Scientia, Virtus, Devotio (Science, Virtue, Devotion) · Est. 1595
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Quick Facts
Founded
1595
School Type
Private
Run By
Society of the Divine Word
Location
Cebu City
Campus
4 campuses
Colleges
10+
CHED Status
Autonomous
Sports Team
USC Warriors
Tuition & Fees
Estimated Tuition Range: ₱800 to ₱1,800 per unit
Tuition varies by program. Miscellaneous fees and laboratory charges apply separately.
| College / Program | Estimated per Unit | Estimated per Semester |
|---|---|---|
| School of Engineering | ₱1,200 to ₱1,800 | ₱35,000 to ₱55,000 |
| School of Business and Economics | ₱1,000 to ₱1,500 | ₱30,000 to ₱45,000 |
| School of Health Care Professions | ₱1,200 to ₱1,700 | ₱35,000 to ₱50,000 |
| School of Law and Governance | ₱1,200 to ₱1,600 | ₱30,000 to ₱45,000 |
| School of Arts and Sciences | ₱800 to ₱1,200 | ₱25,000 to ₱35,000 |
| School of Education | ₱800 to ₱1,200 | ₱25,000 to ₱35,000 |
These are estimates only and may not reflect current rates. Always confirm with the USC Finance Office or your official assessment slip via ISMIS.
About the School
The University of San Carlos (USC) is a private Catholic university in Cebu City, founded in 1595 by the Society of the Divine Word (SVD). With roots tracing back to the Colegio de San Ildefonso, it is the oldest school in the Visayas and Mindanao.
USC holds Autonomous status from CHED and is recognized as a Center of Excellence in multiple disciplines. It is one of the few Philippine universities with a strong research tradition in both natural and social sciences.
Home to the USC Warriors, the university has a vibrant campus life across its downtown and Talamban campuses. USC is widely regarded as the top private university in Cebu and a leader in Visayan education.
Engineering, Business, Health Sciences, Law, and the Sciences — Cebu’s most established private university with strong board exam performance.
USC is a private Catholic institution run by the Society of the Divine Word. Scholarships and financial aid programs are available.
USC is in the mid-range of private university tuition in Cebu — more affordable than Manila-based Big 4 schools but higher than local state universities.
History & Background
1595
Jesuit missionaries established the Colegio de San Ildefonso in Cebu — the earliest known school in the Visayas and Mindanao.
1783
After the Jesuit expulsion, the institution was transferred to the diocesan clergy and continued as the Seminario-Colegio de San Carlos.
1948
The Society of the Divine Word (SVD) assumed administration of the institution, renewing its academic mission and expanding program offerings.
1948
The institution was elevated to the University of San Carlos, becoming one of the first universities in the Visayas.
1998
USC received CHED Autonomous status, recognizing its consistent academic excellence and institutional quality.
Today
USC is the oldest school in the Visayas and Mindanao, consistently ranking as Cebu’s top private university.
Notable Programs & Courses
School of Engineering
BS Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical Engineering — CHED Centers of Excellence, the leading engineering school in the Visayas with strong board exam performance.
School of Business and Economics
BS Accountancy, BS Business Administration — Top business programs in Cebu with consistently high CPA board exam passing rates.
School of Arts and Sciences
BS Biology, Chemistry, Physics — Research-oriented science programs with the Cebu Biodiversity Research Center and strong graduate programs.
School of Engineering
BS Computer Engineering, BS Information Technology — Leading IT and computing programs in the Visayas with modern computing facilities and industry linkages.
School of Education
Bachelor of Elementary/Secondary Education — CHED Center of Excellence in Teacher Education, the premier education program in the Visayas.
School of Architecture, Fine Arts and Design
BS Architecture, Fine Arts — The top architecture program in the Visayas with a strong tradition in architectural design and practice.
USC offers 60+ undergraduate and graduate programs. See the full list at www.usc.edu.ph.
FAQs About University of San Carlos
Is USC a private or public university?
USC is a private Catholic university in Cebu City run by the Society of the Divine Word (SVD). It is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the Visayas.
How much is the tuition fee at USC?
Tuition at USC typically ranges from ₱1,200 to ₱2,500 per unit depending on the program. A typical undergraduate semester may cost around ₱25,000 to ₱50,000.
What is USC known for?
USC is known for its strong engineering, education, and science programs, its CHED Centers of Excellence, and being one of the top universities in the Visayas and Mindanao region.
Where is USC located?
USC has multiple campuses in Cebu City, including the main campus on P. del Rosario Street (downtown) and the Talamban campus in the northern part of the city.
Is USC the oldest school in the Philippines?
USC traces its roots to the Colegio de San Ildefonso founded by Jesuits in 1595, making it one of the oldest educational institutions in the Philippines, though the current university was formally established later.
Does USC offer scholarships?
Yes. USC offers academic scholarships, entrance scholarships for top USCAT passers, and financial assistance programs through its scholarship office.
