000 per year
Recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), iAcademy challenges their students through the reinvention of education. This university is highly known for their degrees that specialize in business, technology, and art. It didn’t take long before iAcademy was named the first WACOM authorized training partner in the Philippines. With its never-ending list of achievements, iAcademy is partnered with global organizations like Unilab, Climate Change Commission (CCC), and UNITY to broaden students' network. At present, the academy was recognized by the Global Brand Awards for the following: Best Design School, Best School for Music Production, Design, and Technology, Best Education Provider, and Most Innovative Education.
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De La Salle University
Tuition: P205,000 – P225,000 per year
Founded in 1911, the De La Salle University (DLSU) was established by the Catholic teaching congregation the Brothers of the Christian Schools. St. Jean-Baptiste de La Salle taught with the intent to touch the hearts of the poor and to inspire them with the Christian spirit. After gaining autonomy in 1975, DLSU was recognized for having the most number of Centers of Excellence (COEs) in the Philippines.
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De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde
Tuition: P180,000 – P240,000 per trimester
Founded in 1988, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (CSB) is considered a member of De La Salle Philippines. Inspired by their founders, St. John Baptist De La Salle and Patron Saint Benilde Romançon, CSB aims to open their community and maintain its accessibility for the underprivileged and talented individuals. Responding to the apparent social discrepancies, CSB offered programs with specializations in Deaf Applied Studies, Diplomatic Affairs, Hotel and Tourism, and more. Since 2016, their School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management is the only hotel school that earned a Level IV status from the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAASCU).
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Enderun Colleges
Tuition: P360,000 - P400,000 per year
Founded in 2005, the BGC-based non-sectarian college was established to actualize the potential of the hospitality industry in the Philippines. After receiving accreditation from CHED, Enderun Colleges was established and launched in 2006. By 2017, Enderun had already become widely known as one of the leading and most highly-respected management colleges in the Philippines. The college offers the following programs to its students: Hospitality and Culinary Arts, Business, Management and Economics, and Architecture and Design. At Enderun, a 24-unit course load per semester costs P240,000 for local residents and P260,000 for international students.
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Southville and Foreign Universities
Tuition: P390,000 – P450,000 per semester
Since the Southville and Foreign Universities (SISFU) was established to address the need for world education, SISFU is a pioneer in transnational education in the country. The university equips its students with the necessary values and skills which will enable them to become more globally competitive. With that, students are given the opportunity to broaden their education by studying abroad in their last year. The internships offered can be completed in other countries as well.
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Centre for International Education British School
Tuition: P400,000 - P500,000 per trimester
Known as The School for Leaders, the Centre for International Education (CIE) received accreditation through the Cambridge Assessment under the University of Cambridge. This British international school aims to be at the forefront of “trendsetting instructive innovations.” Imparting their student body with excellence in thinking and leadership, the college envisions the community to make remarkable transformations to society. To reinforce their education, students have the option to complete their third year of college at Northwood University, USA.
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