Big Four (universities)
The Big Four refers to the top four universities in the Philippines: the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, and the University of Santo Tomas, all located in Metro Manila — although UP is scattered across eight constituent universities, located in different parts of the Philippines.
The four universities are regarded as the most prestigious in the country, with admission being highly selective. Additionally, the four universities are the largest members of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, have long-established school rivalries, and are perennial champions in the league.
Many influential figures in the Philippines, such as politicians, artists, engineers, and journalists, have studied at these universities. Graduates of the Big Four are seen as more employable, with many companies preferring or prioritizing graduates from the four universities.
Overview
The Big Four universities are seen as the most prestigious in the country. All four universities rank in the QS World University Rankings, the QS Asia University Rankings, and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.Nationally, all four schools rank at the top of national lists, and their graduates frequently top board exams in the country. The four universities also have the greatest number of Centers of Excellence and Centers of Development awarded by the Commission on Higher Education.
All four universities, with the exception of the nonsectarian public UP, are private research universities affiliated with the Catholic Church, with UST also having the distinction of being pontifical.