Is a UST Degree Worth It? How to Judge the Value

Is a UST Degree Worth It? How to Judge the Value

The University of Santo Tomas, founded in 1611, is one of the oldest universities in Asia and among the best known in the Philippines, with a wide range of programmes from health sciences and engineering to fine arts and music. Whether a UST degree is worth it for you depends on the programme, the full cost and your other options.

We won't quote salary averages, board-exam pass rates or placement figures here — UST doesn't publish them in a form we can check. Here's how to judge the value yourself.

1. Start with the programme

For the specific programme you'd enter, look at:

• The curriculum and required subjects
• Faculty, labs and facilities
• Clinical placements, internships or practicums
• For board-exam courses, the programme's results in official PRC releases — check them yourself rather than relying on second-hand claims

2. Work out the full cost

Get current tuition and fees from UST for your programme (they vary and change each year), then add books, lab fees, housing, food and transport. Compare honestly with your other offers; public universities such as UP and PUP charge little or no tuition for Filipino students.

3. Fee waivers and scholarships

The USTET application fee (₱600 for local Filipino applicants) is waived for public-school applicants graduating with Highest Honors and for applicants eligible under RA 12006. UST also offers scholarships — check UST's scholarship office for current programmes and conditions.

4. The network

An old, large university has a long alumni list and many student organisations. Like any network, it helps most the students who get involved.

5. Questions to ask before you commit

• Does this programme lead where I want to go?
• Can my family sustain the full cost for four or more years?
• Have I applied for every scholarship and waiver I qualify for?
• How does this offer compare with my other options, programme for programme?

Where Super Tutor fits

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What to read next

The USTET pillar guide covers dates and fees. USTET cutoffs and admission covers how UST decides.