The National University (NU) is embarking on an ambitious expansion strategy, aiming to establish 20 campuses across the Philippines by 2028.
This underscores NU’s commitment to providing quality, accessible and affordable education to young Filipinos nationwide, it said in a statement.
The SM Group acquired a majority ownership of NU in 2008, when it was struggling to get enrollees since the 1998 fire that razed the main building of the university. The year before the partnership with SM, NU’s student population was only at 1,800.
Since the NU-SM partnership in 2008, NU has revitalized its mission to democratize education – expanding access to quality and affordable education, starting with campuses in Metro Manila and reaching key provinces like Laguna, Batangas and now Bacolod.
NU has 55,000 students today, with the university aiming to boost the student population to 100,000 by 2027. The opening of NU Bacolod and NU East Ortigas in August is expected to contribute to the growing student population.
NU places campuses near residential and commercial centers to ensure convenience for students and foster a community-focused educational environment.
NU’s expansion is rooted in the philosophy of Dynamic Filipinism, emphasizing updated and innovative educational practices that prepare students for success in diverse fields.
Dr. Renato Carlos Ermita, Jr., NU president and chief executive, highlighted the relevance of NU’s programs in disciplines such as engineering, accounting, information technology, tourism, nursing and other health sciences, tailored to meet regional demands and industry needs.
Ermita said the programs that NU offers are those that are not only within the NU scope of expertise and experience, but also the ones that are relevant in their respective industries.
By opening campuses in key cities like Bacolod, Las Pinas, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo and Naga, NU contributes significantly to local economies and community development.
The expansion does not only enhance educational opportunities but also attracts skilled faculty members who are passionate about nurturing talent in their home provinces, it said.
Ermita said NU is opening campuses in areas where the institution could add value and positively contribute to its community further sharing,
“In Bacolod, we hope to provide quality, updated, innovative education to the young Bacolodnons, both in content and in instructional method that reflect the NU standard of quality education. This is an education that is sustainable. It continuously improves, and is never stagnant,” he said.
NU said it remains steadfast in its commitment to providing affordable education without compromising quality.
NU now has 11 campuses — the main campus and the Nazareth School in Sampaloc, Manila, NU MOA in Pasay, NU Fairview in Quezon City, NU East Ortigas in Pasig, NU Laguna in Calamba, NU Lipa in Batangas, NU Dasmarinas in Cavite, NU Baliwag in Bulacan, NU Clark in Pampanga and NU Bacolod.
NU Bacolod will open in August this year, while NU Las Pinas and Cebu campuses will open next year. Campuses in Pangasinan, Isabela, Davao, Iloilo and Naga are set to open in the next three years.
“As we expand, we have a lot of faculty members who are, in a sense, returning residents to their hometown. We understand that there is the growing cost of education. Meaning, it’s one thing to pay the tuition fee, and another thing to cover the expenses of going to school including having to spend for a dorm, for food, throughout the whole four years;” said Ermita.
“The objective of NU is to produce productive individuals, professionals and entrepreneurs. We hope that they are able to fulfill their career and life objectives. Our motto is “Education that works.” and education that works also means it’s sustainable and relevant. But our mantra, as always directed by our chairman, Hans Sy, and the family, is quality, affordability and accessibility. That’s why we keep our tuition fee very affordable and promote accessibility through the expansion,” Ermita said.
