TL;DR: Silliman University's SY 2026-2027 tuition for most undergraduate programs runs roughly ₱24,000 to ₱103,000 per semester, with Nursing near the top of that range and the Doctor of Medicine program billed separately at ₱106,000 to ₱127,000 per semester. That makes Silliman a mid-tier private university nationally, cheaper than Ateneo or La Salle but pricier than most other Visayas schools. Add ₱6,000-₱15,000 a month for housing in Dumaguete, one of the more affordable Philippine college towns. Scholarships, including a 75%-tuition Portal Scholarship for top public-school graduates, can significantly cut the cost.
Why Silliman University's Tuition Is Worth Understanding Closely
Silliman University in Dumaguete City is the oldest American-founded university in the Philippines, established in 1901, and one of the most recognized private universities in the Visayas. Families searching "Silliman University tuition fee" or asking "is Silliman University expensive" are usually weighing it against either a cheaper local state college or a pricier Metro Manila private school, and the honest answer depends heavily on which program you're comparing.
This guide breaks down what Silliman actually charges per college for the current school year, what else you'll spend on housing and living costs in Dumaguete, what scholarships can offset the bill, and how admission works. Every figure here comes from Silliman University's own published fee schedule or reputable cost-of-living data, presented as ranges because exact per-program computations shift slightly every academic year. For how Silliman stacks up against other Philippine universities broadly, see our guide to cheapest vs. most expensive universities in the Philippines.
Tuition and fees change every school year. Treat the figures below as a planning guide and confirm your exact program's computation with Silliman's Cashier's Office before enrollment.
How Much Is Silliman University Tuition Fee Per Semester?
Silliman's published estimated tuition for SY 2026-2027 varies widely by college, from about ₱24,000 per semester for Theology to well over ₱100,000 for Nursing and Medicine. The table below uses the university's own estimated tuition-and-fees figures.
| Program / College | Tuition Range (per semester) |
|---|---|
| Theology | ₱24,053 – ₱50,394 |
| Business | ₱28,734 – ₱62,894 |
| Sciences | ₱30,920 – ₱83,446 |
| Law (Juris Doctor) | ₱43,493 – ₱49,037 |
| Agriculture | ₱47,013 – ₱66,260 |
| Engineering | ₱45,479 – ₱82,320 |
| Nursing | ₱70,373 – ₱103,447 |
| Doctor of Medicine | ₱106,060 – ₱126,855 |
| Masteral programs | ₱19,598 – ₱35,725 |
| Doctoral programs | ₱20,669 – ₱40,009 |
Source: Silliman University, Estimated Tuition & Fees, SY 2026-2027.
These figures bundle tuition with standard fees; year level and specific major within a college can push you toward either end of the range. Senior High School (Grades 11-12) is billed separately and generally runs about ₱37,900 to ₱55,400 per semester depending on grade level and term. Basic education (Kinder through Grade 10) runs roughly ₱40,000 to ₱65,000 per year. Laboratory-heavy majors add instructional lab fees on top of listed tuition, typically computed at about 1.1 times the per-unit tuition rate for lab hours.
Is Silliman University Expensive Compared to Other Universities?
Silliman is mid-priced relative to the national university market: cheaper than Metro Manila's top-tier private schools, but pricier than most other Visayas-based private colleges. Ateneo de Manila and De La Salle typically charge well above ₱100,000 per semester for standard undergraduate programs, while many regional private colleges charge under ₱30,000. Silliman's Nursing and Medicine programs land closer to Manila pricing, while its Theology, Business, and general Arts and Sciences programs stay well below it.
Part of what justifies Silliman's pricing is its academic standing. In an official announcement, the university stated that "Silliman University (SU) secures 9th place among Philippine universities in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Asian University Rankings 2025," and it was cited as the only university from the Visayas placing among Asia's top 300 institutions that year. Silliman also appeared again in the QS Asia Rankings for 2026. It has repeatedly held Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Full Autonomous Status, which CHED grants only to institutions with a strong, consistent track record in licensure exam performance, and it carries CHED Center of Excellence recognition in Teacher Education and Nursing Education.
What Other Costs Should You Budget for Besides Tuition?
