Education is a big deal in the Philippines. Synonymous to being a degree holder is the opportunity to land a good paying job and reach one’s financial and personal goals. While the educational system of the country is shifting to a K-12 setup, there are a number of prestigious colleges and universities an incoming college freshman can consider going to.
Whatever degree you are eyeing, it is equally important to choose an educational institution that will prepare you professionally. Listed below are top 5 universities you can get a degree in wherever you may be in the Philippines.
Top Universities in Luzon
1. University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City
The University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City holds the most number of Centers of Excellence as awarded by the Commission of Higher Education or CHED. This is one of the reasons why it is known as the country’s première state university. Of the whole University of the Philippines System, the Diliman holds the largest constituent and is considered the flagship campus since its inception in the year 1948.
UP-D currently sits within the top 500 of the 2020 World University Rankings by the Times Higher Education. It is also considered as the most prestigious university in the country.
As the only national university in the country, the institution is open to graduates from both private and public high schools. The University offers financial aids and/or scholarships that can help those who may not be able to pay for private colleges and universities. To enter, one must pass the University of the Philippines College Admissions Test (UPCAT) and meet the academic requirements of the institution.
The University of the Philippines boasts of having produced remarkable graduates that have made waves in different industries. From generating public servants to award-winning artists, UP-D is the top university choice for most students.
Top courses UP-Diliman is known for:
• Journalism and Broadcasting
• Anthropology
• Biology
• Psychology
• Mathematics
• History
• Political Science
• Cell and Molecular Biology
2. Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City
Not too far from UP Diliman is a private educational institution known in the country as another premiere university. The Ateneo de Manila University is a Jesuit-run private university located in Katipunan, Quezon City. It ranks as the second-best university in the country after UP.
As the third oldest university in the country, Ateneo boasts of producing top-notch professionals, one of them being the country’s national hero Jose P. Rizal.
To study in Ateneo, prospective students must take and pass a rigorous entrance exam called the Ateneo College Entrance Test (ACET). This should also be supported by exceptional academic and deportment records from the student’s high school.
Top courses Ateneo is known for:
• Business Administration
• Literature
• Philosophy
• Information Technology
• Psychology
3. De La Salle University-Manila, Taft, Manila
De La Salle University-Manila is the third most known university in Metro Manila. The private Catholic research educational institution was founded by the De La Salle Brothers in 1911. It is the flagship campus of the De La Salle school system in the country.
De La Salle has been awarded by CHED numerous Centers of Excellence. The Philippine Accrediting Association of School, Colleges and Universities (PAASCU) also awarded the university, Level IV status. It was the first university to ever be awarded with the highest accreditation.
The university is also known to push the boundaries in technological advancement thru projects like solar-powered vehicles. The institution supports its students in creating new projects that aim to better the lives of the Filipino people and the world.
Top courses De La Salle is known for:
• Business Administration
• Mechanical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
Top Universities in Visayas-Mindanao
1. University of San Carlos, Cebu
Known as Cebu’s pride, the University of San Carlos is a Jesuit-run private research university. It was founded in 1935 and is one of the largest universities in Cebu. It has a total of 5 campuses.
CHED recognizes the university for having the most number of Center of Excellence in the Visayas-Mindanao regions.
Top courses University of San Carlos is known for:
• Anthropology
• Business Administration
• Entrepreneurship
2. Silliman University, Dumaguete
Silliman University is popularly known as the “campus by the sea”. The 62-hectare campus of Silliman is also known as one of the most prestigious educational institutions in Dumaguete in Central Visayas. Established in 1901, this private research university was founded by the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions.
Silliman is recognized as the first American school of higher learning in Asia. It is attended not just by locals but by international students from different parts of the world.
The university is picturesque, having a view of Bohol Sea and the Cuenos de Negros Mountains. Plus, the campus grounds are filled with lush greeneries – a welcoming and soothing environment for learning.
Top courses Silliman University is known for:
• Biology and Marine Sciences
• Information Technology
• Literature
• Teacher Education
Choose the Right School for You
Choosing the school you or your child intends to get a college degree from is a fun and meaningful moment. It’s sort of entering a new chapter in one’s life. The school ranking is just one of the major considerations. The environment and the people in it are to be considered too.
Do your research, visit the campus and just see if it’s the perfect fit. It’ll be a worthy experience.
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