Best Private Schools in Manila 2026

Quick Answer: Manila's best private schools include De La Salle University for research and business, University of Santo Tomas as Asia's oldest university, and St. Scholastica's College for women's education. Annual tuition ranges from PHP 50,000 to PHP 270,000 depending on program and institution.

Introduction

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is home to some of the country's most historic and prestigious private schools. Institutions founded during the Spanish colonial era still operate alongside modern research universities, creating a rich educational ecosystem that spans centuries.

The city of Manila proper (not to be confused with the broader Metro Manila area) contains powerhouses like De La Salle University on Taft Avenue, the University of Santo Tomas in Sampaloc, and heritage institutions like Letran and St. Scholastica's. Whether you want a Lasallian business education, Dominican philosophical training, or Benedictine women's formation, Manila has it.

This guide ranks the top 14 private schools and universities in Manila for 2026, with honest breakdowns of tuition, strengths, and fit.

Top Private Schools in Manila

1. De La Salle University (DLSU)

Location: 2401 Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila
Tuition Range: PHP 225,000 - PHP 270,000/year (college)
Type: Catholic (Lasallian), Co-ed (University)

De La Salle University is one of the top private universities in the Philippines and the flagship of the La Salle system. DLSU placed 654th in the 2026 QS World Rankings. Operating on a trimester system at roughly PHP 4,053 per unit, the annual cost for a standard load comes to about PHP 225,000-270,000. DLSU announced no tuition hike for AY 2026-2027, which is a significant advantage for families. The university is strongest in business, engineering, and the sciences.

2. University of Santo Tomas (UST)

Location: Espana Boulevard, Sampaloc, Manila
Tuition Range: PHP 54,000 - PHP 160,000/year
Type: Catholic (Dominican), Co-ed (University)

Founded in 1611, University of Santo Tomas holds the distinction of being the oldest existing university in Asia. UST is a Pontifical University run by the Dominican friars with over 63 undergraduate programs across nine colleges, three institutes, and eight faculties. UST houses the oldest engineering, law, medical, and pharmacy schools in the country. Tuition varies by college, ranging from about PHP 54,000 for Tourism to PHP 79,000+ for Architecture in the first year.

3. Colegio de San Juan de Letran

Location: Muralla Street, Intramuros, Manila
Tuition Range: PHP 58,000 - PHP 82,000/year
Type: Catholic (Augustinian), Co-ed (K-12 and University)

Colegio de San Juan de Letran is one of the oldest educational institutions in the Philippines, founded in 1620 inside the historic walled city of Intramuros. Letran offers programs from basic education through college, with Senior High School STEM tuition at about PHP 74,000 for Grade 11. The school is known for its strong liberal arts tradition, active campus life, and dominant NCAA athletics program.

4. St. Scholastica's College Manila

Location: Leon Guinto Street, Malate, Manila
Tuition Range: PHP 77,000 - PHP 110,000/year
Type: Catholic (Benedictine), Women-only (K-12 and College)

St. Scholastica's College is a premier women's institution run by the Missionary Benedictine Sisters. For SY 2025-2026, grade school tuition starts at about PHP 77,202 and junior high school at PHP 88,444. The college is known for its strong music program (home to one of the country's best conservatories), as well as programs in education, nutrition, and the liberal arts. The campus in Malate is one of Manila's most beautiful school grounds.

5. Far Eastern University (FEU)

Location: Nicanor Reyes Street, Sampaloc, Manila
Tuition Range: PHP 50,000 - PHP 80,000/year
Type: Non-sectarian, Co-ed (University)

Far Eastern University was established in 1928 and is one of Manila's most prominent non-sectarian universities. FEU maintained current tuition fees for SY 2025-2026, continuing its commitment to accessible education. Known for its strong programs in accountancy, architecture, and education, FEU also has one of the best campus facilities in Manila with its art deco National Historical Landmark buildings.

6. Mapua University

Location: Muralla Street, Intramuros, Manila
Tuition Range: PHP 60,000 - PHP 120,000/year
Type: Non-sectarian, Co-ed (University)

Mapua University is the Philippines' premier engineering school. Located in Intramuros, Mapua is the first and only ABET-accredited school in the Philippines for multiple engineering programs and IT. The university also offers architecture, business, and multimedia programs. For students targeting a career in engineering or technology, Mapua delivers some of the strongest job placement rates in the country.

7. Adamson University

Location: San Marcelino Street, Ermita, Manila
Tuition Range: PHP 40,000 - PHP 70,000/year
Type: Catholic (Vincentian), Co-ed (University)

Adamson University was founded in 1932 by Greek-American George Lucas Adamson and is now run by the Vincentian priests. Adamson is known for its engineering, pharmacy, and education programs. It is one of the more affordable private universities in Manila while still maintaining strong academic standards. The university is also a competitive force in UAAP athletics.

8. San Beda University

Location: Mendiola Street, San Miguel, Manila
Tuition Range: PHP 60,000 - PHP 100,000/year
Type: Catholic (Benedictine), Co-ed (University)

San Beda University was founded in 1901 by Benedictine monks and is one of the country's most respected institutions for law. The San Beda College of Law consistently produces top bar exam passers. The university also offers strong programs in business, arts, and sciences. San Beda is an NCAA powerhouse and has a strong alumni network in government and the legal profession.