Beyond tuition, a Silliman student in Dumaguete should budget for housing, food, and incidentals, which can add ₱10,000 to ₱25,000 or more per month depending on lifestyle and housing choice. Dumaguete is consistently cited as one of the more affordable college towns in the Philippines, alongside cities like Davao and Iloilo, which helps offset Silliman's mid-tier tuition compared to studying in Metro Manila.
| Expense Category | Typical Monthly Range (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Shared boarding house / apartment | ₱6,000 – ₱15,000 per person |
| Food (carinderia to mid-range mix) | ₱6,000 – ₱12,000 |
| Food (self-catered/groceries) | ₱3,000 – ₱6,000 |
| Transport, allowance, incidentals | ₱2,000 – ₱5,000 |
| Overall single-person budget (excl. rent) | ₱25,000 – ₱35,000 |
Estimates based on general Dumaguete and Philippine student cost-of-living reports (Numbeo, Wise, 3D Universal); actual costs vary by lifestyle and housing choice.
Silliman also runs its own regular and cooperative dormitories on campus, with board (meals) included in the regular dorm rate. Exact room-and-board rates are published fresh each school year by the university's Student Housing and Residence Division (SHRD), with application windows typically opening months before the semester starts, so check the current schedule directly with SHRD rather than relying on a prior year's rate. For a wider look at schools and housing options in the area, see our Dumaguete school hub.
What Scholarships Does Silliman University Offer?
Silliman organizes financial aid into four main categories: University Scholarships, Special Scholarships and Grants-in-Aid, Work Grants, and Short-Term Emergency Loans, on top of external government aid.
- Portal Scholarship — for top 10 high school graduates from families earning ₱350,000 or less annually; covers 75% of tuition fees, tied to a priority course.
- Academic Honor Scholarship — for students maintaining a GPA of 3.25 or higher with no grade below 2.0; awarded as recognition, sometimes without direct monetary aid.
- Romeo P. Ariniego Medical Scholarship — for top 10% high school graduates scoring at the 75th NMAT percentile or higher; covers full tuition, fees, books, equipment, lodging, and a monthly stipend.
- Aid to Minister's Children — for children of United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) pastors with a high school average of 85% or better; provides ₱10,000 per semester.
- Departmental and continuing-student grants — offer ₱10,000 to ₱25,000 per semester to upper-level students who maintain specified academic standing.
- Government-linked aid — includes CHED Tulong Dunong and the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) for qualified applicants.
Special scholarship grants generally run for up to 8 semesters for a 4-year program (10 for a 5-year program) and are re-evaluated every term, so maintaining eligibility matters as much as qualifying initially.
What Are Silliman University's Admission Requirements?
Freshman applicants apply online through Silliman's ARIS portal and must submit a complete Grade 12 report card showing at least an 80% general average, though competitive programs such as Nursing, Engineering, Accountancy, Architecture, and Physical Therapy require higher averages (around 85%) plus a qualifying exam and interview. Required documents include a Grade 11 report card, a certificate of good moral character, a barangay or community character reference, a PSA birth certificate, a passport-size photo, and a completed medical history form with basic lab results (chest X-ray, CBC, urinalysis, dental exam).
Once accepted, applicants receive a Notice of Acceptance and Student ID, pay a ₱6,500 down payment (₱20,000 for Medicine) through designated bank channels, then choose a payment scheme for the remaining balance, which for SY 2026-2027 is spread over four monthly payments per semester.
How to Decide If Silliman Is Worth the Cost
Silliman makes the most financial sense if you're targeting Nursing, Medicine, Marine Biology, Law, or Theology, where its reputation and accreditation carry real weight in the Visayas and Mindanao job market, or if you qualify for one of its stronger scholarship tracks. It's a harder case to justify if you're choosing a generic Business or Arts program purely on brand name, since cheaper local options in the same city or region may offer similar outcomes for less. Weigh the total cost, tuition plus Dumaguete living expenses, against the specific program's job placement and board exam track record before committing.
Ready to find the right school? Browse schools or compare tuition and reviews across hundreds of Philippine schools on SchoolFinderPH.
Sources
- Silliman University — Estimated Tuition & Fees, SY 2026-2027
- Silliman University — Schedule of Fees, SY 2026-2027
- Silliman University — Admission Procedures and Requirements
- Silliman University — Scholarships and Aid
- Silliman University — Dormitory & Board Rates
- Silliman University — SU ranks 9th among top PH universities in QS Asian Universities rankings 2025
- Silliman University — CHED extends SU's autonomous status
- Manila Bulletin — How Philippine universities fared in the 2026 QS Asia Rankings
- Cost-of-living estimates: Wise — Cost of Living in Dumaguete, general Philippine student cost-of-living reports
