Tuition Fees in the Philippines: What to Expect from Top Schools (2026)

Metro Manila is home to some of the best colleges and universities in terms of campus life, academic offerings, and student culture. 

Whether you're a student, a parent, or just exploring your options, this guide breaks down the estimated tuition fees in the Philippines—especially in Metro Manila—to help you make an informed choice. 

Think of it as your personal tour of the university belt—minus the traffic—with a clear look at what each school might cost. 

Why does enrollment cost vary so much from one school to another? Here are some of the major reasons: 

• Public vs. Private Status - Public universities are subsidized by the government, making them more affordable. Private institutions rely on tuition and private funding, which often results in higher fees. 
• Program or Course of Study - Specialized programs like medicine, engineering, and architecture often cost more due to lab fees and longer study durations. 
• School Reputation and Accreditation - Institutions with high rankings or international accreditations may charge premium tuition for the recognition they received. 
• Location - Schools in Metro Manila generally have higher tuition and living expenses compared to those in provincial areas, due to urban costs and demand. 
• Academic Calendar System - Universities on trimester or quarter systems (e.g., DLSU, Mapúa) may require more frequent payments per year, increasing their annual tuition fee costs. 
• Facilities and Campus Resources - Modern campuses with advanced labs, tech infrastructure, and updated buildings often include these costs in their tuition to support maintenance and upgrades. 
• Student Services and Extracurriculars - Comprehensive student life programs—such as counseling, student organizations, and athletics—can contribute to higher miscellaneous fees. 
• Financial Aid and Scholarships - Availability of scholarships, grants, and discounts can significantly reduce the actual tuition burden for qualified students. 

In college, a unit refers to how much time a student spends in class each week. Most subjects are worth 3 units, which means the class lasts for three hours per week. 

When it comes to tuition, schools usually charge per unit. So, the more subjects (or units) you take, the higher your total fee. 

For example, if a school charges ₱1,500.00 per unit and you enroll in 21 units, that’s ₱31,500.00 for tuition alone. 

You’ll also pay for lab fees, registration, and other miscellaneous charges—so always check what’s included in the school’s computation! 

If you’re set on Metro Manila schools, here’s a rundown of estimated 2025 tuition fees and the unique strengths of 12 of the most searched colleges and universities. 

A quick note before we go on a deep dive, the tuition fees we will provide are estimates as of time of writing.  

The actual costs will depend on the program and the campus. So, if any of these schools piqued your interest, make sure to visit their official website or give them a call for inquiries! 

As the country’s national university, UP Diliman is known for its academic excellence across a wide range of fields—from engineering, law, and the sciences to arts and humanities. 

Its diverse student population, vibrant campus life, and reputation for producing national leaders and changemakers make it a top choice for high-achieving students. 

Apart from the range of programs, one of UP's biggest advantages is its affordability. Thanks to the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, tuition is free for most undergraduate students. 

If not fully free, students can get 33%, 60%, or 80% tuition discounts in UP Diliman, UP Los Baños, and UP Manila. 

Without those discounts, based on a sample computation from UP Diliman, a 21-unit load tuition fee per semester is around ₱31,500.00. Including miscellaneous fees, the total is ₱37,243.50. 

Located in Taft, Manila, DLSU is a prestigious private university known for its strong business, engineering, computer studies, and liberal arts programs.  

It’s a great option for students who want a balance of academic rigor, research opportunities, and a modern campus in the heart of the city. 

DLSU operates on a trimester system, so students usually complete three terms in a year.  

For freshmen in 2024-2025, La Salle tuition fee for a standard 18-unit load costs about ₱71,000.00 to ₱102,000.00 per trimester, depending on the program.  

If you’re coming in as a sophomore to senior, and you’re curious about DLSU’s tuition fee breakdown for your program, you can use this calculator from their website. 

Ateneo is known for its strong liberal arts foundation, Jesuit tradition, and emphasis on leadership and social involvement.  

The university offers top programs in political science, communication, law, and management. Its scenic campus in Quezon City and holistic education make it a standout choice for students who want to grow both intellectually and socially. 

For school year 2026-2027, a full 20-unit semester Ateneo tuition fee is ₱117,000.00, plus basic fees of ₱18,427.00 and other fees amounting to ₱8,074.00. In total, students can expect to pay ₱143,501 per semester. 

Founded in 1611, UST is the oldest university in Asia. It has a rich Catholic tradition and is highly regarded for its programs in medicine, architecture, music, and the arts. 

The campus itself is a blend of historic architecture and modern facilities, providing a unique environment for students. 

While tuition varies by program, most undergraduate courses fall between ₱60,000 to ₱120,000 per semester. This excludes lab requirements, miscellaneous fees, and other charges. 

The full breakdown is available on the UST website. 

The full computation of UST’s fees per program and year level are uploaded on their website.  

