MANILA - The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on Monday denied that there are some 400 universities and colleges intending to increase their tuition and other school fees for academic year (AY) 2015-2016.
In a statement, CHED decried the figures allegedly disclosed by the National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) through their tuition monitor network as "highly improbable".
"In academic year 2014-2015, CHED approved the tuition increase by 287 private higher education institutions (HEIs) from 345 that initially filed applications at its regional offices. In AY 2013-2014, CHED approved 354 private HEIs from 451 that initially applied. The approved numbers represent roughly 20% of the 1,683 total number of private HEIs nationwide," CHED said.
For AY 2015-2016, CHED said that it will be able to provide more realistic estimates by April, after the deadline of intended tuition and/or other school fees submissions end on April 01.
"CHED will ensure that HEIs meet the guidelines provided by law, especially the requirement of consultation, the allocation of tuition, and the strict adherence with the processes that seek to make tuition fee increases transparent, reasonable and affordable."
Further, the Commission, with the help of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) is developing a systematic, data-based, broadly acceptable framework for tuition and other school fees to guide the agency in deciding on a reasonable rate of increase each year.
Finally, CHED maintains its appeal to all HEIs to carefully study their tuition and other fees increases each year and to spend wisely and judiciously in order to lessen the costs of its most important stakeholders — its students.
CHED denies talk that 400 colleges and universities eye tuition hike
