Welcome Home, Alumni!

Luzon’s academic strength extends well beyond the capital. Based on EduRank’s 2026 Philippines rankings, and excluding Metro Manila universities, the top four universities in Luzon are University of the Philippines Los Baños (#5), Central Luzon State University (#15), Quirino State University (

Luzon’s academic strength extends well beyond the capital. Based on EduRank’s 2026 Philippines rankings, and excluding Metro Manila universities, the top four universities in Luzon are University of the Philippines Los Baños (#5), Central Luzon State University (#15), Quirino State University (#20), and Bulacan State University (#26). EduRank states that its rankings are based on research outputs, non-academic prominence, and alumni influence, using publication and citation data together with alumni popularity indicators.

Each of these universities also carries distinct institutional strengths. UP Los Baños has nine CHED Centers of Excellence and was designated as one of six Teacher Education Excellence Centers in 2026. Central Luzon State University states that it has six CHED Centers of Excellence and was also recognized in the QS Asia rankings, where it placed 153rd in Southeast Asia and in the 851–900 bracket in Asia.

Quirino State University says it earned a place in the HE Higher Education Ranking 2026, renewed its ISO 9001:2015 certification with validity until 2027, and became the first state university in Region II to receive PhilGAP certification. Bulacan State University was included in the QS World University Rankings: Asia 2026, received recognition at the CHED ICONS Awards 2025, and was further strengthened through its Revised Bulacan State University Charter in 2024.

Together, these four universities reflect the reach, quality, and momentum of higher education in Luzon outside Metro Manila. Their standing in research, academic development, and institutional recognition affirms the vital role of regional universities in shaping the future of Philippine education.