Philippines’ most expensive colleges and universities

It’s been so tough to get data from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) these days. After almost ten times calling the said government agency for the list of tertiary schools and their updated tuition per unit, I was left hanging like a beggar for statistics. So I decided to research online and ask the freshmen enrollees directly about their fees. After all, most of them have just finished their enrollment. Luckily, even without CHED’s generosity and diligence, I got the freshest data to come up with this year’s list of the most expensive colleges and universities in the country.

1. University of Asia and the Pacific

For many years, the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) in the heart of Ortigas Center has made a mark in the country’s academic community as the most expensive university with tuition reaching approximately P2,836 per unit. Getting a bachelor’s degree in this Opus Dei institution is a luxury and that has been evident among its students and alumni who mostly belong to the upper class. Thus, UA&P has been branded as the “University of Armani and Prada” despite the conservative stance of the school administration. Address: Pearl Drive, Ortigas Center, Pasig City (www.uap.edu.ph)

2. Ateneo De Manila University

Running as a close second is Ateneo de Manila University which has been regarded by many as the school of the rich and famous. Its most popular alumnus, national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, was an epitome of the elitist, high society image of the university. A bachelor’s degree costs P2,534 per unit minus the long list of miscellaneous and laboratory fees. Studying in the Ateneo is a privilege for the chosen few because staying in the university by maintaining satisfactory grades is quite a challenge to many. Address: Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City (www.admu.edu.ph)

3. De La Salle University-Manila

The Ateneo’s main rival, De La Salle University (DLSU), in the historic Taft Avenue in Manila comes close third for having the highest tuition (cost per unit) among all the colleges and universities in the country today. Depending on the course, tuition in DLSU may reach as much as P2,517 per unit in the College of Computer Studies. What makes DLSU more expensive than the rest is its trimester academic calendar. But to many high society families especially the business tycoons, there is no doubt that the La Sallian education is exceptional. When it comes to business courses, De La Salle remains top-of-the-mind. Address: Taft Avenue, Manila (www.dlsu.edu.ph)

4. De La Salle–College Of Saint Benilde

It has been known that those who haven’t passed DLSU but have the money to pay for La Sallian education usually end up in De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB). Just too close to DLSU main, Benilde or popularly known as simply CSB, charges around P2,114 per unit for tuition in a trimester academic year. Some courses actually sum up to higher annual fees than taking up a regular course in DLSU because of the various miscellaneous and laboratory fees. But don’t worry, the facilities and campus amenities of CSB are commensurate to what you pay. Address: Taft Avenue, Manila (www.dls-csb.edu.ph)

5. Assumption College–San Lorenzo

Having a campus inside one of Makati’s exclusive villages is already an indication that Assumption College is also an exclusive school for the chosen few women. Average tuition for a bachelor’s degree stands at P1,750 per unit, depending on the course. Most of Manila’s alta de sociedad matriarchs and famous political personalities are proud graduates of this Roman Catholic institution being run by the Assumption sisters. Among them are former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Senator Loren Legarda. Today, Assumption College has remained to be one of the most respected non-coed educational institutions in the country because of its high quality Christian education. Address: San Lorenzo Village, Makati City (www.ac.edu.ph). –Harold Geronimo, Manila Standard Today

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