9. Centro Escolar University (CEU)

Location: Mendiola Street, San Miguel, Manila
Tuition Range: PHP 45,000 - PHP 80,000/year
Type: Non-sectarian, Co-ed (University)

Centro Escolar University was founded in 1907 by Librada Avelino and Carmen de Luna, making it one of the earliest institutions established by Filipino women. CEU is particularly known for its dentistry, pharmacy, and optometry programs. The university consistently ranks among the top schools for health science board exam performance.

10. Arellano University

Location: Legarda Street, Sampaloc, Manila
Tuition Range: PHP 30,000 - PHP 60,000/year
Type: Non-sectarian, Co-ed (University)

Arellano University is one of Manila's most accessible private universities. Founded in 1938 by lawyer Florentino Cayco, Arellano offers a wide range of programs in law, business, education, and criminal justice. The Arellano University School of Law is well-known for producing practicing lawyers across the country. With multiple campuses, Arellano makes private education reachable for more Filipino families.

11. Philippine Normal University (PNU)

Location: Taft Avenue, Manila
Tuition Range: PHP 10,000 - PHP 20,000/year
Type: Government, Co-ed (University)

While technically a state university, Philippine Normal University deserves mention as the country's National Center for Teacher Education. PNU trains the teachers who shape every other school on this list. With extremely low tuition and a laser focus on education degrees, PNU is the top choice for aspiring teachers in the Philippines.

12. Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC)

Location: San Marcelino Street, Ermita, Manila
Tuition Range: PHP 40,000 - PHP 70,000/year
Type: Non-sectarian, Co-ed (University)

Emilio Aguinaldo College was founded in 1957 and is known for its programs in medicine, nursing, and other health sciences. The EAC Hospital provides students with hands-on clinical training. The school also offers programs in engineering, computer science, and hotel management. EAC is a solid mid-range choice for students in Manila's Ermita area.

13. Philippine Christian University (PCU)

Location: Taft Avenue, Malate, Manila
Tuition Range: PHP 35,000 - PHP 60,000/year
Type: Protestant, Co-ed (University)

Philippine Christian University is one of the few Protestant universities in Manila. PCU offers programs in theology, education, business, and the liberal arts. Founded in 1946, the university provides an affordable alternative to the Catholic institutions that dominate Manila's private school landscape.

14. La Consolacion College Manila

Location: Mendiola Street, San Miguel, Manila
Tuition Range: PHP 40,000 - PHP 70,000/year
Type: Catholic (Augustinian), Co-ed (K-12 and College)

La Consolacion College Manila is run by the Augustinian Sisters and offers education from basic to tertiary levels. The school is known for its solid liberal arts foundation and active campus ministry. La Consolacion is a good choice for families who want a Catholic education at a more accessible price point in the Manila area.

Comparison Table

How to Choose the Right Private School in Manila

Manila's private schools span a wide range of price points and specializations. Here's how to narrow down your options:

Academic Goals: If your child is targeting engineering, Mapua is the clear leader. For law, San Beda's track record is unmatched. For medicine, UST has the oldest and most established medical school. For a well-rounded business and liberal arts education, DLSU is the top pick.

Budget: The range in Manila is enormous. You can get a quality private education for under PHP 50,000 per year at Arellano or Adamson, or invest PHP 270,000+ at DLSU. Factor in transportation, books, and living costs if your child will commute across Manila.

Tradition and Values: Manila has a strong Catholic school tradition. If that matters, you have options ranging from Dominican (UST) to Lasallian (DLSU) to Benedictine (San Beda, St. Scholastica's) to Augustinian (Letran). For non-sectarian options, FEU and Mapua are excellent.

Campus Life: UST has the largest single-campus university setting in Manila. DLSU's Taft campus is modern and urban. Letran's Intramuros location offers a historic atmosphere. Consider what kind of environment will help your child thrive.

Commute: Manila traffic is a real factor in school choice. If you live near Taft Avenue, DLSU, St. Scholastica's, and PNU are within walking distance of each other. The Sampaloc area clusters UST, FEU, and CEU together.

Visit campuses during open house events, which typically run from November through February.

FAQs

What is the best private university in Manila? De La Salle University is the highest-ranked private university in Manila based on QS World Rankings. UST is the most historic and offers the widest range of programs. The "best" depends on your specific goals.

How much is tuition at De La Salle University? DLSU charges about PHP 4,053 per unit on a trimester system. With a standard 18-unit load per term, the annual total is roughly PHP 225,000-270,000. DLSU announced no tuition increase for AY 2026-2027.

Is UST really the oldest university in Asia? Yes. The University of Santo Tomas was founded on April 28, 1611, and holds the oldest extant university charter in Asia. It predates Harvard University by 25 years.

What are the cheapest private schools in Manila? Arellano University, Adamson University, and Philippine Christian University offer some of the lowest tuition among Manila's private institutions, typically under PHP 60,000 per year.

Which Manila school is best for law? San Beda University's College of Law is consistently among the top law schools in the Philippines, producing numerous bar exam topnotchers and Supreme Court justices.

Which Manila school is best for engineering? Mapua University is the country's leading engineering school with ABET accreditation for multiple programs, a distinction unique among Philippine universities.

Do Manila private schools offer financial aid? Yes. Most Manila private universities offer academic scholarships, athletic grants, and need-based financial aid. DLSU and UST have particularly robust scholarship programs. Government scholarships through CHED and DOST are also available.

When is enrollment season for Manila private schools? Most Manila universities open enrollment between April and July. Basic education units typically begin enrollment in January through March. Early application is recommended for competitive programs.

Looking for the right school in the capital? Browse all schools in Manila on SchoolFinderPH to compare programs, tuition, and campus details.