CHED: Not the Right Time for Tuition Hikes

College students and families can expect one less expense to worry about next school year. The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) confirmed that there will be no tuition increases for academic year 2026–2027, even as schools face rising operational costs linked to the ongoing energy crisis.

CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis said the agency has received multiple requests from colleges and universities seeking tuition and fee hikes. Still, the directive is clear.

“We have received a lot of requests (for tuition and other fee increases). But we only have one answer. While we recognize the increasing needs of a higher education institution (HEI), we are appealing that this is not the right time to increase tuition,” she said at a press conference.

The decision comes as the government responds to higher energy costs tied to the conflict in the Middle East. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier issued Executive Order No. 110, placing the country under a “state of national energy emergency” and calling for a whole-of-government approach to ease the burden on affected sectors.

For students and parents, this pause on tuition hikes offers some breathing room. Many households are already adjusting budgets due to increasing electricity and transportation costs, which often spill over into daily school expenses like dorm fees, food, and learning materials.

Agrupis said colleges and universities have acknowledged the situation.

“So, they (colleges and universities) understood, but we are in the process of calling a meeting with HEIs,” she said.

She added that efforts to standardize tuition and other fees across state universities and colleges have already been completed and submitted to the Department of Budget and Management. These apply to government-funded institutions covered by Republic Act No. 10931, or the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.

While tuition stays the same, class formats may still shift.

CHED has allowed higher education institutions to implement flexible learning setups, including fully online classes when needed. Still, only a small number of schools are expected to go fully digital.

“We really thank our HEI leaders because they really adhered to our call that we leave to their wisdom to determine the readiness and the capacity of the university without sacrificing the expected quality outcome that we want to implement,” Agrupis said.

Under a newly issued memorandum, schools may adopt up to 100% online delivery on a temporary basis. This depends on their capacity, student readiness, and proper coordination with CHED regional offices.

The goal is to keep classes running while managing energy use and protecting student welfare.

For now, the message is simple: tuition stays put, but flexibility remains. As the energy situation evolves, both schools and students may need to stay ready for adjustments in how learning happens day to day.

Incoming SHS student? Use this guide to prepare for the new curriculum