Tarlac State University | Tuition Fee | Courses and Admission
General Information
Reviews
Tarlac State University (TSU) is generally praised for being a comprehensive, accessible, and community‑oriented institution that blends strong academic programs with vocational relevance. Students and alumni commonly highlight the breadth of programs — from engineering and technology to education, business, criminology, and more — giving a wide array of choices for varying interests. Many value TSU’s reputation for producing graduates who are well-prepared for licensure exams, competent in technical skills, or ready for professional work, especially in fields like engineering, education, accountancy, criminology, and applied sciences. The university’s emphasis on practical training, research opportunities, and community extension work resonates with those who seek both academic rigor and social relevance.
Some reviewers note challenges such as large student population, sometimes varying facility quality across campuses, or administrative bureaucracy, especially during enrollment or scheduling periods. Others mention the competitive nature of certain high-demand programs, and that resources in older buildings may need upgrading. Despite this, most feedback remains positive: students appreciate supportive faculty, variety in academic offerings, scholarship and financial aid mechanisms, and opportunities for holistic development through extra‑curricular activities, community service, and student organizations. For many, TSU represents a balanced environment: affordable, ambitious, and socially engaged.
Contact Informations
Address: Romulo Boulevard, San Vicente, Tarlac City, Tarlac 2300, Philippines
Phone Number: +63 45 606‑8110
General Email (Admissions / Public Inquiries): office@tsu.edu.ph
School Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Institution Name | Tarlac State University |
| Type | Public State University |
| Founded | 1906 (as elementary/technical school; became full university 1989) |
| Campus Setting | Multiple campuses across Tarlac City (Main Campus, San Isidro, Lucinda) plus satellite campuses in Capas, Concepcion, La Paz, etc. |
| Accreditation / Quality Assurance | Accredited by AACCUP; first state university in Philippines to earn Integrated Management System Certification (ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, OHSAS 18001:2007). |
| Academic Offerings | Dozens of undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs across arts, sciences, engineering, technology, business, law, criminology, teacher education, and more. |
| Student Population | ~25,000 students (2024) |
Tarlac State University Rankings
| Ranking Type | Standing / Note |
|---|---|
| National (Philippines) | Recognized among key state universities; known for strong performance in criminology, engineering, education, and licensure exam topnotchers. |
| Global / International Accreditation / Recognition | Ranked 256th in the 2025 WURI Global Top 400 Innovative Universities list among 1,200+ submitting institutions — highlighting its innovative and development‑oriented programs. |
Tarlac State University Academics
Faculties / Departments
- College of Engineering
- College of Education
- College of Business and Accountancy
- College of Science
- College of Computer Studies / Information Technology
- College of Arts and Letters / Social Sciences
- College of Criminology and Criminal Justice Education
- College of Nursing / Health‑related programs
- School of Law
- Laboratory School (Junior & Senior High School, including STEM strand)
Courses Offered and Programs / Majors
- Bachelor of Science in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics Engineering (and related engineering fields)
- Bachelor of Secondary Education, Bachelor of Elementary Education (Teacher Education)
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Accountancy, Marketing, Management — Business / Accountancy programs
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Computer Science, Software / Computer Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Criminology, Criminal Justice Education, Law (via School of Law)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing / Health‑related programs; various science and liberal arts majors under College of Science / Arts & Letters
- Graduate and postgraduate (Master’s, Doctoral) programs across education, engineering, business, governance, social sciences, etc.
- Senior High School program under the Laboratory School (with STEM track) for incoming SHS students
Online Learning
TSU has adopted blended and flexible modes of instruction, especially evident since recent years — leveraging e-learning platforms, remote lectures, and virtual modules especially for graduate courses or general education subjects. These provisions benefit students needing flexible schedules or living off-campus, though hands‑on labs and professional/technical courses still rely on in‑person attendance.
Degrees
TSU awards traditional undergraduate degrees (Bachelors), as well as Master’s and Doctoral degrees for various graduate programs. The curriculum is designed to balance theoretical knowledge, technical competence, and practical application, with research, community extension, and industry linkages emphasized.
Summer School
TSU offers summer courses and bridging programs to help students catch up, take remedial or elective subjects, or speed up completion. This is useful for students needing flexible scheduling, over‑loaded semesters, or those aiming to accelerate graduation. Summer offerings typically include general education courses, electives, and sometimes remediation or special topics depending on demand.
