Lux in Domino (Light in the Lord) · Est. 1859
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Quick Facts
Founded
1859
School Type
Private
Run By
Society of Jesus
Location
Quezon City
Campus
32 hectares
Colleges
12
CHED Status
Autonomous
Sports Team
Blue Eagles
Tuition & Fees
Estimated Tuition Range: ₱2,500 to ₱4,000 per unit
Tuition varies per school. Financial aid and scholarship programs available through the Office of Student Financial Assistance.
| College / Program | Estimated per Unit | Estimated per Semester |
|---|---|---|
| School of Medicine and Public Health | ₱3,500 to ₱4,000 | ₱100,000 to ₱140,000 |
| Ateneo Law School | ₱3,000 to ₱3,800 | ₱80,000 to ₱110,000 |
| School of Science and Engineering | ₱2,800 to ₱3,500 | ₱65,000 to ₱90,000 |
| John Gokongwei School of Management | ₱2,500 to ₱3,200 | ₱60,000 to ₱85,000 |
| School of Humanities | ₱2,500 to ₱3,000 | ₱55,000 to ₱75,000 |
| School of Social Sciences | ₱2,500 to ₱3,000 | ₱55,000 to ₱75,000 |
These are estimates only and may not reflect current rates. Always confirm with the ADMU Finance Office or your official assessment slip via AISIS.
About the School
Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) is a private Catholic research university in Quezon City, founded in 1859 by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). It is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher learning in the Philippines.
Guided by its Jesuit tradition of cura personalis (care for the whole person), Ateneo emphasizes academic excellence, social responsibility, and leadership formation. It holds Autonomous status from CHED and multiple Centers of Excellence designations.
Home to the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP, the university is a perennial contender in both academics and athletics. Ateneo’s Loyola Heights campus is recognized for its strong liberal arts foundation and rigorous pre-professional programs.
Management, Sciences, Law, Medicine, Humanities, and Social Sciences — with a Jesuit-rooted emphasis on formation and service.
Ateneo is a private Jesuit institution. Scholarships, financial aid, and tuition discount programs are available through the Office of Student Financial Assistance.
Ateneo is among the most expensive private universities in the Philippines — typically higher than DLSU and UST, but extensive financial aid programs help offset costs.
History & Background
1859
The Jesuits established the Escuela Municipal de Manila, a small school that would eventually grow into Ateneo de Manila University.
1865
The school was elevated and renamed, beginning its long tradition of Jesuit liberal arts education in the Philippines.
1952
Ateneo relocated from Intramuros to its current Loyola Heights campus, a 33-hectare site that became its permanent home.
1959
Ateneo de Manila was formally elevated to university status, marking a century of Jesuit education in the Philippines.
1972
Ateneo began admitting women to its college programs, transitioning from an all-male institution to a co-educational university.
Today
Ateneo consistently ranks in the top 3 Philippine universities, known for producing leaders in business, government, and the professions.
Notable Programs & Courses
Ateneo Law School
Juris Doctor (JD) — One of the most prestigious law schools in the Philippines, consistently producing Bar exam topnotchers and Supreme Court justices.
John Gokongwei School of Management
BS Management, BS Management Engineering — Top-tier business programs with AACSB accreditation, producing leaders in finance, consulting, and entrepreneurship.
School of Science and Engineering
BS Biology, Chemistry, Electronics Engineering — CHED Centers of Excellence with internationally recognized research in environmental science, mathematics, and electronics.
Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health
Doctor of Medicine (MD) — Innovative community-oriented medical education program focused on public health leadership and primary care.
Department of Communication
AB Communication — Leading communication arts program in the country, producing top journalists, filmmakers, and media professionals.
School of Social Sciences
AB Economics, Political Science, Psychology — Nationally ranked social science programs known for producing policy makers, economists, and thought leaders.
Department of Information Systems and Computer Science
BS Computer Science, BS Management Information Systems — Strong computing programs with competitive programming teams and growing emphasis on data science and AI.
School of Humanities
AB Philosophy, Literature, History — Foundational liberal arts education rooted in Jesuit tradition with emphasis on critical thinking and social responsibility.
Ateneo offers 50+ undergraduate and graduate programs. See the full list at www.ateneo.edu.
FAQs About Ateneo de Manila University
Is Ateneo de Manila a private or public university?
Ateneo de Manila is a private Catholic university run by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). It is one of the most selective private universities in the Philippines.
How much is the tuition fee at Ateneo?
Tuition at Ateneo typically ranges from ₱2,500 to ₱4,000 or more per unit. A typical undergraduate semester may cost around ₱90,000 to ₱130,000 depending on the program.
How do you get admitted to Ateneo?
Admission is through the Ateneo College Entrance Test (ACET), which is considered one of the most competitive entrance exams in the Philippines, along with high school grades and other requirements.
What is Ateneo known for?
Ateneo is known for its strong programs in management, law, social sciences, and the humanities, its Jesuit liberal arts education model, and its tradition of forming leaders for public service.
Is Ateneo part of the Big 4?
Yes. Ateneo de Manila is one of the Big 4 universities in the Philippines, along with UP, De La Salle University, and University of Santo Tomas.
Where is Ateneo located?
Ateneo’s main campus (Loyola Heights) is located in Quezon City. It also has the Rockwell Center campus in Makati for its professional schools, and the Areté arts and innovation hub.
What is the ACET?
The ACET (Ateneo College Entrance Test) is the university’s entrance examination. It typically covers mathematics, English, abstract reasoning, and other sections. It is known for being highly competitive.
Does Ateneo offer financial aid?
Yes. Ateneo offers financial aid through the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, including the Ateneo Merit Scholarship, Magis Scholarship, and various need-based grants and tuition discounts.
