CHED gives go signal for tuition hike in 268 private higher education institutions

The Commission on Higher Education on Monday approved the increase in tuition and other school fees in 268 private higher education institutions (HEIs).

In a statement, the CHED said the hike in tuition and fees will be for academic year 2017-2018.

Those HEIs whose applications to increase tuition and other fees represent 16 percent of the 1,652 total private HEIs in the Philippines, CHED said.

Tuition hike will be implemented in 262 of the HEIs, while 237 institutions will only increase other school fees.

CHED said the average tuition hike is 6.96 percent or P86.68 per unit.

The increase in other school fees, meanwhile, will be 6.9 percent or P243.

CHED said it approved the applications to increase tuition based on the Education Act of 1982 (Section 42 of Batas Pambansa Blg. 232) allowing private schools to determine its rate of tuition and other school fees.

It also cited Republic Act 6728 or the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act that mandates that 70 percent of the increase in tuition be allotted for the increase in salaries, wages, allowances and other benefits of teaching and non-teaching personnel. Twenty percent will go to facilities improvement, while the remaining 10 percent will be earmarked for return on investment or for operating expenses.

Under CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 3, series of 2012 (Enhanced Policies, Guidelines and Procedures Governing Increases in Tuition and Other School Fees, Introduction of New Fees, and for Other Purposes), HEIs may also apply for tuition hike after factoring in such items such as the regional inflation rate and the financial standing of the institution, among others.

CHED also said the "education deflator" or the Regional Inflation Rate as determined by the Philippine Statistics Authority may be considered in applying for tuition hike.

"For its part, CHED ensures that HEIs meet the guidelines provided by law, especially the requirement of consultation, the proper allocation of tuition fees, and strict adherence with the processes that seek to make tuition and other school fee increases transparent, reasonable and affordable," it said. —KG, GMA News