City University of Pasay (Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasay) was established on May 26, 1994, by virtue of city ordinance. The institution was conceptualized by then-Mayor Pablo P. Cuneta together with City Councilors. Its major purpose was to provide quality education at minimal cost to the less privileged but deserving students of the city and to some others that will meet certain admission requirements set forth by the Board of Regents.

The University started with 384 students and 11 faculty members in 1994 meeting classes only in the evening at the Pasay City West High School. Dr. Felimon S. Salas and his staff at the Guidance Research Center composed the working group for the University. Dr. Amor B. Penalosa and Dr. Estela L. Portugal paved the way for the recognition of the University as an institution of higher learning leading to the approval of programs by the Commission on Higher Education.

The Division of City Schools, Pasay City played a significant role in the development of the University providing not only consultative services but also personnel services including the use of school facilities such as buildings, classrooms, desks, boards, and to some extent supplies and other materials and equipment for instructional purposes.

Today the University offers degree programs in areas of teacher education, Law, business education, nursing and health education, hotel and restaurant management, Computer Education, and HRM.

The School of Law is now headed by young and dynamic law professors with strong dedication and commitment to producing new lawyers for the country.

The School of Graduate Studies offers two graduate degree programs in educational management and public governance. The college serves as the research center maximizing the use of the faculty resources, data banking, and research forums. All 21 faculty members are doctoral degree holders in educational management and public governance.

Today CUP is looking forward to achieving the objectives of the city and the tertiary education as well as by focusing on the areas of accreditation. It is expected that this will bring about quality assurance and organizational stability.