Overview
The University of San Carlos (USC) is one of the Philippines’ oldest higher education institutions and a well-regarded Catholic university in Cebu. Tracing its roots to 1595, USC offers degree programs across engineering, sciences, business, arts, and theology, combining long-standing traditions with facilities and learning systems designed for today’s academic and professional needs in the Visayas.
2. General Information
| Name | University of San Carlos (USC) |
| Motto | “Scientia, Virtus, Devotio” (Knowledge, Virtue, Devotion) |
| Established | 1595 (as Colegio de San Ildefonso) 1948 (university status) |
| Type | Private Catholic University |
| Location | Main Campus: P. del Rosario St., Cebu City 4 other campuses in Cebu |
| Website | USC official website (usc.edu.ph) |
3. Fee Structure (2024-2025)
| Program Level | Tuition (PHP/semester) | Estimated Annual Fees (PHP) |
| Undergraduate | 30,000-60,000 | 70,000-140,000 |
| Graduate | 20,000-45,000 | 50,000-100,000 |
| Professional (Law/MedTech) | 50,000-90,000 | 120,000-200,000 |
If you’re comparing schools, it can help to review tuition ranges and program structures across other major Catholic universities such as University of Santo Tomas and Ateneo de Manila University, especially for students planning to apply outside Cebu.
4. Academic
- College of Engineering
- College of Architecture and Fine Arts
- College of Science
- College of Arts and Humanities
- College of Commerce
- College of Education
- College of Law
- School of Health Care Professions
- Graduate School
- School of Theology
USC’s broad offering means applicants can explore both traditional degree pathways and specialized professional programs, including law and health-related disciplines. For students who want to compare engineering or technology-focused options, you may also want to check programs at Mapúa University, which is known for engineering and technology degrees.
5. Campus Facilities
- Main Library (Over 500,000 volumes)
- Science and Technology Complex
- USC Museum (Cultural artifacts collection)
- Architecture and Design Studios
- Sports and Cultural Center
- Center for Research and Education
- University Chapel
Beyond classrooms, USC’s research and learning resources support students who want hands-on academic work and community-centered activities. Students interested in broader university environments across the Philippines can compare campus resources and offerings with Silliman University, another respected option for students exploring strong academics and student development.
6. Student Life
- On-campus dormitories (PHP 6,000-12,000/month)
- Over 80 student organizations
- Annual “Fiesta Señor” participation
- Varsity teams (USC Warriors)
- The Carolinian (Student publication)
- University Chorale
Student life at USC is shaped by active organizations, campus-wide cultural participation, and performance-based groups such as the chorale. For applicants choosing between universities with strong student organization ecosystems, it may be useful to compare with institutions like De La Salle University to see how co-curricular activities and student organizations differ across campuses.
7. Contact Information
- Phone: +63 32 253 1000
- Email: information@usc.edu.ph
- Address: P. del Rosario St., Cebu City 6000
More Universities in Philippines
- University of the Philippines
- Ateneo de Manila University
- De La Salle University
- University of Santo Tomas
- Mapúa University
- Far Eastern University
- Silliman University
- Adamson University
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