MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) approved the tuition increase in 116 more private colleges and universities for school year 2014-2015.

This brings the total number of schools with approved increases to 287. (READ: CHED approves tuition hike in 171 schools)

In an update on Wednesday, June 11, CHED said the numbers are based on the consolidated report of 16 regional offices excluding the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Only 287 out of 345 applications were approved by the Commission – 67 schools less than the 354 approved petitions in 2013. (READ: More colleges to hike fees – CHED)

The number of applications from the 1,683 private higher education institutions in the country is also lower than the 451 schools in 2013.

About 64 schools in Metro Manila will increase their tuition with an average per unit cost of 6% or P66.24 ($1.51).

In Central Luzon, 26 schools will increase an average per unit of 9.3% or P39.42 ($0.90), while 25 schools in Calabarzon will increase with an average per unit of 7.35% or P51.04 ($1.17).

Ilocos region, Cagayan Valley, and Mimaropa posted the highest average tuition increases of P37.28 or $0.85 (12.99%), P39.41 or $0.90 (13.53%), and P55.60 or $1.27 (13.90%), respectively.

The nationwide average of tuition increase is at 8.13% or P35.66 ($0.81) per unit.

No schools in Eastern Visayas applied for a tuition hike. CHED Chairperson Patricia Licuanan also said earlier they assume no state college or university will raise their tuition. 

‘Transparent, reasonable, and affordable’

The commission earlier said it would ensure every HEI meets guidelines provided by law – especially consultation and the allocation of tuition fees – to make tuition increases “transparent, reasonable, and affordable.” (READ: Tuition hike? Check quality of education first – Bam Aquino)

Section 42 of Batas Pambansa Bilang 232 or the Education Act of 1982 allows private schools to “determine its rate of tuition and other school fees or charges…subject to rules and regulations promulgated by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports” (now Department of Education, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and CHED).

But other regulations – such as Republic Act 6728, and CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) 13, s. 1998 and CMO 3, s. 2012 – require the allocation of every incremental tuition increase as follows:

• 70% for the salaries, wages, allowances, and other benefits of both teaching and non-teaching personnel
• 20% for the improvement, acquisition, and modernization of school facilities,
• 10% may be allotted for the return on investment for HEIs that are stock corporations

CHED also announced they started developing “a systematic, data-based, broadly acceptable framework” for Tuition and Other School Fees (TOSF) with the help of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies.

The framework will help the Commission in deciding on a “reasonable rate of increase each year.” – Rappler.com

 (US$1 = P43.8144)