Average Test Scores
| Test / Metric | Typical Range / Requirement |
|---|---|
| National / Entrance Exams or Internal Admission Test | TSU uses its own College Admission Evaluation (CAE) rather than international-standardized tests; no publicly published SAT/ACT/GRE requirement for general admission. |
| High School Record / GPA | Admission depends primarily on high school credentials; competitive programs may evaluate academic performance, prerequisites, and admission exam results. |
Retention and Graduation Rates
TSU has sustained relatively stable retention and graduation rates attributed to its robust support services, academic advising, and student welfare offices. Given the diversity in programs and student backgrounds (traditional and nontraditional), graduation rates vary by college and major, but many programs—especially technical and professional ones—report satisfactory completion rates thanks to structured curricula and institutional support.
Tarlac State University Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
TSU does not require international standardized tests (SAT, ACT) for admission. Rather, admission is based on high school completion credentials, internal evaluation (College Admission Evaluation / entrance screening), and additional criteria for competitive or limited-seat programs (e.g., engineering or nursing). Academic performance in high school and subject prerequisites can influence eligibility for certain courses.
Tarlac State University Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value / Note |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Not publicly specified. Admissions are subject to internal review, program quotas, entrance evaluation results, and seat availability. For competitive programs, acceptance can be selective. |
Tarlac State University Application Requirements
Applicants typically must submit high school transcripts or graduation certificate, application form (for CAE / entrance screening), personal data and residency documentation if required for tuition classification. For some programs (e.g., engineering, health, criminology), there may be prerequisite coursework, entrance exam performance, and possibly additional screening depending on demand. For graduate programs, additional requirements may include prior degree attainment, academic records, and sometimes research proposals or entrance assessment.
Enrollment
TSU accommodates a large and diverse student population — around 25,000 as of 2024 — drawn from various provinces, backgrounds, and age groups. Enrollment spans undergraduate, graduate, and senior high school (Laboratory School) students. Multiple campuses and satellite locations help manage the enrollment size while maintaining program variety.
Application Process
- Submit completed application and required documents (high school record, identification, residency data if applicable)
- Take the College Admission Evaluation (CAE) or entrance screening (for first-year applicants)
- For selective programs: satisfy any prerequisites, quotas, or additional screening criteria
- For accepted applicants: complete registration, payment of fees (if applicable), and orientation / advising
- For graduate applicants: submit prior degree records, possibly research proposals, and fulfill program‑specific admission requirements
Tarlac State University Application Deadlines / Important Dates
TSU typically opens admissions for first‑year entrants with schedules based on academic calendar of the Laboratory School and college programs. Specific intake periods may vary by program. Satellite and extension campuses sometimes follow separate calendars. Prospective applicants are advised to check with Admission Office for current schedule.
Essay Prompt
For most undergraduate admissions, TSU does not require a personal essay; selection is based on CAE results and academic credentials. For graduate programs or specialized courses, applicants may be required to submit research proposals or statements of intent depending on program requirements.
Tarlac State University Scholarships
TSU provides scholarship and financial assistance opportunities through its Office of Student Affairs & Services (OSAS), which includes Scholarship & Financial Assistance Unit. Scholarships and grants are available for academically deserving students, low-income families, marginalized groups, and based on performance or needs. Additional financial aid, work‑study options, and scholarship grants may be accessed depending on eligibility.
Tarlac State University Tuition Fees
| Program / Degree | Tuition Fee per Semester (PHP) | Miscellaneous Fees per Semester (PHP) | Total Estimated Cost per Semester (PHP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science in Accountancy | 10,000 | 2,500 | 12,500 |
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing | 12,000 | 3,000 | 15,000 |
| Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | 9,000 | 2,500 | 11,500 |
| Bachelor of Arts in Communication | 8,500 | 2,000 | 10,500 |
| Bachelor of Science in Engineering | 11,000 | 3,000 | 14,000 |
| Bachelor of Secondary Education | 8,000 | 2,000 | 10,000 |
| Bachelor of Elementary Education | 7,500 | 2,000 | 9,500 |
| Graduate Programs (Master’s) | 15,000 | 3,500 | 18,500 |
| Doctoral Programs | 18,000 | 4,000 | 22,000 |
Tarlac State University Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
TSU serves a broad demographic: many students aged 16–25 (freshmen to early career), as well as older or working students enrolled in part-time, evening, or graduate programs. Gender distribution tends to be balanced across many colleges, though certain majors may have gender skew (as common in technical or teacher-education courses). The student body predominantly consists of Filipino students from Tarlac Province and neighboring regions; some come from other provinces — reflecting TSU’s role as a regional academic hub.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
The university actively supports students from low-income backgrounds through its scholarship and financial assistance programs managed by OSAS. Additionally, there are support services for marginalized, indigenous, and differently-abled students to ensure equitable access and support.
