Lux et Veritas · Est. 1906
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Quick Facts
Founded
1906
School Type
Public
Run By
Government of the Philippines
Location
Tarlac City, Tarlac
Campus
4 campuses
Colleges
10 colleges + School of Law
CHED Status
Level III-A Accredited
Students
16,000+
Tuition & Fees
Estimated Tuition Range: Free per unit
State university in Central Luzon with free tuition under RA 10931. Strong programs in criminology, engineering, education, and accountancy.
| College / Program | Estimated per Unit | Estimated per Semester |
|---|---|---|
| College of Engineering and Technology | Free | ₱2,000 to ₱5,000 (misc. fees) |
| College of Business and Accountancy | Free | ₱2,000 to ₱4,500 (misc. fees) |
| College of Education | Free | ₱2,000 to ₱3,500 (misc. fees) |
| College of Computer Studies | Free | ₱2,000 to ₱4,000 (misc. fees) |
| College of Architecture and Fine Arts | Free | ₱2,500 to ₱5,000 (misc. fees) |
| School of Law | Free | ₱3,000 to ₱6,000 (misc. fees) |
These are estimates only and may not reflect current rates. Always confirm with the TSU Cashier’s Office or your official assessment slip via TSU Student Portal.
Last verified: May 2026
About the School
Tarlac State University (TSU) is a public state university in Tarlac City, Philippines. Established in 1906, it is the flagship academic institution of higher education in the province, offering degree programs through its ten colleges, School of Law, and three campuses in Tarlac City plus an extension campus in Capas.
TSU started as an elementary trade school and progressed through several iterations — the Tarlac Trade School (1909), the Tarlac School of Arts and Trades (1959), and the Tarlac College of Technology (1965) — before being converted into a state university by virtue of Republic Act 6764 on October 13, 1989.
TSU holds Level III-A institutional status awarded by the Joint Committee of CHED and DBM in recognition of its excellent instruction, active research programs, and community-wide extension services. The university is recognized as a top criminology school in the Philippines and has produced board exam topnotchers in engineering, education, accountancy, psychology, architecture, and chemistry.
Criminology, Engineering and Technology, Education, Business and Accountancy, Architecture, and Computer Studies — Central Luzon’s flagship state university with ISO 9001/14001 certification.
TSU is a public state university. Tuition is free under RA 10931 for all Filipino undergraduate students.
TSU is free for Filipino undergraduates under RA 10931. Only minimal miscellaneous fees apply.
History & Background
1906
Established as a trade school during the American colonial period, TSU’s origins trace to the development of public education in the Philippines, offering industrial and vocational courses.
1909
The institution opened its doors to high school students as the Tarlac Trade School, evolving into a full-fledged secondary school by 1921.
1959
Congress approved House Bill 1006 converting the Tarlac Trade School into the Tarlac School of Arts and Trades (TSAT), which began offering collegiate technical education courses.
1965
TSAT obtained state college status by virtue of Republic Act 4337, becoming the Tarlac College of Technology (TCT) and merging with the Tarlac National Agricultural School in Camiling.
1989
President Corazon Aquino signed Republic Act 6764 on October 13, 1989, converting TCT into Tarlac State University. Alejandro Fernandez was appointed as the first university president in 1990.
Today
TSU is the first university in the Philippines to achieve Integrated Management System Certification (ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, OHSAS 18001:2007). It serves over 16,000 students across its main campus and three extension campuses.
Notable Programs & Courses
College of Engineering and Technology
BS Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Industrial Engineering — Home to the country’s first Advanced Manufacturing Training Hub for engineering students; consistent producer of board exam topnotchers.
College of Business and Accountancy
BS Accountancy, BS Business Administration — Top-performing accountancy program in Central Luzon with strong CPA board exam performance.
College of Criminal Justice Education
BS Criminology — TSU is recognized as a top criminology school in the Philippines, featuring drills, crime lab activities, and field training.
College of Education
Bachelor of Elementary Education, Bachelor of Secondary Education — Teacher training programs serving Tarlac and surrounding Central Luzon provinces.
College of Architecture and Fine Arts
BS Architecture, BS Fine Arts — Design programs based at the San Isidro Extension Campus with active studio and exhibition culture.
School of Law
Juris Doctor (Bachelor of Laws) — Established in cooperation with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Tarlac Chapter.
TSU offers 33 baccalaureate degree programs and 10 graduate programs. See the full list at www.tsu.edu.ph.
FAQs About Tarlac State University
Is TSU a private or public university?
TSU is a public state university located in Tarlac City. It benefits from the free tuition law (RA 10931) for qualified Filipino undergraduate students.
How much is the tuition fee at TSU?
Under the free tuition law, qualified Filipino students pay no tuition at TSU. Miscellaneous and laboratory fees are minimal, typically ₱2,000 to ₱6,000 per semester depending on the program.
What is TSU known for?
TSU is known as Central Luzon’s flagship state university, recognized for top-performing programs in criminology, engineering, education, accountancy, and architecture. It is also the first PH university to achieve ISO 9001/14001/OHSAS Integrated Management System Certification.
Where is TSU located?
TSU’s main campus is along Romulo Boulevard in San Vicente, Tarlac City. The university also operates the San Isidro and Lucinda extension campuses in Tarlac City, plus an extension campus in Capas town.
How many campuses does TSU have?
TSU operates four campuses: the Main Campus, San Isidro Extension Campus, Lucinda Extension Campus (all in Tarlac City), and the Capas Extension Campus.
How do I access the TSU student portal?
The official TSU student portal is at student.tsu.edu.ph. Students log in using their TSU credentials to view grades, enroll, and access academic records.
Does TSU offer scholarships?
Yes. TSU offers government scholarships (TES, Tulong Dunong, CHED Merit), academic scholarships, athletic scholarships, and various financial assistance programs.
What was TSU called before?
TSU has had several names: Tarlac Trade School (1909), Tarlac School of Arts and Trades (1959), and Tarlac College of Technology (1965-1989). It became Tarlac State University by virtue of Republic Act 6764 in 1989.
