For God and Country · Est. 1954
Quick Facts
Founded
1954
School Type
Public
Run By
Government of the Philippines
Location
Kabacan, Cotabato
Campus
1,428 hectares
Colleges
8
CHED Status
Level III Accredited
Sports Team
USM Mustangs
Tuition & Fees
Estimated Tuition Range: Free per unit
State university in Cotabato with free tuition under RA 10931. Known for agriculture and engineering.
| College / Program | Estimated per Unit | Estimated per Semester |
|---|---|---|
| College of Engineering and Information Technology | Free | ₱2,000 to ₱5,000 (misc. fees) |
| College of Agriculture | Free | ₱2,000 to ₱4,000 (misc. fees) |
| College of Veterinary Medicine | Free | ₱3,000 to ₱6,000 (misc. fees) |
| College of Arts and Sciences | Free | ₱2,000 to ₱3,500 (misc. fees) |
| College of Education | Free | ₱2,000 to ₱3,500 (misc. fees) |
These are estimates only and may not reflect current rates. Always confirm with the USM Cashier’s Office or your official assessment slip via USM SIS.
About the School
The University of Southern Mindanao (USM) is a public state university in Kabacan, North Cotabato. Founded in 1954, it is the premier state university in the SOCCSKSARGEN region and a leading institution for agriculture and technology in southern Mindanao.
USM’s main campus spans hundreds of hectares of agricultural land, serving as both an educational and research facility. The university is a CHED Center of Excellence in agriculture and holds strong programs in engineering and veterinary medicine.
USM plays a vital role in rural development, food security, and peace-building in the Bangsamoro and SOCCSKSARGEN regions. It has partnerships with international agricultural research organizations.
Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine, Engineering, Education, and Environmental Science — SOCCSKSARGEN’s premier state university.
USM is a public state university. Tuition is free under RA 10931 for all Filipino undergraduate students.
USM is free for Filipino undergraduates under RA 10931. Only minimal miscellaneous fees apply.
History & Background
1954
Established in Kabacan, North Cotabato to serve the agricultural needs of the SOCCSKSARGEN region.
1965
The institution gained university status by Republic Act 4279, expanding its academic mandate.
1978
USM’s main campus grew to encompass hundreds of hectares of agricultural research land.
1998
USM was recognized as a CHED Center of Excellence in agriculture, affirming its academic quality.
2012
USM established programs focused on peace education and community development in the Bangsamoro region.
Today
USM continues as the leading state university in the SOCCSKSARGEN region, committed to agriculture, peace, and development.
Notable Programs & Courses
College of Agriculture
BS Agriculture, BS Agronomy, BS Horticulture — The leading agricultural university in Southern Mindanao, pioneering research in tropical crops and upland farming systems.
College of Veterinary Medicine
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) — Growing veterinary program addressing the animal health needs of Mindanao’s agricultural communities.
College of Engineering
BS Agricultural Engineering, BS Civil Engineering — Engineering programs focused on rural infrastructure and agricultural mechanization for Mindanao development.
College of Forestry and Environmental Studies
BS Forestry, BS Environmental Science — Forestry programs with research on Mindanao’s tropical forests and sustainable natural resource management.
College of Arts and Sciences
BS Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics — Foundation science programs supporting the university’s agriculture and natural resources programs.
College of Education
Bachelor of Elementary/Secondary Education — Teacher education programs serving the educational needs of South Cotabato and Southern Mindanao communities.
USM offers 40+ programs in Kabacan, Cotabato. See the full list at www.usm.edu.ph.
FAQs About University of Southern Mindanao
Is USM a private or public university?
USM is a public state university located in Kabacan, Cotabato. It benefits from the free tuition law for qualified Filipino students.
How much is the tuition fee at USM?
Under the free tuition law, qualified Filipino students pay no tuition at USM. Miscellaneous fees are minimal.
What is USM known for?
USM is known as a leading agricultural university in Southern Mindanao, with strong programs in agriculture, veterinary medicine, engineering, and education. It is recognized for its research in tropical agriculture and crop science.
Where is USM located?
USM’s main campus is located in Kabacan, North Cotabato, in the SOCCSKSARGEN region of Mindanao. It also has satellite campuses in Kidapawan City and other locations.
Is USM only for agriculture students?
No. While USM is best known for agriculture, it also offers programs in engineering, education, arts and sciences, information technology, and other disciplines.
Does USM offer scholarships?
Yes. USM offers government-funded scholarships, academic scholarships, and various financial assistance programs for deserving students.