10 Cordillera Universities Recognized in 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings

Ten universities in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) were recognized in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, which evaluate universities based on their performance in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This marks a significant moment for higher education institutions in Northern Luzon, with institutions demonstrating commitment to sustainability, quality education, and inclusive growth.

About the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings

The Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings assess universities around the world based on their contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2025, a total of 2,526 universities from 130 countries and territories were ranked, making it one of the most comprehensive assessments of institutional impact globally.

What Makes It Different

Unlike traditional rankings that focus solely on research output or academic reputation, the Impact Rankings evaluate how institutions are making a difference in society. Key areas assessed include healthcare, gender equality, responsible consumption, climate action, and partnerships.

The rankings provide a well-rounded picture of how universities are addressing global challenges through research, outreach, stewardship, and teaching. around the world based on their contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Unlike traditional rankings that focus solely on research output or academic reputation, the Impact Rankings evaluate how institutions are making a difference in society through areas like healthcare, gender equality, responsible consumption, climate action, and partnerships. The rankings provide a comprehensive picture of how universities are tackling the world’s most pressing challenges through research, outreach, stewardship, and teaching.

Here’s a breakdown of how the Cordillera universities ranked globally and their overall scores:

Top Performing Cordillera Universities

Ranked 601–800

1. Ifugao State University

• World Rank: 601–800
• Overall Score: 65.6–70.2
• Strongest SDG Performances:
  • SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Rank 2 (Score: 63.0–72.4)
  • SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – Rank 16 (Score: 62.2–68.0)
  • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Rank 11 (Score: 58.8–65.2)
  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Rank 17 (Score: 44.8–58.0)

2. Saint Louis University (SLU)

• World Rank: 601–800
• Overall Score: 65.6–70.2
• Strongest SDG Performances:
  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Rank 3 (Score: 63.4–66.2)
  • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Rank 12 (Score: 47.5–60.7)
  • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Rank 11 (Score: 53.1–58.6)
  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Rank 17 (Score: 70.0–77.3)

Ranked 801–1000

3. Benguet State University

• World Rank: 801–1000
• Overall Score: 60.9–65.5
• Strongest SDG Performances:
  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Rank 3 (Score: 57.2–63.3)
  • SDG 5: Gender Equality – Rank 5 (Score: 49.9–56.0)
  • SDG 1: No Poverty – Rank 1 (Score: 53.0–57.4)
  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Rank 17 (Score: 63.3–69.9)

4. Kalinga State University

• World Rank: 801–1000
• Overall Score: 60.9–65.5
• Strongest SDG Performances:
  • SDG 5: Gender Equality – Rank 5 (Score: 56.1–59.4)
  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Rank 3 (Score: 57.2–63.3)
  • SDG 15: Life on Land – Rank 15 (Score: 55.1–64.4)
  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Rank 17 (Score: 70.0–77.3)

5. Mountain Province State Polytechnic College

• World Rank: 801–1000
• Overall Score: 60.9–65.5
• Strongest SDG Performances:
  • SDG 5: Gender Equality – Rank 5 (Score: 63.2–67.8)
  • SDG 13: Climate Action – Rank 13 (Score: 54.1–61.2)
  • SDG 4: Quality Education – Rank 4 (Score: 56.3–61.8)
  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Rank 17 (Score: 58.1–63.2)

Ranked 1001–1500

6. Cordillera Career Development College

• World Rank: 1001–1500
• Overall Score: 49.8–60.8
• Strongest SDG Performances:
  • SDG 5: Gender Equality – Rank 5 (Score: 49.9–56.0)
  • SDG 1: No Poverty – Rank 1 (Score: 53.0–57.4)
  • SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – Rank 16 (Score: 41.7–50.3)
  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Rank 17 (Score: 2.1–44.7)

7. University of the Cordilleras

• World Rank: 1001–1500
• Overall Score: 49.8–60.8
• Strongest SDG Performances:
  • SDG 4: Quality Education – Rank 4 (Score: 56.3–61.8)
  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Rank 3 (Score: 50.6–57.1)
  • SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – Rank 16 (Score: 50.4–57.6)
  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Rank 17 (Score: 63.3–69.9)

Ranked 1501+

8. Apayao State College

• World Rank: 1501+
• Overall Score: 1.7–49.7
• Strongest SDG Performances:
  • SDG 4: Quality Education – Rank 4 (Score: 1.7–33.3)
  • SDG 1: No Poverty – Rank 1 (Score: 4.5–30.6)
  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Rank 3 (Score: 1.0–26.7)
  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Rank 17 (Score: 2.1–44.7)

9. Kings College of the Philippines

• World Rank: 1501+
• Overall Score: 1.7–49.7
• Strongest SDG Performances:
  • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Rank 12 (Score: 32.8–47.4)
  • SDG 15: Life on Land – Rank 15 (Score: 15.5–35.5)
  • SDG 5: Gender Equality – Rank 5 (Score: 15.5–35.5)
  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Rank 17 (Score: 2.1–44.7)

10. University of Baguio

• World Rank: 1501+
• Overall Score: 1.7–49.7
• Strongest SDG Performances:
  • SDG 5: Gender Equality – Rank 5 (Score: 49.9–56.0)
  • SDG 1: No Poverty – Rank 1 (Score: 45.8–52.9)
  • SDG 13: Climate Action – Rank 13 (Score: 39.4–48.3)
  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Rank 17 (Score: 2.1–44.7)

What This Means

The growing number of Cordillera universities included in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings reflects a regional shift toward global standards in sustainability, inclusivity, and academic relevance. This increase means more institutions are being recognized not only for their research and teaching but for their social responsibility and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

For prospective students, this presents a compelling reason to study in the Cordillera. The rankings validate that universities in the region are not just keeping pace with national standards but are competing globally in areas that matter for the future—such as environmental stewardship, social equity, and access to quality education. It gives assurance that students will be part of institutions actively contributing to global change while benefiting from the unique culture and natural environment of Northern Luzon.

The inclusion of Cordillera universities in the 2025 THE Impact Rankings highlights their growing role in contributing to global sustainability goals. With diverse strengths across health, partnerships, education, and equality, these institutions showcase the region’s commitment to meaningful progress.

Their presence in this global ranking provides a valuable opportunity to benchmark progress, attract partnerships, and inspire future innovations in the highlands of the Philippines.