THE Commission on Higher Education (CHED) yesterday announced that there are now 77 private higher education institutions (PHEIs) enjoying autonomous status after 18 more were added through CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 7, s. 2024 issued last September 16, 2024.

Acquiring autonomous status for the first time were the Panpacific University Inc., Saint Mary’s University, First City Providential College, Our Lady of Fatima University-Antipolo Campus, Lyceum of the Philippines University-Cavite, STI West Negros University, Xavier University – Ateneo De Cagayan, Notre Dame of Marbel University, FEU Institute of Technology, Far Eastern University – Dr. Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation, and Manila Central University.

Joining them after being upgraded from deregulated status were Saint Louis College, La Consolacion University Philippines, St. Dominic College of Asia, University of the Visayas-Main, UM Tagum College, Cor Jesu College, and Notre Dame of Dadiangas University.

Before the issuance of CMO NO. 7, s. 2024, there were 59 other autonomous private colleges and universities that retained their status.

The CHED said a comprehensive evaluation was conducted from 2019-2023 focusing on the educational effectiveness of the PHEIs, including student performance in professional board examinations, employability rates, and the alignment of curricula with industry demands.

All 77 PHEIs will hold their autonomous status until September 2027 when another round of evaluation is conducted.

CHED Memorandum Order No. 6, series of 2023, enumerates all the benefits and privileges extended to PHEIs that have obtained autonomous status.

Article 3, paragraph (k) of the same issuance states they shall enjoy the “privilege to increase tuition fees and other school fees without securing a permit from CHED.”

They are merely required to inform the CHED Central Office through the CHED Regional Office in their respective locations of the increases before the start of the academic year before implementation.

On the other hand, PHEIs that kept their deregulated status were Northwestern University, Inc., University of Perpetual Help System DALTA- Calamba, University of San Agustin, Filamer Christian University, San Beda University, and The Philippine Women’s University – Manila.

Based on CHED data, there are 1,714 private colleges and universities in the country as of January 2024.

“The new guidelines include global partnerships and international engagement with top universities all over the world. As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, CHED will ensure that Philippine HEIs remain competitive on both national and global scales,” CHED Secretary Prospero De Vera said.

Aside from being recognized for “top-quality education and consistent excellent program results,” autonomous HEIs are also accorded greater freedom to manage and innovate their academic programs.

Deregulated PHEIs, on the other hand, are selected for meeting high standards, strong performance by graduates in licensure examinations, and good program results with accredited programs and Centers of Excellence or Development.

The CHED explained that among the common privileges enjoyed by autonomous and deregulated PHEIs are the freedom to design their curriculum; establish linkages with recognized foreign HEIs; priority in the grant of subsidies and other financial incentives or assistance from CHED; exemption from regular CHED monitoring and evaluation; and exemption from the issuance of Special Order for their graduates.

Autonomous HEIs have the privilege to open new programs without securing prior CHED approval.

“The 77 autonomous private universities represent the best of the best among our higher educational institutions, producing world-class graduates and are included in international rankings,” De Vera said.