Scientia et Fides (Knowledge and Faith) · Est. 1933
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Quick Facts
Founded
1933
School Type
Private
Run By
American Baptist Churches
Location
Iloilo City
Campus
24 hectares
Colleges
9
CHED Status
Autonomous
Sports Team
CPU Golden Lions
Tuition & Fees
Estimated Tuition Range: ₱800 to ₱1,500 per unit
American Baptist-affiliated university in Iloilo. Known for nursing and education programs. Financial aid available.
| College / Program | Estimated per Unit | Estimated per Semester |
|---|---|---|
| College of Medicine | ₱1,200 to ₱1,500 | ₱35,000 to ₱50,000 |
| College of Nursing | ₱1,000 to ₱1,500 | ₱28,000 to ₱42,000 |
| College of Engineering | ₱1,000 to ₱1,500 | ₱28,000 to ₱42,000 |
| College of Business and Accountancy | ₱800 to ₱1,200 | ₱22,000 to ₱32,000 |
| College of Computer Studies | ₱800 to ₱1,200 | ₱22,000 to ₱32,000 |
| College of Education | ₱800 to ₱1,000 | ₱20,000 to ₱28,000 |
These are estimates only and may not reflect current rates. Always confirm with the CPU Finance Office or your official assessment slip via CPU Portal.
About the School
Central Philippine University (CPU) is a private Protestant university in Iloilo City, founded in 1905 by American Baptist missionaries. It is the first Baptist university in Asia and one of the most established private universities in Western Visayas.
CPU is known for its beautiful 24-hectare campus — one of the largest private university campuses in the Philippines. The university holds CHED recognition and is known for its nursing, education, and business programs.
CPU’s Golden Lions compete in Iloilo collegiate leagues. The university emphasizes Christian values, academic excellence, and community service in the Baptist tradition.
Nursing, Education, Business, Engineering, and Computer Studies — Asia’s first Baptist university.
CPU is a private Protestant (American Baptist) institution. Church-based scholarships and financial aid are available.
CPU is in the affordable-to-mid range of private university tuition in Iloilo — competitive for the quality of education offered.
History & Background
1905
American Baptist missionaries established the institution in Jaro, Iloilo City, as a co-educational Christian school to serve the Visayas.
1916
CPU expanded beyond secondary education to offer collegiate programs in liberal arts and theology.
1953
Central Philippine College was elevated to Central Philippine University, becoming the first Baptist university in Asia.
1991
CPU opened its College of Medicine, adding a health sciences dimension to the institution’s comprehensive offerings.
2006
CPU received CHED Autonomous status, reflecting its consistent academic quality and strong institutional governance.
Today
CPU continues its Baptist mission of holistic Christian education in Iloilo City, recognized for medicine, law, and the liberal arts.
Notable Programs & Courses
College of Engineering
BS Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering — CHED Centers of Excellence, the leading Baptist-affiliated engineering school in the Visayas with strong board exam performance.
College of Commerce
BS Accountancy, BS Business Administration — Strong business programs in Iloilo with high CPA board exam passing rates.
College of Agriculture, Resources and Environmental Sciences
BS Agriculture, BS Environmental Science — Agricultural and environmental programs with the CPU Biological Gardens research facility.
College of Arts and Sciences
BS Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics — Foundation science programs with research on Panay Island ecology and natural resources.
College of Nursing
BS Nursing — One of the top nursing schools in the Visayas with high NLE passing rates and mission-oriented care.
College of Theology
BA Theology, Master of Divinity — The oldest Baptist theological program in the Philippines, training church leaders since 1905.
CPU offers 50+ programs in Iloilo City. See the full list at www.cpu.edu.ph.
FAQs About Central Philippine University
Is CPU a private or public university?
CPU is a private Baptist university in Iloilo City, affiliated with the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches. Founded in 1905 by American Baptist missionaries, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the Visayas.
How much is the tuition fee at CPU?
Tuition at CPU typically ranges from ₱1,000 to ₱2,200 per unit depending on the program. A typical undergraduate semester may cost around ₱20,000 to ₱45,000.
What is CPU known for?
CPU is known for its strong programs in accountancy, engineering, nursing, and education. It is the first Baptist university in the Philippines and in Asia, and has one of the most beautiful campuses in the country.
Where is CPU located?
CPU is located along Jaro, Iloilo City. Its campus is known for its tree-lined walkways and heritage buildings.
Does CPU have a medical center?
CPU operates the CPU Medical Center (formerly Iloilo Mission Hospital), one of the oldest and most established hospitals in the Western Visayas region.
Does CPU offer scholarships?
Yes. CPU offers academic scholarships, Baptist church-funded grants, and various financial assistance programs for qualifying students.