FEU has long been known for its programs in accountancy, medical technology, nursing, and business. 

Its campus in Manila features art deco architecture and a lively student community. The university promotes holistic development and values-driven education. 

FEU tuition fee for freshmen in 2025–2026 ranges from ₱53,898.00 to ₱99,930.00, depending on the program. You can find the full tuition summary on FEU’s official website. 

PUP is one of the most affordable universities in the country, yet it offers highly competitive programs in engineering, mass communication, accountancy, and education. 

Known for its activism and vibrant student culture, PUP makes top-notch education accessible and affordable for every Filipino student. 

Thanks to state funding, tuition for most undergraduates is symbolic—₱12.00 per unit. That means a 21-unit load costs just ₱252.00. Miscellaneous and lab fees are also minimal, with labs costing only ₱60.00 at most. 

For the full computation of PUP’s tuition fee and other fees, you can check out the breakdown here. 

Enderun is a premier private institution that caters to students pursuing careers in culinary arts, hospitality management, and global business. 

With strong industry partnerships and modern facilities, it's a great choice for those who want international-level training in these specialized fields. 

Tuition ranges from ₱230,000 to ₱270,000 per semester (24 units), depending on the program—adding up to ₱500,000+ per year. 

Now part of the SM Group, NU has undergone major modernization in recent years. It offers strong programs in information technology, allied health sciences, business, and engineering. 

Its upgraded facilities and accessible location appeal to many students seeking a private education at a more affordable cost. 

While NU doesn’t publish tuition computations on its official site, online sources estimate ₱25,000 to ₱30,000 per semester—or ₱50,000 to ₱60,000 annually. 

LPU, commonly referred to as Lyceum, is recognized for its globally oriented programs, especially in hospitality management, tourism, maritime studies, and international relations. 

With strong internship networks and industry tie-ups, it’s a great choice for students eyeing careers with an international edge. 

Freshmen tuition is ₱1,814.00 per unit. Tuition per semester ranges from ₱30,844.80 to ₱41,731.20 depending on the program, excluding other fees. 

With lab and miscellaneous fees included, total semester costs range from ₱51,213.80 to ₱60,432.20. 

Mapúa is a top pick for students interested in engineering, architecture, and IT. Its most popular campus is in Intramuros, Manila, but it also has a campus in Makati and offsite programs at Seda Hotel Manila Bay. 

The university is known for innovation and technology-driven learning, with programs designed to meet international standards. 

Tuition fees for different programs are around ₱35,000 to ₱70,000 per term. Since Mapúa follows a quarter system (four terms per year), it would cost ₱100,000+ annually. 

Mapúa has published its tuition fees across programs and campuses on the website.  

San Beda is especially known for its law and business programs, along with a strong liberal arts foundation grounded in its Catholic Benedictine identity. The school fosters academic discipline and character development. 

Tuition information for 2025 isn’t readily available on their website, but based on online sources, students can expect to pay between ₱100,000 to ₱130,000 per year for most programs. 

STI is a nationwide network of schools specializing in IT, business, and practical tech-based education. 

It’s a good option for students looking for job-ready skills and shorter programs that lead to employment opportunities. 

Tuition varies by campus and course. In general, estimates range from ₱25,000 to ₱50,000 per semester. 

Over the past few years, more Filipino students have been choosing state and local universities over private universities.  

Moreover, many high school students continue to set their sights on Metro Manila, drawn by its reputation for quality education and diverse academic programs. 

Here’s what sets them apart: 

1. Public Schools in Manila 

Public universities are funded by the government, which means tuition fees are significantly lower—or even free—especially for Filipino citizens. These schools include the University of the Philippines (UP) and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP). They are known for: 

• High academic standards, especially in flagship programs like engineering, law, or medicine 
• Competitive admission due to limited slots and high demand 
• Large student populations and more diverse student demographics 

Public schools are a great choice for students who want quality education without the high cost, but be prepared for stricter admission requirements and more limited resources in some campuses. 

2. Private Schools in Manila 

Private universities rely on tuition and private funding to operate. These include Ateneo de Manila, DLSU, UST, FEU, NU, Enderun, Mapúa, and many others. They typically offer: 

• Specialized programs with strong industry ties (e.g., hospitality, IT, law, or business) 
• Flexible payment plans, scholarships, and installment options 
• Higher tuition costs compared to public schools 

Private schools are ideal for students looking for niche programs, international exposure, or schools with strong campus life and industry connections. They tend to be more accessible in terms of enrollment, but affordability may be a concern without scholarships or financial aid. 

Tuition payments, school supplies, or a new laptop for your studies—whatever you need to get ready for the school year, Home Credit has you covered.  

With easy cash loan options and gadget installment plans, you can manage your back-to-school expenses without the stress. All you need is just one valid ID and a few taps on your phone.