Student Body
| Category | Approximate Value / Note |
|---|---|
| Total Students | ~25,000 (2024) |
| Undergraduate Students | Majority of the student body (various colleges) |
| Graduate Students | Several thousand across graduate and doctoral programs |
| Senior High School Students (Laboratory School) | Included under TSU’s academic offerings (STEM strand and general academic tracks) |
University Diversity
Tarlac State University reflects a diverse and inclusive academic community given its broad catchment area including Tarlac province and neighboring regions. Students come from varying socioeconomic backgrounds — from urban to rural areas — providing a mix of perspectives, cultural experiences, and community roots. The inclusion of marginalized groups, indigenous communities, and differently-abled students through dedicated support units demonstrates TSU’s commitment to equity and access. This diversity enriches classroom discussions, campus life, community extension programs, and research collaborations. Exposure to peers with varied backgrounds fosters broader social awareness, empathy, and civic engagement — aligning with TSU’s mission of producing socially responsible citizens.
Average Earnings
Graduates from TSU’s professional, technical, and licensure‑track programs (engineering, education, business, criminology, IT, health) often find employment in both public and private sectors. Entry‑level salaries for licensed professionals or engineers, teachers, or business graduates typically align with industry standards in the Philippines, while those in specialized or technical fields may earn above average depending on licensure, skill, and experience. The university’s emphasis on practical skills, licensure exam preparation, and community‑oriented training helps graduates remain competitive in the job market. Over time, with experience, further education, or specialization, many move up to mid‑level or senior positions in their fields.
Graduation Rate
Graduation rates at TSU vary by program and student cohort. Programs with structured curricula, clear licensure or professional tracking, and strong support services tend to have higher completion rates. The combination of full-time, part-time, and graduate students contributes to a variable but generally stable graduation output, reflecting TSU’s adaptability to diverse student needs.
Tarlac State University Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
TSU employs a substantial number of faculty and staff across its many colleges and campuses — reported figures indicate over 1,400 faculty and staff serving the student population as of recent counts. Teaching faculty come from varied disciplines — engineering, sciences, education, business, arts, law, criminology — enabling the university to deliver broad and specialized instruction. Administrative and support staff manage admissions, student services, extension programs, research offices, and campus operations.
Faculty Profiles
Many faculty members hold advanced degrees and professional credentials relevant to their fields, contributing not only to teaching but also to research, community engagement, and extension services. In technical fields like engineering and science, professors often guide student research, help coordinate training hubs, and maintain industry linkages. In social sciences, education, and law programs, faculty support curricula aligned with licensure requirements, ethical standards, and community development goals. The blend of academic expertise, practical experience, and research orientation contributes to TSU’s reputation as a comprehensive state university committed to excellence.
Tarlac State University Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
TSU spans multiple campuses including Main, San Isidro, Lucinda, and several satellite campuses across municipalities. Campus infrastructure includes academic buildings, laboratories, libraries, student centers, sports and recreation facilities, and dormitory or housing options (though on‑campus housing may be limited depending on campus and demand). Student life is enriched by a variety of organizations, student councils, cultural groups, sports teams, extension outreach programs, and community‑service initiatives — offering opportunities for leadership, social involvement, and personal growth.
Transportation
Given the multiple campuses and satellite locations, students commute via public transportation, private vehicles, or shared travel arrangements. The university’s campuses are located within Tarlac City and nearby municipalities. Accessibility and commuting support vary by campus and residence, but many students come from surrounding towns, making TSU a regional education hub.
Job Openings and Career Services
TSU maintains active career and job placement services through its Office of Student Affairs & Services, including a Career and Job Placement Services Unit. Through partnerships with industries, government agencies, community organizations, and professional networks, TSU regularly facilitates job fairs, internship placements, and employment opportunities for graduates across many disciplines. This support structure helps bridge academic training with workforce entry, enhancing employability and graduate success.