We all have that one dream school, the one that excites us every time we hear its name. For many Filipino students, that dream is Ateneo de Manila University.

Consistently ranked among the top universities in Asia, Ateneo is known for academic excellence, transformative education, and a deep commitment to nation-building. Studying there means you’re not just earning a degree, you’re becoming part of a legacy of purpose-driven leadership.

And here’s the good news: with the right mindset, preparation, and support, getting into Ateneo is possible, and so is making it affordable.

The Cost of an Ateneo Education (And Why It’s Worth It)

Quality education is an investment and Ateneo makes sure every peso goes into world-class instruction, faculty, facilities, and formation. If you’re aiming to enroll for School Year 2026–2027, here’s the estimated cost based on Ateneo’s official website:

Item

Cost (PHP)

Tuition (20 units)

117,000

Basic Fees

18,437

Other Fees

8,074

Estimated Total (Per Semester)

143,511

Additional fees may apply depending on your degree program, especially for courses under the School of Science and Engineering due to lab requirements.

But don’t let numbers hold you back. Thousands of students have found ways to make it work and so can you.

 

Scholarships and Financial Aid: More Paths to Ateneo

Ateneo believes in education for all. That’s why it offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid programs for incoming students, including:

  • Merit-based scholarships for top entrance exam scorers
  • Academic scholarships for outstanding student performance
  • Athletic scholarships for sports achievers
  • Financial aid for students from underprivileged backgrounds
  • Private or government-funded grants (e.g., CHED, DOST, etc.)

These scholarships reward excellence and potential, not just financial capacity. And often, they can cover partial or even full tuition fees.

The Key: Strong SHS Grades + Acing the ACET

Getting into Ateneo and qualifying for scholarships means preparing early. That means doing your best in Senior High School and being well-prepared for the ACET, Ateneo’s competitive college entrance test.

The ACET is known to be rigorous. It doesn’t just test knowledge. It assesses logic, critical thinking, time management, and composure under pressure.

To succeed, you need more than just studying. You need strategic preparation.

Get AHEAD of the Competition

That’s where AHEAD Tutorial and Review Center comes in.

We’ve helped thousands of students pass and top the ACET and other entrance exams like UPCAT, DCAT, and USTET. With expertly designed review programs, top-tier teachers, and proven techniques, AHEAD equips you not just to pass, but to shine.

Whether you’re aiming to qualify for scholarships, improve your test scores, or simply gain the confidence to chase your dreams, we have the College Entrance Test program for you.

You have the dream. We’ll help you get there. To learn more about AHEAD and our programs, visit https://www.review.ahead.edu.ph/.

Sources:

Ateneo de Manila University. (n.d.). Tuition and Fees. Retrieved from https://www.ateneo.edu/college/tuition-fees

QS Top Universities. (n.d.). QS World University Rankings 2025. Retrieved from https://www.topuniversities.com/universities/ateneo-de-manila-university