Education in the Philippines is inexpensive, if based on currency value compared to the cost of education in Japan, Singapore and even Thailand. However, it is expensive for Filipinos who earn lesser than their Asian counterparts. Nevertheless, Filipinos value education like a hidden treasure—the key to success. Most indigent families strive to send the eldest or the smartest child to school in order to redeem and uplift the families’ condition. Most of these families have at least one or two members who were able to reach university.

At present, the cost of education is still affordable and Filipinos, poor and rich alike still enjoy its benefits. But one must be aware that public schools have cheaper expenses than those in private particularly international schools.

Public elementary and secondary schools are provided and subsidized by the government for free. While private elementary and secondary schools are expensive and even more expensive for foreign students. Most private elementary and high schools in Manila and in major cities cost between 2,000 and 4,000 pesos per month for tuition and miscellaneous fees. But exclusive schools (all girls or all boys) may cost 10,000 pesos per month. Provincial private elementary and secondary schools may cost 500 to 1,000 pesos per month for tuition fees.

Tuition fees in universities and colleges also vary on the type and location of the school. Private universities and colleges in Metro Manila are much higher than those of state universities. According to research, the annual tuition fees of these private universities or colleges are nearly half the average income of Filipino families (P123, 168 / $10,154 in 1997).

Below is the table of top Metro Manila Universities and Colleges tuition for school year 2008-2009.

Cost per Unit of Top Metro Manila Colleges and Universities
for incoming Freshmen (Annual Year 2008-2009)

The tuition listed above is only for Filipino citizens. Foreign students have much higher tuition fees than the locals.

Provincial universities and colleges have much lesser tuition fees than those in Manila and larger cities in the country.

About six years ago, students in state universities and colleges in provinces only paid 9.10 Pesos/unit (credit). The average total units per term a student must take is 24, so it will only cost 218.40 Pesos per term (1 term = 5 months) or 436.80 Pesos per year for tuition fee. If miscellaneous fees like registration, developmental, library, dental and medical fees will be added, it will cost less than a thousand pesos to send your child to university. However, in 2007 most universities and colleges, private and state owned increased tuition fees up to 10%.

State universities like University of Northern Philippines in Ilocos used to collect 25 pesos per unit, increased to 100 pesos/unit. The Philippine Normal University is now collecting 100 pesos/unit from 35 pesos/unit.