Contents
Baguio Province—often simply referred to as Baguio City in everyday conversation—is one of the Philippines’ most popular academic hubs. Known as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines,” Baguio offers a refreshing climate, a peaceful learning environment, and a unique blend of local and international student cultures. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of universities and major higher-education institutions in Baguio Province, helping students, parents, and educators understand the academic landscape, program offerings, campus life, and what makes each institution stand out.
Below is an in-depth Baguio University Guide (1500+ words), with a structured list of all universities in the province and detailed insights to support future academic choices.
Baguio’s education scene is vibrant, diverse, and long-established. Many universities in the area have been operating for decades and have grown into institutions with national and international reputations. Baguio attracts students from Northern Luzon, Metro Manila, and even other countries, thanks to its cool climate, safe urban environment, and specialized academic programs.
The city’s universities offer courses in medicine, nursing, tourism, hospitality, information technology, engineering, liberal arts, teacher education, business administration, and various technical-vocational tracks. Additionally, Baguio’s focus on arts, creativity, and heritage makes it an excellent home for creative disciplines, including multimedia arts, fine arts, language studies, and design.
Here is the consolidated list of universities and major colleges in Baguio City and the surrounding province:
University of the Philippines Baguio (UP Baguio)
University of Baguio (UB)
Saint Louis University (SLU)
University of the Cordilleras (UC)
Pines City Colleges (PCC)
Baguio Central University (BCU)
Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) – Benguet
King’s College of the Philippines (KCP) – La Trinidad
Benguet State University (BSU) – La Trinidad
Philippine Nazarene College (PNC) – La Trinidad
While several institutions operate outside Baguio City proper, they form part of the greater Baguio academic ecosystem due to their proximity and strong integration with regional education.
Below is a detailed overview of the key institutions that shape Baguio’s university landscape. These descriptions highlight flagship programs, student life, academic reputation, and overall positioning.
As part of the prestigious University of the Philippines system, UP Baguio is well-known for its strong liberal arts foundation and excellence in research related to Cordillera studies. The university stands as a leading institution for students seeking rigorous academic training, particularly in the arts and sciences.
Social Sciences, including Anthropology and Political Science
Humanities, particularly Language and Literature
Natural Sciences, especially Mathematics and Biology
Cordillera Studies Center (CSC), an internationally recognized research hub
UP Baguio offers a close-knit, intellectually stimulating environment. Students enjoy a culture of critical thinking, academic discourse, and involvement in organizations specializing in arts, debate, publications, and socio-political engagements.
SLU is one of Northern Luzon’s biggest and most respected private Catholic universities. With tens of thousands of students, it offers comprehensive academic programs and top-performing graduates in licensure examinations.
Nursing and Allied Health Programs
Engineering and Architecture
Business, Management, and Accountancy
Information Technology and Computing Studies
Criminology and Law
SLU’s large campus provides modern facilities, research centers, and a dynamic student life. Organizations, sports, and community outreach programs support holistic development.
UB is a highly regarded institution known for producing board exam topnotchers and offering flexible academic pathways for local and international students. Its programs are industry-driven and updated to match global competencies.
Dentistry
Criminal Justice and Criminology
Hospitality and Tourism Management
Engineering and Technology
Arts and Sciences
UB is situated in the heart of the city, making it accessible to students who prefer an urban academic environment. The school has modern laboratories, simulation rooms, sports facilities, and vibrant student organizations.
Formerly known as Baguio Colleges Foundation, UC is well-known for its strong performance in fields like criminology, law, and information technology. UC’s long history and track record make it a popular choice among students seeking employment-ready skills.
Criminal Justice Education
Information Technology and Computer Science
Law
Business and Accountancy
Teacher Education
UC fosters an inclusive and active student community. The university frequently hosts competitions, cultural events, and innovation showcases.
PCC is a specialized institution known primarily for its programs in health sciences. It is a top choice for students aiming for careers in medical and allied healthcare professions.
Nursing
Medical Technology
Physical Therapy
Pharmacy
PCC offers hands-on training through affiliated clinics and laboratories. The campus atmosphere is focused, supportive, and centered on professional preparation.
