The first of only two universities in the Philippines granted a Level IV accreditation - the highest possible level - given by PAASCU, DLSU holds 10 CHED Centers of Excellence and ranks as the best private University in the Philippines based on the latest THES-QS World University Rankings.

De La Salle College was founded on 16 June 1911 when the Christian Brothers opened their first school in the Philippines in historic Nozaleda, Paco, Manila. An increase in enrollment in 1921 required the expansion of the teaching and athletic facilities. As a result, in September of that year, the college transferred to its present site in Taft Avenue.

On 19 February 1975, De La Salle College was granted university status and became known as De La Salle University. Beginning school year 1981-1982, the University adopted the year-round trimestral calendar for all units instead of the traditional semestral academic schedule.

As an internationally recognized Catholic University, DLSU envisions itself as a leading research university in South East Asia