TUITION UP IN 268 COLLEGES

More than 260 private higher education institutions (HEIs) had been allowed to increase tuition and other fees this school year, according to the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd).

The commission on Monday said the approved applications of 268 private colleges and institutions represented 16 percent of the total 1,652 private HEIs in the country or 36 schools less than those that increased tuition and other fees last school year.

The average surge in tuition in private HEIs was 6.96 per- cent or P86.68 per unit while the average increase in other school fees was pegged at 6.9 percent or P243, said the CHEd.

In a statement, CHEd Chair Patricia Licuanan said the commission was guided by several laws in deciding onthewisdomof the increases in tuition and other school fees, which include the Education Act of 1982 and Republic Act 6728 or the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act.

Under the Education Act of 1982, private schools are allowed to determine its rate of tuition and other school charges subject to the rules and regulations promulgated by the CHEd, the Department of Education and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

The CHEd also took into consideration several factors such as the regional inflation rate, financial standing and track record of the institution and the “education deflator,” which measures the average cost of providing education services based on the regional inflation rate, said Licuanan.

She also noted that the average increase in tuition or other school fees was one percent, considering the total population of private HEIs. The tuition hikes varied depending on the HEI and the region.

In the regions with the highest number of HEIs, such as Metro Manila, the average per unit tuition rate was P119.55 or 4.75 percent. In Calabarzon, the average tuition rate increase was P49.07 or 3.05 percent, and P49.50 or 8.64 percent in Central Luzon.

The average increase for other school fees in these three regions ranged from 5.28 percent to 10.73 percent or P49.82 to P974.26.

Licuanan assured the public that the HEIs met the guidelines provided by law, especially the requirement of consultation, the proper allocation of tuition and strict adherence with the processes to make the increase transparent and affordable.