National University opens 10th campus, surpasses Clark enrollment target

PAMPANGA, Philippines – The National University Philippines (NU) has so far exceeded its target number of enrollees in Pampanga by nearly 300% as the century-old privately funded institution opened its 10th campus, strategically situated at the Clark Freeport Zone, this August.

The NU campus adds to the nearly 50 educational institutions in Pampanga. Based on a 2022 report by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in Region III, Central Luzon has a total of 250 local and state universities and colleges, 48 of which are located in Pampanga.

The university exceeded its target number of enrolled senior high school and college students by 287%, the largest so far in the history of NU’s start-up campuses, said Dr. Arnel Diego, NU’s executive director.

Diego said they only expected about 800 students to enroll, but the number reached more than 2,300. The number could still change as college enrollment will be open until August 26.

Nevertheless, the start-up campus has the smallest student population among NU’s campuses.

NU Clark has opened to senior high school and college students, offering undergraduate programs across various disciplines in business, engineering, architecture, psychology, communication, humanities, and social sciences. 

Diego said the university also offers its only political science course at its Clark campus.

“All programs that we are currently offering in NU Clark, are also being offered with the other NU campuses. But as for NU Clark, only our university offers political science…,” Diego said in a response sent through SM City Clark’s public relations on Wednesday, August 23.

In 2008, the SM Group of Companies acquired the majority ownership of the university. Since then, NU has strengthened its higher educational institution through new infrastructure that offers a more conducive learning environment as well as improved accessibility.

With other campuses located in Manila, Dasmarinas, Laguna, Lipa, and Baliwag, NU Clark is the second campus located north of Luzon. – Rappler.com