Over 30 private colleges, universities in Visayas set to raise tuition

More than 30 private colleges and universities in the Western and Central Visayas regions are set to implement tuition increases starting Academic Year 2025–2026, according to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

In Western Visayas or Region 6, CHED’s regional office has approved an average 6.6% tuition increase for 20 higher education institutions (HEIs), according to a report on Unang Balita on Tuesday.

The hike, officials said, is based on the prevailing regional inflation rate.

Meanwhile, in Central Visayas, several institutions across three provinces have been granted similar approvals. These include:

• Six universities in Cebu City;
• Four in the province of Cebu; and
• Four in Bohol.

CHED clarified that all approved tuition hikes underwent a rigorous consultation process involving school administrators, student leaders, and other stakeholders.

According to the agency, a significant portion of the increase will go toward salaries and benefits of school personnel, including faculty and non-teaching staff, in compliance with labor standards and institutional improvement plans.

The tuition adjustments are expected to take effect beginning the first semester of the 2025–2026 academic year.

CHED has yet to release the full list of schools with approved tuition hikes, but emphasized that any increase must be justified, transparent, and reasonable, especially amid ongoing concerns over affordability and access to higher education. —Sherylin Untalan/KG, GMA Integrated News