This is a gain of over 50 percent from 39,320 at the start of its 2020 school year, thanks to aggressive expansion moves that began in 2021, its latest annual report showed.
FEU, controlled by the Montinola family with the SM Group’s Sy family as its next largest stockholder with about 22 percent, expects gains to continue this year despite announcing no tuition fee increase for the 2025–2026 school year.
Faculty shortage, new healthcare & AI programs
But it also flagged business risks, such as the lack of teachers and need to build viable new programs to adapt to the shifting economic landscape and AI-led disruption.
“[T]he industry continues to face challenges, including shortages in teachers and learning resources, as well as the urgent need to modernize academic programs to better prepare graduates for emerging industries,” FEU said.
Meanwhile, enrollment is expected to grow with FEU offering 117 academic programs, including “recently introduced” programs and specializations in healthcare, business and artificial intelligence, which are aligned with emerging industry demands.
Online education a new growth frontier
In response, the group is also leaning on digital transformation to reach students.
“The higher education landscape is also being reshaped by rapid digitalization. Government initiatives and private sector investments have contributed largely to enhanced connectivity and digital infrastructure,” FEU said in the report.
“The Philippine online education market is expected to grow significantly, offering new opportunities for flexible and technology-enabled learning. These developments highlight both the challenges and opportunities for institutions that can adapt and innovate,” it added.
Financial performance
FEU announced full-year results for its fiscal year, which ended March 31, 2025.
Its net income last year rose 4 percent to P2.1 billion thanks to a 6 percent gain in educational revenues of P5.72 billion.
Operating expenses climbed 8 percent to P3.99 billion due to investments in academic development, technology tools, data systems, and campus renovations.
The FEU Group is comprised of several campuses including schools in Manila, Alabang, and Cavite.
Miguel R. Camus has been a reporter covering various domestic business topics since 2009.
