(CNN Philippines) — A total of 313 private higher education institutions (HEIs) are now allowed to raise both tuition and other school fees by an average 6.48% for the school year 2015-2015.
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) announced the approval of their applications for a hike on Monday (May 18) through a statement signed by CHED Chairperson Patricia Licuanan.
A total of 1,683 applied for increase in tuition or other fees, or both.
Of that number, 283, or only 16% will be allowed to increase their tuition.
On the other hand, 212 institutions, or 12.60% of the applicants, will increase only their other school fees.
For tuition alone, the average increase is 6.17% or P29.86 per unit.
For other school fees, the average increase is 6.55% or P135.60.
These figures are lower compared to last year’s P35.66 per unit, or 8.13% for tuition, and P141.55, or 7.97%, for other school fees.
The CHED did not approve increases in Eastern Visayas (Region 8), which was severely affected by Typhoon Yolanda (internationally known as Haiyan).
Hikes in key regions
The areas with the most number of higher education institutions are the National Capital Region, Southern Tagalog (Region 4-A), and Central Luzon (Region 3).
Following are the average increases in their tuition:
NCR: P32.34 per unit (4.52%)
Southern Tagalog: P37.36 per unit (5.26%)
Central Luzon: P35.60 (6.87%)
The average increase in their other school fees are as foillows:
NCR: P34.79 (4.01%)
Southern Tagalog: P501.67 (5.26%)
Central Luzon: P556.13 (6.65%)
There were no applications an increase in school fees in Cagayan Valley (Region 2), Bicol (Region 5), Central Visayas (Region 7), and Northern Mindanao (Region 10).
Balancing issues
CHED decided to approve the increase in fees by taking into account the following:
regional inflation rate
financial standing of the institution
financial capacity of most students
impact of calamities
quality track record of the school
the mission and vision of the institution
These criteria are part of CHED Memorandum Order No. 3, or the “Enhanced Policies, Guidelines and Procedures Governing Increases in Tuition and Other School Fees, Introduction of New Fees, and for Other Purposes.”
“CHED’s approach to the issue of tuition is wholistic,” Licuanan said in her statement. “In the light of contending concerns and interests in society, there is need to balance access issues with sustainability of educational institutions. For its part, CHED ensures that HEIs meet the guidelines provided by law, especially the requirement of consultation, the allocation of tuition fees, and strict adherence with the processes that seek to make tuition and other school fee increases transparent, reasonable, and affordable.”
