The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has confirmed that over 2.3 million students are now enjoying free tuition under the government’s higher education program, while an additional 713,000 learners are receiving subsidies to support their schooling.
CHED chairperson Shirley Agrupis highlighted the figures during a Senate hearing on Wednesday, stressing that the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (RA 10931) remains a major government investment in education.
She clarified that out of 179 local universities and colleges (LUCs) nationwide, only 101 currently qualify for free tuition coverage after meeting CHED’s quality assurance standards. Together with state universities and colleges (SUCs), these schools make up the pool of free education beneficiaries.
A significant part of the law is the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES), which supported 713,000 students in academic year 2023–2024. The TES was distributed across three categories: beneficiaries listed under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Listahanan and 4Ps program, as well as students in provinces without SUCs or LUCs through the “no SUCs/LUCs” category. Agrupis noted that private schools in underserved areas are also covered to ensure inclusivity.
CHED data further showed that while private schools still dominate total enrollment, more students are choosing programs in agriculture, fisheries, veterinary studies, and natural sciences — fields considered vital for food security and national progress.
The commission also reported a sharp rise in graduates, jumping from 277,000 in 2020–2021 to 805,000 in 2023–2024. Agrupis, however, reminded lawmakers that the increase must also reflect quality. “We do not lack graduates, but we lack graduates who have the commitment to serve our nation,” she said.
Student participation in higher education has now reached 68.12 percent, the second highest in ASEAN after Singapore.
Despite these gains, Agrupis admitted that CHED faces serious manpower and structural challenges. With only 700 plantilla staff, the agency is tasked with overseeing 5.2 million students, nearly 2,000 higher education institutions, and 9,000 degree programs. Strategic reforms, she added, are being planned to modernize CHED’s structure and address gaps in data management and coordination across the education sector.
