By Karren Jay G. Asgar

Celebrating Excellence – Central Philippine University (CPU) proudly marks its inclusion in the QS World University Rankings Asia 2025. To God be the glory!

Central Philippine University (CPU) is back on track, having once again earned a prestigious spot in the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2025. This recognition reaffirms its status as a leading institution in higher education, ranking first in the Western Visayas and 14th in the Philippines. It also ranks 153rd in Southeast Asia and places within the 851-900 range across all of Asia, alongside three other higher education institutions.

On November 6, 2024, QS Quacquarelli Symonds published the 16th edition of the QS World University Rankings: Asia, featuring 984 universities across 25 higher education systems.

CPU President, Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy, expressed gratefulness regarding the ranking, saying, “This recognition is not only an honor but also a call to continue the legacy of our founders by being instruments for transforming lives, advancing knowledge, and living out our motto, Scientia et Fides (Science and Faith).  Together we will take on new challenges inspired by the past and hopeful for the future, in honor of God who makes service to others a joy and a life-long pursuit.”

CPU earned a place in the 851-900 range, alongside Central Mindanao University, Central Luzon State University, and Cebu Technological University (CTU). Other Philippine universities that made the QS Asia ranking include: University of the Philippines (86), Ateneo de Manila University (142), De La Salle University (163), University of Santo Tomas (181), Adamson University (411-420), University of San Carlos (481-490), Polytechnic University of the Philippines (541-560), Mapúa University (561-580), Silliman University (601-620), Far Eastern University (681-700), Ateneo de Davao University (701-750), Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (701-750), Saint Louis University (751-800), Lyceum of the Philippines University (801-850), Mindanao State University (801-850), and Xavier University (801-850).

“This would not have been possible without the steadfast support of our partners and other stakeholders.  I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Commission on Higher Education, especially to Chairman Dr. J, Prospero ‘Popoy’ De Vera III and CHED Region VI director, Dr. Raul C. Alvarez, Jr., for their unwavering support, which enables institutions like ours to reach new heights,” Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy said.

The rankings are based on scores across several categories, including research & discovery, learning experience, global engagement, and employability. Specifically, these factors cover the following areas: citations per paper, papers per faculty, academic reputation, faculty-student ratio, faculty-staff with PhDs, international research network, international students, outbound exchange, inbound exchange, international faculty, and employer reputation.

“I also express my deep appreciation to the CPU Board of Trustees, our faculty, staff, students, parents, and alumni worldwide.  Your commitment to the vision and mission of CPU has greatly helped in propelling the University to this significant milestone,” he added.

As it moves forward, CPU remains committed to nurturing excellence in all areas while ensuring that the Centralian community receives an education that is both innovative and globally relevant. The University’s return to the QS World University Rankings: Asia is just the beginning of what promises to be a continued upward trajectory in the years ahead.