BCU is a private institution offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. It is recognized for affordability and accessibility, making education available to more students in the region.
Teacher Education
Business Programs
Criminology
Liberal Arts
BCU provides a community-oriented environment with active student groups and local engagement programs.
Located just outside Baguio, BSU is the region’s leading public agricultural university, but it has since expanded into a multidisciplinary institution offering diverse programs across sciences, education, technology, and business.
Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
Veterinary Medicine
Teacher Education
Business and Economics
Students at BSU enjoy a rural yet vibrant campus atmosphere with easy access to Baguio City. The university is known for sustainability initiatives and research productivity.
KCP in La Trinidad is well known for teacher education, criminology, and business programs. It continues to grow as an institution serving local and regional populations.
Education
Criminology
Business and Management
PNC offers a faith-based academic environment focused on developing both academic and spiritual growth. Its programs attract students from across Benguet and nearby provinces.
Teacher Education
Theology
Business Administration
There are numerous reasons why students from all over the Philippines choose Baguio:
The city’s cool weather provides an optimal environment for studying, improving focus and overall well-being.
Many of Baguio’s universities consistently perform well in licensure examinations and have strong industry connections.
From health sciences to arts and engineering, students can find programs that align with their career goals.
Baguio is widely considered a safe and manageable urban area, with accessible transportation, dormitories, cafés, study spaces, and modern amenities.
Students can immerse themselves in Cordillera culture, arts, and heritage, enriching their educational experience.
Selecting a university requires careful consideration. Here are key factors to evaluate:
Choose schools recognized by CHED and relevant professional bodies.
Consider safety, transportation availability, and proximity to housing.
Public institutions like UP Baguio and BSU offer lower tuition, while private institutions may provide scholarships.
Laboratories, libraries, sports centers, and student spaces shape the learning experience.
Internship opportunities, job placement programs, and partnerships can affect post-graduation success.
Baguio Province stands as one of the Philippines’ most dynamic education hubs. With a complete selection of universities—each offering unique strengths in academics, culture, and student life—the region serves as a home for aspiring professionals, researchers, and creatives. Whether choosing a premier research institution like UP Baguio, a comprehensive university like SLU or UB, or specialized colleges in health and teacher education, students will find a supportive and enriching environment to pursue their academic journeys.
Saint Louis University (SLU)
University of Baguio (UB)
University of the Cordilleras (UC)
Baguio Central University (BCU)
University of the Philippines Baguio (UP Baguio)
Pines City Colleges (PCC)
Baguio College of Technology (BCT)
AMA Computer College Baguio
BSBT College (Baguio School of Business and Technology)
Philippine Women’s University – Baguio
STI College Baguio
Informatics College Baguio
Data Center College of the Philippines – Baguio
Montessori Professional College Baguio
Asian College of Science and Technology (ACSAT) – Baguio
Cordillera A+ Computer Technology College
National University Baguio (NU Baguio) – Satellite campus with full university programs
Brent International School Baguio – Post-secondary programs
Our Lady of Lourdes College Foundation – Baguio Campus
Baguio Medical College
Cordillera Medical Training Institute (CMTI)
Saint James Medical College Baguio
Camp John Hay School of Arts & Hospitality
Baguio Culinary Arts School
Philippine Institute of Interior Design – Baguio
Baguio Creative Arts Institute
Cordillera School of Digital Arts (CSDA)
Fashion Institute of the Philippines – Baguio Branch
TESDA Regional Training Center – Baguio
Baguio School of Culinary Arts
International School of Asia & the Pacific – Baguio
Rex Institute of Technology – Baguio
Ateneo de Zamboanga University – Baguio Extension Programs
Benguet State University (BSU) – La Trinidad
Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC) – La Trinidad
King’s College of the Philippines (KCP) – La Trinidad
Philippine Nazarene College (PNC) – La Trinidad
Eastern Cordillera College
Mount Carmel College – Benguet
Saint Paul National Seminary – Benguet
Immaculate Heart College – Benguet
Philippine Military Academy (PMA)
Baguio University Guide: Top Universities and Student Life in the Summer Capital of the Philippines