CHED releases wrong data on tuition hike

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) appears to have released erroneous data on the allowed tuition and other fee increases in Metro Manila for the incoming academic year.

On the list of the 51 approved higher education institutions (HEI) allowed to impose hikes, CHED pegged the average increase in tuition at P32.34 per unit and the average increase in other fees at P34.79.

However, a Philippine STAR re-computation showed that the actual average approved tuition increases in Metro Manila schools is P58.48 per unit while the average approved Other School Fees (OSF) is P56.40.

The inaccuracy was first raised by the National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP), which criticized the commission for releasing the erroneous data, arguing that “averaging is simply adding up all the tuition increases then dividing these by the total number of schools that increased tuition.”

“NUSP discovered that the averages by CHED are not only erroneous but may be construed as a deliberate attempt to manipulate the figures so as to dishonestly depict lower average tuition and OSF increases in the NCR (national capital region),” the group said.

Although CHED is yet to issue a statement, an official said the differences in computations have been “referred to the office concerned.”

According to NUSP, the fee increases in Metro Manila alone would affect 350,000 students.

“The additional average OSF increase in NCR seems ‘small’ but in reality, it is not. And in fact, this ‘small amount’ rakes in thousands to millions in income for greedy school owners,” NUSP claimed.

They launched a manifesto of unity to oppose hikes in tuition and other fees.

“We see no point in denying that skyrocketing costs of education is nothing but another year of burden, an additional layer of injustice to students and parents. Its consequences are clear; its long-term effects detrimental,” read the manifesto.

The NUSP also believes that the recent round of increases may force parents to set aside the education of their children as a prohibitive rate will make schools and universities “completely out of reach of millions of Filipino families.”

CHED approved the applications of 313 private colleges to improve tuition and other fee increases for the incoming academic year.

Five of the 51 schools in the list did not impose hikes on tuition, while four of the 51 did not impose hikes in other school fees. These schools were not included in the computation of the average increases.

The average computations for other regions were correct.

CHED chairperson Patricia Licuanan earlier said that they have adhered to the policy and procedures governing tuition fee increases when they approved the applications, which is higher than last year’s 287.

She said this takes into account regional inflation rate; financial standing of the institution; financial capacity of the general studentry; impact of force majeure or calamities; quality track record of the school; and the mission and vision of the institution.

“CHED’s approach to the issue of tuition is holistic. In the light of contending concerns and interests in society, there is need to balance access issues with sustainability of educational institutions,” said Licuanan.

“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,” she added.

The Department of Education likewise allowed 1,387 private kindergarten, elementary and high schools to impose tuition and other fee hikes starting the incoming academic year.